By Vicki Gibbs on behalf of State Senate Colleagues and Friends
“Grieve not, nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk of me as if I were beside you there.” Those are the words of Isla Paschal Richardson displayed on the inside of the memorial ceremony program for Leah Tatum-Dick and her husband Bill. Close friends, colleagues and family members gathered last week at the State Capitol in remembrance of our friend Leah. Many feel the shock and pain of the sudden tragedy that took their lives, but we gathered to celebrate the wonderful blessing she brought to each of our lives.
Leah was busy, vivacious, vibrant, and energetic; with a joy for living that no one could miss. Leah could also be determined, strong-willed, and a champion for the underdog. Leah was colorful, radiant, sassy, and had a style all her own complete with snazzy glasses and flamboyant high-heeled shoes purchased by Bill. She and Bill were avid square dancers and competed at the highest levels. They loved each other completely and unconditionally. There is no doubt that the gates of heaven opened so that she and Bill could stroll hand and hand to their new home.
Having no children of their own, Leah and Bill embraced their fiends’ 
children. Friends were family to them. Leah organized a baby shower for Senator John Bulloch’s oldest daughter and first grandchild. Senator Bulloch often tells of his second daughter’s wedding and how Leah and Bill insisted on driving three-and-a-half hours in the rain from Atlanta to Southern Georgia to see her get married. Leah’s namesake is her goddaughter. Leah was present for her birth, sporting events, graduations, birthdays and holidays.
Leah served in the Georgia State Senate for nine years, assisting former Senators Joey Brush, Mike Polak and Ginger Collins. Most recently she worked for Senators John Bulloch and Ralph Hudgens. She saw her job as service to the State, the people and to the senators she served. No constituent call went unanswered. No request from her senators was too big or too small. Her contributions were recognized by the Governor, Lt. Governor and many other officials. She would help anyone with anything and was not shy about doing whatever it took to get that help. Leah knew no fear when it came to helping the ones she loved. Her fascination for the most current electronics helped many around the Capitol with their blackberries, cell phones and computers. Holidays were special occasions around the “mole hole” of the State Capitol complete with decorations, food, gifts and often times costumes.
Leah was a friend in every sense of the word. She was compassionate, dedicated, devoted, faithful, forgiving, giving, loving and generous. Whether you were a state official, a staffer or a constituent, she treated everyone with love, dignity and respect. If you hurt, she hurt with you; if you were happy, she was happy with you; her sweet spirit would walk with you through your good days and your bad. Leah made it her business to have a personal relationship with each one of us. She opened her heart wide and always had room for one more. She would tell each one of us that we need to help each other, help the less fortunate and be all that we can be. Enjoy your life to the fullest, set your own path, and go for it with gusto!
COLUMN
For Immediate Release:
August 18, 2009
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
raegan.weber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028