In Tribute

Sara's maternal grandfather, Donald Edward Leake (pronounced "Lake"), passed away December 23rd at the age of 90. I did not spend much time getting to know him as he lived in Clearwater, Florida for as long as I can remember. However, since his passing, we've learned much about the man he was. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1940 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He served as a first lieutenant with the Army Air Corps during World War II in the Northern Mariana Islands of the Pacific Theater. Following the war, he worked as an engineer for Mesta Machine and Westinghouse. He was a fan of Big Band music and fast American-made cars including NASCAR.

We joined my parents and Uncle Don (my mom's older brother) at the burial on the 28th in Pittsburgh where he was buried next to other family members, including my maternal grandmother who passed away in 1956. This is a photo from 1951 of my Grandparents, Uncle Don, and my mom (looking a little unhappy in front). Many people have said that I have a strong resemblance to my Grandmother. My Uncle Robert (my mom's younger brother) could not attend, but we hope to see him in the spring for a memorial.

Following the burial, the five of us drove around the hilly streets of Pittsburgh revisiting my mom's and uncle's stomping grounds. It was actually a lot of fun to hear all the stories...from my Uncle's bicycle that he didn't want as it was ridiculously heavy and had no gears! (completely impractical in the 'burgh) to the location of various artifacts, such as my Grandfather's foot locker from WWII currently with my Uncle ready to be donated to a museum.

To further sadden our hearts, Thomas Murray Leake, Grandfather Leake's younger brother by five years, passed away a few days prior on December 18th. Tom and Elva always had a welcome seat for us at the Thanksgiving table when we lived in California. Their daughters Paula and Claudia, and husbands Mel and Bill made us feel so welcome and we had many fun adventures together. Great Uncle Tom was a remarkable man as well. He also graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with an engineering degree. He served in the US Navy as a Lt. JG bomber pilot aboard the USS Hancock carrier in the Pacific Theater. Tom was a plant manager for Koppers Company in Fontana and resided in Riverside, CA for 42 years. He also performed numerous charitable acts for Toys for Tots, the Shriners, and the Masons.

We are sad that these two men are no longer with us, but are grateful for having known them.