Gordon Skip Van Leeuwen

Gordon "Skip" Van Leeuwen was born in Orange City, IA on December 20, 1938 to Carol and Henry Van Leeuwen. He was the 4th of 5 siblings in a lively and fun household. The oldest sister was Delores, followed by Junes, Marjorie (Margie), Skip and Duane. The family moved to California in 1941 so that Henry could work in the shipyards. June, Margie and Skip, being very close in age, were inseparable as children playing in the neighborhood.

Skip earned his nickname at an early age, taken from a 'Denis the Menace' type cartoon character named "Skipper" because of his precocious and mischievous behavior. The name was so prevalent throughout Ski's life that anyone calling him Gordon was assumed to be a teacher, police officer, doctor, or lawyer....some authority figure to be avoided!

Henry bought Skip a motorcycle when he turned 16. He assumed that Skip would get into less trouble with a motorcycle than a car (because he wouldn't be driving around with a group of friends causing havoc). This turned out to be an incorrect assumption! His best friend, Dick Hammer, also got a motorcycle but kept it at the Van Leeuwen house so his parents wouldn't know that he hand one. Notorious hijinks ensued.

He graduated from Bellflower High School, Class of 1957, and maintained close friendships with several of his schoolmates throughout his life. Skip met his first wife Betty in high school. It was love at first sight, and Curt was born. Less than three years later, Mark came along. Six years later, Eric was born to Skip and Shirley.

His first job was driving a truck for a meat rendering company. All the while, Skipper's racing career was then taking off. He and Dick Hammer went to Catalina to watch the now historic races being held there. Thrilled to watch their heroes, they were determined to earn enough points to race there the following year. The next year Catalina was canceled, but the boys were hooked on racing and started on their path to becoming legendary dirt track racers.

Skip was a charismatic as he was fast on the track, and he began selling motorcycles for Bill Robertson's in Hollywood. Through that experience he learned the motorcycle business He and his brother Duane were able to turn their exceptional sales personalities and Skip's racing prowess into a thriving motorcycle accessories business that is still going strong today.

A true Champion in every sense of the word, Skip has been a source of inspiration to all , best friend to many, devoted father and family man, and beloved uncle to more nieces and nephews than we have room to list. Our annual family water skiing trips are among our most cherished memories! We will miss him dearly,. His spirit lives on in all whose lives he touched.

Skip is preceded by his parents Henry & Carol, sisters Delores & Margie, and brother-in-law Johnny.

Skip is survived by his loving wife Nydia, stepchildren Portia, Jonpierre and Elana, Sons and daughters-in-law Curt & Lucy, Mark & Sheila, Eric & Liz, Brother and sister-in-law Duane & Debra, sister & brother-in-law June & Lee, Grandchildren Schad, Derek, Travis, Madison, Samantha, Connor, Amy, Nicolette, Luis, Maritza, and Vincent.

Arrangements under the direction of Whites Funeral Home, Bellflower, CA.