Al Leake A notable Alfisti

[pinshaw]

Al was one of a kind. It is truly heartening to see all the memories of him, his racing and his generosity on and off the track. He was a wealth of stories and never held back in offering assistance, expertise, and guidance to those met him. He took both me and my cars under his wing many times, helped transform my 63 Spider into the race car it is today and was an amazing driver to dice with. Both Al and his wife were always welcoming to me and my sons (no small feat on its own) and my heart goes out to Myr and their family during what has to be the hardest of times.

[africk]

I have been on the track numerous times with Al, mostly thru HMSA and General racing. The first time after I was soundly thumped, I was certain that if I peeked under the hood I would find a 1600 or even 1750. Much to my chagrin it turned out to be a 1300. Now his car was heavier, ran a 1300, and the driver was 20 years older. I've got to find out more about this guy! Instead of the usual cocky, false modesty found at the sharp end of the grid, what I discovered was a humble and gracious gentleman. He might of been an amazing driver, but more importantly he was a good human being, and he will be missed at track.

I would like to extend my sincerest condolences to Myr (very sweet to my kids) and the rest of the family.

I hope Sophia goes to an appreciative new owner. The added bonus, you're probably going to have Al as a co-pilot. God bless.

Alan
'60 SZ

[pinshaw]

For those interested, here is Al's write up on Sophia, enjoy

[Steve O]

I only just read the news on this thread, and am heartbroken to learn of Al's passing.
Aside from his superlative skill as a driver and preparer, as all of the preceding testimonials confirm, he was a genuinely nice man.
His death makes me sad, but my sadness is tempered when I consider how much fun he had over the years racing and dealing in Alfas.
Historic events won't be as much fun anymore.

[Subtle]

What wonderful stories.+ + +

[rooks1556]

Al found my first race car, a Dallara X 1/9 in a garage in Orange County. He had raced against it in the 80's and he said it was a winner. I bought it and he was right, it was a fast car. He was a true gentleman, friend and neighbor to me in Boulder Creek where he lived. He had a nose for fast.

My condolences to his family and his wife Myr.

Godspeed Al

[Balocco211]

metta in luce.

[BlpltGTV]

A picture of the last time I saw Mr Leake race. The Monterey Historics of 2007. I really will be sad not to see him roosting the field this year.

Will

[Alfaowner]

My condolences and prayers go out to Myr & all of Al's family.

I only knew him by telephone as a client and an extraordinary Alfa guy. But, as attested to by so many previous comments, even on the phone, I could tell he was a wonderful guy.

Godspeed, Al.

Norm Sippel

[67duetto]

My condolences to the family.
I had the opportunity to visit Al's home / garage a few years ago. His coffee table was supported by an Alfa Engine. What a great guy and the passsion for Alfa. He was building a 74 Spider to set the speed record.
Al told me he liked racing Sophia, the only time he wished Sophia was a coupe was during a down pour but still charging hard at the Mille Milia.
Al's passion in racing, coaching touches a lot of people. He was one of the driving instructors during the Ferrari International meet at Laguna Seca a few years ago.
May he rest in Peace.

Leslie Yuen

[PSB]

Hi Crew:
I feel as though I am hit in the Gut
I just had to say hello and feelings to Alfa folks we have known as we are kinda family after so long. Nice to see your posts Guys.
My hart felt thoughts an feeling go out to his Family and all of the community.
Al was, as said," One of the Good guys" for sure, and a Motor Cycle guy too from child hood.
He has a sprit and passion for things, that had me Moving down to Santa Cruz in the early80? for a dealer he was Opening Alfas and Ducatis.
God Speed AL and THANK You For You and Yours.
Peter Batagios

[PSB]

Hi Crew ;
From Family and SCCA

Al Leake passed away, quietly, at home, amidst family and friends on January 25, 2008.

Memorial services are scheduled for February 16 in Boulder Creek.

If you could pass along the information that anyone associated with SCCA interested in attending a Memorial for Al Leake is welcome to attend: February 16 at St. Michaels Church and then a reception at Scopzzis in Boulder Creek.

Al loved "his" corner workers! And of course Barbara and the stewards!

Thank you
Myr Leake


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From the Santa Cruz Sentinel, of February 2:

Albert Ernest Leake Jr.
8/13/38-1/25/08

With love in our hearts and tears in our eyes we bid our loving father, grandfather and husband farewell on his greatest journey yet. Al Leake passed away on January 25th after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 69.

Al loved racing cars for over 30 years, he lived his dream every day and was a inspiration to all those who would chase theirs. Al claimed over 275 checkered flags and countless track records throughout his long SCCA racing career. Alfa Romeo sports cars made up his signature stable of racers and later became the foundation for his final business venture where he built custom race and sports cars for customers around the world.

Al went to Reno High School and proudly served in the US Navy upon graduation, before finishing his education an UNR. Al started his career at the Bell System and worked his way up to Senior management between 1960 and 1979. An entrepreneur at heart he then built several successful businesses over the years.

He will be missed by many and is survived by his wife, Myr Leake, his daughters: Lise (Reg) Kobzi, Lorene (Ryan) Shea; step children Kendel Leet and and Jim (Karen) Leet and seven granchildren who were the joy of his life.

A memorial service will be held at his home in Boulder Creek on Feb. 16th.


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From a friend of Al Leake: It is with great regret that I must inform you that Al has crossed
the final finish line in his race against cancer. He passed away, quietly, at home, amidst family and friends on Jan., 25, 2008 @ approx 2:45 P.M.


This link on the Alpha Romeo bulletin board has tributes to Al and his Alfa, Sophia.

Al Leake A notable Alfisti


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Before Al's passing he and Myr decided to offer his beloved Sophia for sale. I am sure many of you are familiar with her. Sophia is a Black 1957 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spyder. She is listed on E-Bay with auction number 110218917396.

Update: Sophia was sold on E-Bay on February 3.