There was an outpouring of sympathy and surprise as news of the passing of Dr. Leander Eckard spread. Known throughout the profession as the inventor of the motorized flexion-distraction table, chiropractors and colleagues throughout the industry shared their thoughts:
Said Dr. Zev Myerowitz, president of the International Academy of Chiropractic Acupuncture: "Leander was not only a very strong man, but gentle as well. He always seemed to have the right words to comfort us when we needed it. He brought out the best in all of us through his guidance and his purpose-filled leadership. He truly was a pioneer in chiropractic and will be lovingly missed by all. He truly was the real deal!"
Danny Greenstreet of Chiro-tec, Inc., said Dr. Eckard was "[a] plain and simple man who discovered a breakthrough in treating the human muscular and skeletal condition in a way far superior to anything before or since. He lived life to the fullest and had unmatched dedication to everything he set out to do. I will miss him deeply."
To Dr. Dennis Woggon of the Clear Institute, Dr. Eckard was "a big man with a bigger heart. He helped a lot of people because they were people and he loved them. He brought a lot of people together because he was more concerned about helping [them] than promoting himself."
Leander was born and raised in Washington. A lifetime asthmatic, he took his first unencumbered breath after being adjusted by a chiropractor for the first time. That event catapulted him into an interest and love of chiropractic. He enrolled at Palmer College of Chiropractic, eventually receiving his degree from Cleveland Chiropractic College - Kansas City in 1964.
Dr. Eckard practiced in Washington for more than 30 years. In an effort to provide better care to his patients, he developed the motorized flexion-distraction table and eventually made them available to chiropractors across the country. He became a sought-after speaker and taught the Leander technique to fellow doctors at seminars throughout the United States and in numerous countries. Because of his huge contribution to Parker College, he was asked to become a member of the college's board of directors in 1982 and served faithfully for 16 years.
Dr. Eckard retired from private practice and moved to Idaho in 1990. He loved the simplicity, openness and beauty of this area, which balanced his hectic seminar and travel schedule. He is survived by his wife, four children, two stepchildren, 15 grandchildren and a brother. His latest project was helping construct a new building for his church. In his honor, donations can be made to the building fund of:
Fernwood Community Bible Church
P.O. Box 279
Fernwood, ID 83830