Leith N. Letcher

Leith N. Letcher, age 80, of Lansing, passed away on May 31, 2024.  He was born December 27, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan; son of Herbert and Isobel (Williamson) Letcher. Devoted to one another for over 10 years, Leith was united in marriage to James “Jim” Shewell on September 9, 2017.

Leith graduated from Farmington High School; class of 1961. He continued his education at Michigan State University where he played the baritone in the marching band. In 1966, Leith graduated with a bachelor's degree in education and shortly thereafter began his career educating students in the Lansing Public School district. He had a tremendously giving heart and would do anything to support his students. Leith retired as a special education teacher from Lansing Public Schools after 42 years.

Leith was a dedicated member of Douglas Congregation United Church of Christ, where he and his husband celebrated their marriage. He loved gardening and used his skills to cultivate a beautiful garden in front of the church. Passionate about music, he attended Stratford Theater in Canada with his family and sang in the church choir. Leith enjoyed spending time at his home in his favorite Michigan beach town, Saugatuck.

Leith had a profound love for animals, finding great joy in feeding the birds and squirrels that visited his yard. His compassion for all living creatures reflected his kind and gentle nature. His cats, Ernie, Adeline, and Alvin were a source of unconditional love and companionship for him. Leith kept his mind sharp by reading the newspaper daily and completing crossword puzzles. He was a lifelong MSU fan, proudly holding season tickets to football, basketball, and hockey games. Leith was also an avid Tigers fan and enjoyed watching sports. He was a kind and generous husband, brother, uncle, and friend who delighted children with his hilarious Donald Duck imitation.

Leith is survived by his sister Cheryl Huizing; his nieces and nephews, Kevin (Colleen) Letcher, Julie (Nick) Smith, Shelly (Jeff) Bush, Jason Huizing, and Heather (Earl) Kirkpatrick; his great nieces and nephews, Sandros, Nico, Diego, Grace, Alex (Annie), Emily, Isobel (Tristan), Ryan, Melissa, Caleb, Owen, Noah, and Emmitt; and his great-great nephew Benjamin. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Lindsay Letcher, and his husband Jim Shewell.

A celebration of Leith’s life will be held Saturday, July 13, 2024. Doors open at 12:00 pm for a 1:00 pm service followed by a luncheon at the Highland Lake Clubhouse: 20301 Silver Springs Drive, Northville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the American Red Cross : PO Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037.