Kenneth Vincent Leard, a beloved partner, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln. He was 96 years old. In his final weeks, he connected with the many family members and friends whose lives he had touched.
Ken is survived by his partner of 28 years, Patricia Kelley Bothe, of Concord; his daughter Lindsay Leard Coolidge, her husband Charlie Coolidge, and his cherished granddaughter Caroline Coolidge, all of Cambridge; as well as Kelley’s children and grandchildren — Sarah and Oliver Bothe of Mill Valley, California; Susannah, Robert, Finley, and Tate Bothe Rogers of Salem; and Kate, Eamon, Augie, and Etta Bothe Brown of Providence. Ken is predeceased by his two sisters, Barbara Leard Stanton and Vivian Leard Seavey.
Ken was born in Acushnet on December 4, 1928, to Kenneth Pierce and Dorothy Houston Leard and grew into a man of deep warmth, humor, and a profound love for his family and friends. He spent his adult life in the greater Boston Area and during the last 30 years between his home in Rochester, Vermont, and Concord. Ken had a deep passion for beautiful Vermont, fly-fishing, and hiking, and he was a pioneering heli-skier in Western Canada, finding joy and adventure in nature. He was a founding member and president of the Balance Rock Ski and Canoe Club for over 50 years.
Professionally, Ken built a distinguished career spanning 40 years with Paul Revere Insurance Co. He started as a stock boy and became a successful insurance broker, eventually managing the Boston office. His dedication and work ethic were admired by colleagues and clients alike.
Ken’s ability to cultivate and maintain lifelong friendships was one of his most remarkable qualities. He leaves countless friends who will forever remember his infectious humor and youthful spirit. Those around him often remarked, “I want to be like you when I grow up.” Ken was a bright, kind, and generous man who will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.
Services for Ken will be private.
Donations in Ken’s memory may be made to the Vermont Land Trust (vlt.org), Summit Dogs (summitdogs.org), or the Dana Farber Institute PMC (profile.pmc.org/tf0063). Checks can be made out to PMC and mailed to Team Flames TF0063, 77 4th Ave., Needham, MA 02494.
Arrangements by Concord Funeral Home, concordfuneral.com.
