Steven H. Leitch

Steven H. Leitch, age 72, died Monday January 31st at home holding hands with his loving wife after a sore battle with a rare, swift, aggressive cancer. Born November 29, 1949 in Lima, Ohio, to Anna Elizabeth Granros and Herbert Clarence White, some years later his mother divorced and married Steve’s adoptive father James William Leitch.

His father was in the Navy, so the family moved around the country from sea to sea. He learned to adapt and make new friends wherever he went and carried on that way throughout his life. The family settled in Charleston, South Carolina where he attended Garrett High School. There Steve joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and was baptized by a good friend. He was a devoted member of his church all of his life, holding many leadership positions and was always willing to help out in any capacity.

He lived in Pensacola Florida for a time happily body surfing and fishing on the ocean shores with his family. He was at home in the ocean. Steve served in the Airforce from 1969-1973. He graduated from Weber State College in 1978 with a BS degree in Art and Photography. He worked as a medical photographer for the University of Utah School of Medicine in the Medical Illustrations Department for 37 years. He loved his job, the people and the newsworthy surgeries he photographed.

Steve met his wife Deanna in 1979 and they married in the Salt Lake Temple. He helped raise two stepsons and was blessed with a daughter. He loved all three and found joy in watching and participating in every aspect of their lives. He was influential in shaping his daughter’s life as an artist. He was a youthful and exuberant grandpa and did everything he could to be with his three grandsons. He played a special role in the upbringing of his daughter’s son, acting as a second dad.

Steve was a talented fine art photographer. Photography was a passion as well as his occupation, and Steve had many exhibitions of his diverse photographic work in Utah. He was a board member of the West Jordan Arts Council and a curator of the city’s William Schorr Gallery. He loved sharing the fruits of his labors and enjoyed helping others share their talents.

A prolific and accomplished poet, Steve was a member of the Poetry Society for more than 20 years, serving as President of the Valley Winds Chapter and finally as President of the Utah State Poetry Society. He has many published poems and has received numerous local and national recognitions and awards. He was a gentle leader, an impressive speaker, and was emotive with the spoken word.

Steve served in the Army Reserve for 30 years. He was an Army photographer, journalist, Editor of the Deadeye News, public affairs specialist, and was a First Sergeant.

He had lifetime connections with the University of Utah and was a big Utes fan. Multi-talented, he liked to play his guitar and sing oldies in the evenings in his melodic baritone voice. He was an avid fisherman and golfer and had some of the best times of his life fishing and golfing with his friends. He provided all the fish served at his daughter's wedding. No matter what he was doing in his life he was kind and giving of his time to others.

He is survived by his wife Deanna, two stepsons, Ryan (Jenn) Julian, Shaun Julian, daughter Stephanie Leitch (Reid) Rouse, grandsons, Hollis, Connor and Isaac. Brother Charles (Jean) Leitch, Sister Lisa (Richard) Taylor. Preceding him in death were his parents.

A celebration of his life will be held at the LDS church on Saturday February 12, 2022, 8435 South 2700 West in West Jordan, Utah at 1:00 PM. An open house will be held at 12:00 PM prior to services to display his many talents and gathering of friends. Family respectfully requests masks to be worn. Graveside services will be held at The Utah Veterans Memorial Cemetery 17111 South 1700 West in Bluffdale, Utah at 1:00 PM on Feb 14, 2022.