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Obituary
Brigham and Women’s Hospital mourns the loss of David Leedham, RT, a devoted respiratory therapist at BWH for 37 years. He passed away Aug. 20 at age 60.
Mr. Leedham’s colleagues remember his compassion, dedication and willingness to always lend a hand.
“I could call him anytime, and he would talk me through something, even if he wasn’t working,” said Bethany Bradley, RRT. “He was a gentle and loving soul, someone who you could always go to with any problem, whether it was personal or work-related. He was like the father of the department.”
Mr. Leedham, a resident of West Roxbury, worked the night shift, caring for adult patients on ventilators in the intensive care units. “David was well-respected and liked not only by his colleagues in Respiratory Care, but also across the many disciplines he worked with to care for patients,” said Paul Nuccio, RRT, director of Respiratory Care.
His colleagues say that the Brigham was his home away from home. It’s where he met his wife Melinda, a former respiratory therapist who became a nurse. “His wife and daughter were so important to him,” said Bradley. “On nights that he was working, David always called Melinda at 10 p.m. to find out if she needed anything in the morning. He always put her first.”
Mr. Leedham was passionate about many subjects, especially government and world issues. He often photocopied articles he enjoyed to give to his colleagues. “He wanted to share what he knew, whether it was about government, the hospital or a life experience,” Bradley said.
Nuccio added, “David was seen as a pillar of our department. His dedication to BWH, his colleagues, and most importantly, his patients, truly will be missed by all.”
Services were held Aug. 25 at The Holy Name Church, followed by a celebration of Mr. Leedham’s life. Donations may be given in his name to the Head & Neck Fund at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place, West, 6th Floor, Attn. Contribution Services, Brookline, MA 02445.
A memorial service at BWH is planned for Monday, Sept. 29, at 6:30 a.m. in Carrie Hall.