Leamington loses one of its best loved characters

The Old Town man, who has died aged 63 after a long struggle with depression, was known throughout the area for his bushman’s hat, long scarf and hearty laugh.

A committed socialist devoted to strengthening community ties, he was instrumental in encouraging people, especially men, to talk about mental health, but few realised the depth and breadth of his knowledge and interests.

Mr Leith grew up in Welwyn Garden City, going from a comprehensive school education to studying English Language at Oxford. He took master’s degrees in folk life studies and linguistics and taught at Edgehill College and Birmingham Polytechnic until chronic asthma forced him to retire.

Mr Leith met his wife Barbara in Leeds in 1971 and the couple had two daughters, Eleanor and Georgia and a after moving to Leamington in 1980 Mr Leith began involvement in community life.

After early involvement, he opened the Brunswick Healthy Living Centre and was active in promoting men’s health, emphasising the need for men to talk about and take an active role in their wellbeing.

Openly discussing his asthma and depression, he helped set up a men’s health allotment where men could work in the open air, as well as the Western Society, an informal discussion group which met while watching cowboy films.

Drawing on his experience as a lecturer and performer, he helped teach medical students about living with chronic illness at Warwick University’s Institute of Health.

Dr Loraine Blaxter said: “Dick obviously had a talent for rapport with all sorts of people. Whenever he was at an event you could be sure to see animated talk and laughter.”

A talk based on his book A Border Walk in South East Warwickshire, a history of field names and places, was the inspiration behind the formation of the Sydenham History Group.

A technophobe with no mobile phone or email address, he nonetheless loved making art from waste materials and scrap metal and was a regular contributor to the poetry open mic session Pure Good and Right.

Its current host George Hardwick said: “Dick was one of our longest standing regulars and his performances were deeply loved by all. His ability to blend wit and poignancy meant he was a true master of his craft.”

Mr Leith also participated in Sez U Theatre Company’s Breaking Bread, a play devised from war veterans’ accounts. He played guitar and sang with friends in care homes and was well-known in primary schools in Leamington as a storyteller.

Steve Clarke, a friend of Mr Leith’s family, said: “Dick Leith has died leaving Leamington and Warwick very much richer for his having been here. His wife Barbara and two daughters along with countless others have lost a loved member of the community as well as a true friend.”

Mr Leith’s funeral will take place at the Dormer Conference Centre in Dormer Place Leamington today (Friday) at 2pm.