Erick M. Leithe Jr. ’68

Rick died Aug. 21, 2025, near Seattle of complications due to pulmonary fibrosis.

He came to us from Roosevelt High School in Seattle, where he was student body president, played varsity basketball and baseball, and sang in the glee club. At Princeton, Rick majored in biology and was active in the Orange Key Society. He ate at Quadrangle Club and lived at 314 Walker Hall his senior year.

After graduation, Rick received master of divinity and doctor of divinity degrees from San Francisco Theological Seminary. After considering becoming a minister, he chose instead to enter the financial services field and remained there for the entirety of his professional life, working for Smith Barney and Wells Fargo for almost 40 years. Rick was a prodigious contributor to class activities, was active in the Princeton Club of Western Washington, Alumni Schools Committee, and Annual Giving.

After retiring he became a prolific author, writing three mystery novels as well as participating every year in a 30-week Bible Study Fellowship. He and his wife loved to attend family events and symphonic and popular music concerts, travel, reading, writing, historical research, and community outreach programs, including being honored with the John Spellman award for his help in renovating the VFW hall in his hometown.

The class extends its deepest sympathies to his widow, Judy; daughter Kathryn and her husband Chris; and granddaughter Marlow.