Kenneth Douglas Leash

Jan. 4, 1939 - Feb. 4, 2022

From the Leash Family - Claudia, Michael and Taunie:

It is with heavy and sad hearts that the Leash family has to write that our dear Kenneth Douglas Leash, 83 years old, has left us.

Doug was born on January 4, 1939, in Longview, Washington, to parents, Helen and Kenneth Leash. The family lived in Cathlamet, Washington. Doug was the baby of the family. Doug, his brother Pete Leash and his sister Mary McCoy (Leash) all grew up fishing, hunting and enjoying the outdoors. They spent a lot of time with their grandparents who also lived in Cathlamet.

His family relocated to Portland, Oregon when Doug was 2 years old. His father moved them after he began operating the Wire Bound Box Factory. Doug attended first through 12th grades at Parkrose.

After graduation, Doug attended college at the University of Oregon and was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. Doug moved to The Dalles, Oregon in 1962 after accepting a position as the Graphic Arts and Photography teacher at The Dalles High School. Doug taught for 32 years until retirement.

Doug had horses when he came to The Dalles. He frequently went on hunting trips with his buddies using the horses to pack out elk or deer. Doug met the love of his life and best friend, Claudia, after knocking on her family’s door looking for a place to board his horses.

They married in 1962 and were married for 15 years. Together, they had daughter Taunie in 1964 and son Michael in 1966. Doug and Claudia had a small family farm raising ducks, chickens, turkeys, guinea hens and other livestock animals and of course, horses. Doug enjoyed helping with Pony Club that took place on the family property when his children participated. He enjoyed taking photos of his children riding horses, being outside in nature and just hanging out at home with the animals at the farm. He captured so many beautiful moments of his children and family that will forever be cherished.

After retirement, Doug helped friends build their houses, including doing work on his own home. He salvaged bricks, molding and light fixtures from The Dalles 1898 Whittier School Building where he began his teaching career at The Dalles High School. The building was demolished in the 1970s. He carefully repurposed the material, made it beautiful and used it all in his home.

Doug loved and appreciated art and the beauty it brought. He had an art studio where he created beautiful pottery and sculptures. Doug also loved painting. He created many encaustic paintings, a medium where hot wax is added to colored pigments and painted on rice paper. His paintings were primarily of nature and natural settings.

Doug created many magnificent works of art. He was an extraordinarily talented and gifted artist and admired by many. It brought him a tremendous amount of joy in sharing his work with others.

Doug was very passionate about the preservation of the Old Saint Peter’s Landmark and many other historic buildings in The Dalles. In 1971 he and a group of 5 other community members of The Dalles saved this beautiful building from being destroyed by a wrecking ball by purchasing and restoring it for the community to see its beauty, amazing architecture and history. Doug spent countless hours fixing, repairing and beautifying this treasure in The Dalles. Doug was also involved with the Historic Landmark Commission which he very much enjoyed.

Doug cared deeply about the environment, animals and conservation. This is very near and dear to his heart. He contributed to several conservations. He loved to travel and was able to see Spain, Mexico, Europe, China, Africa and many more. He loved to see and experience different cultures, wildlife and admired historic architecture.

Doug at the Winter Olympics in Utah in 2002.

Doug lived a full life. He partied in Las Vegas with his son at all the rooftop hot spots. He hunted in Alaska with his sister, Mary and his late brother-in-law, George. He went to the 2002 Winter Olympics in Utah with his son, observing many events and even had seats right on the glass for the Hockey game. He traveled to New York City to hang out at the Waldorf Astoria and Empire State Building. Doug was an avid skier and skied at Whistler, Snowbird, Park City and Deer Valley. He loved to attend Rodeos. He hauled his daughter and her horse to Rodeo’s when she was the Fort Dalles Rodeo Queen in 1982. Doug also attended the Pro Bull Riding event in Portland with his daughter, son and niece, Michele Arndorfer. Doug also enjoyed hanging out in the Gorge, near the water, enjoying Sushi and wine. The things that Doug has done in his life are endless.

There are so many things that Doug touched in The Dalles community. Doug’s art, his work, his creativity is everywhere in our small community. While we are heartbroken that he has left us, we will cherish all the beauty he brought to our lives, our town and the world. Doug has left us with so much beauty. We just need to look out and see it because it is there for all of us to enjoy.

Doug and son Michael in Hawaii in recent years.

Doug is survived by his children, Taunie and Michael, his children’s mother, Claudia Leash, sister Mary McCoy (Leash), sister-in-law Rosemary Leash, many nieces and nephews. His fishing and hunting buddies, Chuck Kornegay; Ivan Ritchie; Frank Davido; Dan Downend and Art Bull. He also leaves behind his beloved cat, Simba, many lifelong friends and former students who adored him. Doug is now fishing in heaven with his brother Pete Leash. A celebration of life will be arranged at a later date.