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BORN
1953
DIED
2020
William Leaf Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for William Leaf
larry m
October 21, 2025
I was referred to William more than 20 years ago because I wanted a mechanic that I could trust and rely on. William was so much more than that. I could call him and ask about my car, stop in just to check something, drive it around the block to figure out what the source of a strange noise was...and all without charge. Because William knew relationships are what mattered.
Over the years, I'd come by to pick up my car at day's end and we'd spend a few minutes just catching up. His family was always the first thing he talked about. He was quite and unassuming. A gentleman and good soul.
I honestly cannot think of anyone in LA I've ever met that was like him, and he was an example we need today.
Billy Brown
July 13, 2025
Sorry for your Loss
Billy Brown
Sean O´Neill
December 4, 2024
Will. It was great to share some time in Town.
Ben and Cynde Willis
December 7, 2022
We have been taking our vehicles to Leaf Automotive since the mid 1990's, so approaching 30 years now. We had one of our cars serviced today. I had assumed he had retired, but when I asked I was informed of his passing. So sorry to hear of this, but also happy his automotive service business lives on with the same level of excellent, quality service.
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Gilah Yelin Hirsch
March 6, 2022
I have only just learned of Will's passing and profoundly feel the loss of this unassuming great man. I've lived a few blocks from the shop since the early 70's and Will was always the go-to person, not only for the cars, but each car visit would engender a deep, kind and caring conversation, always interested in my peripatetic travels. He was exceptionally kind and gentle, even empathized and sympathized with me and actually advised me to finally give up on yet another fix for my 25 year old Camry wagon. It blew up on the Grapevine in the fast lane and had to be towed to the shop all that way. I am privileged and grateful to have known him and I am certain that his enormous spirit continues to nourish the community. My condolences to his family and friends.
Scott Kelso
February 13, 2022
Will was such a great man. I did not just want to be a client, I wanted to be his friend. All our mutual acquaintances remain choked up with his untimely passing. We all feel cheated to lose someone so special and way too early in life. I offer his family and anyone lucky enough to call him friend or anyone even lucky enough to have met this wonderful man my deepest condolences. I, for one, will never forget him.
Lisa Hanock-Jasie
July 22, 2021
Just got the news about Willy today. We met and dated in 1980/81 when we both first moved to LA. Terrific guy. Thinking of you all.
Ann Smeltzer
May 15, 2021
Incredible man, so respected and so trusted. It was an honor to know him. And my little red Toyota Celica GT convertible received great care as long as I owned it. Thanks to Will.
Mark Libow
December 19, 2020
A Million Written Words Can Only Start To Express The Friendship I Shared With Will-We First Met In 1985 And As They Say Hit It Off Right Away--We Both Were Mechanical Men (Gearheads) Interested In Classic Cars, Mechanics of How Things Worked,A Good Amount of Laughter and The Telling Of Tall True Tales--and Fishing of Course! We Were Brothers From Different Coasts. Will Especially Enjoyed My Telling of Tales about Growing Up In Venice and of The Bizarre & Sometimes Hard To Believe Things That Actually Did Happen. He Really Got A Kick out of These Stories. Will Was One In A Million!! A Stand Up Guy With A Heart Of Gold-- He Was Kind,Compassionate,and Truly Cared About His Friends-- And Loved His Family 24/7 Throughout The Years--Will Will Always Be A Special Part Of Our Hearts & Lives That We Will Carry With Us Forever--Miss You My Dear Friend--With All Sincerity--Mark Libow
Ronnie Gillman
December 17, 2020
Cindy. I am so sorry to hear about Will’s passing. I left LA a while ago but a admired the relationship you two had. Unfortunately I did not get to know Will well but I did get to know you a bit and I am so sorry I for your loss. Ronnie
April McKay
December 15, 2020
I have known William for 30 years, after a neighbor recommended him. I could walk the three blocks to his shop and he worked on 5 of my cars over that time. He was always honest and kind and even caring, when I had my own health issues. A gentle, personable and warm human being. He lived life fully. I am sorry his time was cut short. I will miss him. Sending comforting thoughts to his wife and kids, whose changing photos I would see as they grew up.
Andrew Campbell
December 14, 2020
It has taken me some time to gather thoughts and respond appropriately. Though I only met Will a few times what struck me was what a kind and unassuming guy he was. Obviously the friendship goes thru Sue Ling and Cindy but when we were out in LA ...I was with my kids and to see the likes of Will step forward and offer friendship and companionship was mightly appreciated .... he liked a bbq, it was interesting time with his kids ...teenage years... great time on Halloween at a crazy fair and he made me laugh ... i would have liked to have gone to Mexico with him RIP
Roberta & Milo Sini
December 13, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Sean O’Neill
December 13, 2020
I met Will in Ptown through his sister Nora. It was pretty much an instant connection. He welcomed me into the family. Will was kind, generous, and talented. It was a privilege to know him.
John Campbell
December 12, 2020
I would not pretend I knew Will Leaf well, but I did get to know him through my Wife.
In these disparate days, it's hard to find ’Solid’ people.
Will was that. Dependable, honest, and straight talking- someone who loved his family and enjoyed the right things in life.
He was a Father to two kids he adored, a husband to a Wife he truly loved, and a friend to all and anyone who met him. Simply a giant in a world that lacks them.
June Hagen
December 12, 2020
I'm so saddened to hear of Will's death! I took my cars to him for many years and bought one from him. He was such a nice man. He will be missed.
Elizabeth Jolley
December 11, 2020
So very sorry to hear of his passing. I know he drove past my corner a lot. I was the School Xing Guard on Abbot Kinney for many years. Also I walked past his business most days. Lovely man, May he Rest In Peace. My condolences to the family.
Sue-Ling
December 11, 2020
Will Leaf III married my dearest and longtime friend in 2005.
Having been a part of BBQs, Birthdays and Holidays, knowing Will - I would portray him as an absolute “Gent”. Not in the old fashioned bowtie sense of the word - but in that one couldn’t walk away from having met Will without the sincere thought that the world was a better place for those like him.
Kind, compassionate and genuine.
Cars, boats, planes - anything that had an intricate blueprint that required patience, intuitiveness and creativity Will loved and excelled at.
He loved fine china, and creating bespoke lamps from antique parts discovered and beautifully rejuvenated from the Santa Monica Airport weekend Fairs.
Ben and Chelsea will always have his soul in their hearts to guide them through life.
And Cindy was the luckiest gal the day she met Will at James Beach in Venice. They were a loving couple and always will be.
He will be sorely missed by many.
Love you Will
Chris Tragert
December 11, 2020
This is the view most got of Willies’ Camarillo!
R.I.P. friend
Laurie Dolan
December 11, 2020
William was my mechanic for over thirty years, always honest, trustworthy, just a good man. We had many conversations over the years. My heart goes out to his wife and children.....losing a husband/father is one of the most difficult things in life. When my husband died, William was sensitive and very thoughtful. I will miss him.
Kat
December 11, 2020
Such a lovely man I was in the shop a few weeks ago and a meant to ask the boys how he was doing sending love and light to your family
True honorable Venice business man
Grace & Robert Rosa
December 11, 2020
Our find memories are when we would go visit our daughter & son in law, their next door neighbor Will, would sometimes be outside & would always greet us with a warm smile & wave. He is still smiling down at us!
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