Howard Jack Leister, age 84, of Wilmington, NC, died June 20, 2021. He was born in Hampstead, MD on March 3, 1937 to the late Reba and Howard Leister and lived on the family farm until he left home for Duke University.  It was there he met his wife of 61 years, Anne Turner Parrott.  After graduation he worked for Wachovia Bank and eventually went back to NC State University to obtain his Masters in Landscape Architecture.  Jack worked in the field of landscape architecture for many years and designed many prominent works in his career.  His final working years were with Forsyth Partners, a commercial real estate development company, until his retirement. Jack will be interred at the Kenan Chapel Memorial Gardens, where he was one of the principle designers of this space.

Jack was an avid music lover, took delight in the great outdoors and enjoyed wood carving.  Jack formed many great friendships through his interest in others everywhere he went.  He was a member of Wrightsville United Methodist Church.  

Jack is survived by his wife, Anne Parrott Leister; daughter Ashley Leister Hood of Kinston; son Thad Leister and wife Mary of Wilmington; and grandchildren Patrick Hood, Evan Hood, Emily Leister, and Amy Leister.  

Public services will be held at Wrightsville United Methodist Church at 3:00 on Sunday, June 27.   In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to one of Jack’s favorite charities, DREAMS of Wilmington, located at 901 Fanning St, Wilmington, NC 28401, (910) 772-1501 or online at https://bit.ly/3zK1V1E.