“He was an excellent husband, father and grandfather, and left a real impression on us and on our hearts,” Bluewater Power CEO Janice McMichael-Dennis said Friday.
Leach, 47, was electrocuted while fixing downed power lines in Bright’s Grove in the aftermath of one of the worst storms to hit Sarnia in 40 years. The Ministry of Labour continues to investigate the accident.
Leach spent most of his career in Nova Scotia where he had 21 year’s experience as a lineman. He moved to Sarnia with his family four years ago and took a job at Bluewater Power.
“Mike was with us for only a short time but he was a very good friend to us,” said McMichael-Dennis. “This is a very difficult time but we’re trying to help Mike’s family to get through each day.”
Last week’s storm hammered Sarnia for about 30 hours with rain and unrelenting winds that peaked at 121 km/h. North winds blew in from Lake Huron for days didn’t stop until late Tuesday.
The damage was extensive and as many as 30,000 residents were left without power.
At one point, Bluewater Power lost every feeder and the entire city was in the dark.
“There was damage to our infrastructure that we’ve never experienced,” said McMichael-Dennis. “We were hit like no other centre in Ontario. The numbers won’t be in for a few days but it was unprecedented.”
Hydro crews from Chatham and St. Thomas came to assist Bluewater Power’s 20 linemen following Wednesday’s fatal accident, she said.
“Our people kept working, even with heavy hearts. It takes real dedication to do that, but they did it knowing Mike would be the first one to say we’ve got to get the power back on.
“It’s been very trying but we’ll move ahead out of respect for Mike.”
Most Bluewater Power customers had their power restored by late Tuesday. However, a handful were still waiting on Friday afternoon to be reconnected after repairing storm damage on their property.
“Hopefully every last customer will be taken care of by the end of Friday,” said McMichael-Dennis.
Mike Leach leaves behind his wife Gwen, children Jessica (Peter Lammers) and Miranda, and grandchildren Bridget and Charlotte.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Sacred Heart Church