Farewell Dr. Leander Jackson "Doc" Eckard

July 17, 2008 — The chiropractic profession mourns the loss of Dr. Leander Eckard — teacher, inventor, and chiropractor.

“There are very few who you could describe as giving 100 percent to their profession — Leander Eckard is one of them. Go to any major chiropractic convention and Leander was there, tirelessly adjusting, sharing, and caring.

“At home he analyzed and then designed the equipment that helped make us the best chiropractors we could be. Leander’s contribution to our profession is only surpassed by what he gave in friendship to all of us fortunate enough to have known him,” reflected Dr. Pete Fernandez of Fernandez Consulting.  

Born in Washington, Eckard grew up battling asthma. After taking his first unencumbered breath following a chiropractic visit as a teenager, he knew his destiny. He began chiropractic college at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, and completed his chiropractic degree at Cleveland Chiropractic College in Kansas City in 1964.

Eckard practiced in the state of Washington for over 30 years. In an effort to provide better care to his patients, Eckard developed the first motorized flexion distraction table. He then went on to make the table available to chiropractors across the country.  

Eckard became a sought after speaker and taught the Leander technique to fellow doctors at seminars throughout the United States and numerous countries. Because of his huge contribution to Parker College of Chiropractic, Eckard was asked to become a member of the board of directors for the college in 1982 and served for 16 years. 

Dr. Fabrizio Mancini, President of Parker College, stated, “Dr. Eckard was an ordinary man with an extraordinary mission. He was very instrumental in the creation of Parker College of Chiropractic as a board of trustee member and supported the Parker Seminars in many ways. He was a man that loved our profession and was an inspiring individual to me and so many others. He will be missed.” 

He is survived by his wife Diane, four children, two stepchildren, 15 grandchildren, and his brother. One of Eckard’s recent projects was helping to build 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, Idaho, 83830. Our thoughts remain with those who loved him.