John Brewster Leeming

John Brewster Leeming 97 (known as Jack) passed away on Saturday, May 3rd. Born March 17,1928, to Tom and Dorothy Leeming in Highland Park, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his Sister Joyce Leeming Mayfield. He is survived by his wife of nearly 15 years Mary Beth Abel of Sarasota. His son John Leeming(Laura) of Sarasota, daughters Cathy Andersen of Norwalk, CT and Leslie Flynn (Brian) of Bermuda and Charles Leeming (Jean) of Peachtree Corners, GA his grandchildren: JB, Reed, Hunter, Christine, Ceci, Katie, Cooper, Jack and great grandchildren: Remi, August and Camden. Jack was loved by his stepsons; Robert Abel (Stephanie), Bill Abel (Jennifer) and Taylor Abel (Esther). Jack loved Joyce’s adult children, Lynn, Sidney, Tom and Jeff Mayfield.

Jack was a cheerful, wry, rapier- witted patriarch with warm, disarmingly handsome blue eyes. He graduated Brown University, Class of 1950 and was a member the Sigma Chi fraternity. He was tirelessly active his entire life. He was a varsity swimmer at Brown. He played hockey into his 70’s which included pick up pond hockey. He learned to be a good skier at age 50. He played tennis and maintained a regular schedule of going to the gym for lifting weights and camaraderie into his early 90’s. Never shying away from a competitive or intellectual challenge, he played bridge until his last few weeks.

After Brown, the Army came calling. Within a year of graduating college he was in Korea, where he rose to Sargent receiving his honorable discharge in 1952. Return to civilian life took him into the corporate world, beginning with Time Life. While posted in St. Louis, he met the mother of his children. Over the years, Jack called Westport, CT, St. Paul, MN, Francistown, NH, Chatham, MA and finally in 1998 Sarasota, FL home. While the restorative qualities of the Florida sunshine are understood, no one could have anticipated he would meet the transformative love of his life, Mary Beth Abel. Meaningful to both, Jack knew Mary Beth’s older sisters from Highland Park years and Joyce was her summer camp counselor.

Jack was a proud friend of Bill for over 50 years, (February 9, 1974). He zealously attended meetings. It was there he that he found purpose and humility. His love of family nourished many souls. It was in these meetings that he strengthened his resiliency and confidence in the Higher Power.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Boniface Church on Siesta Key, Sunday, June 1 at 2:00 pm.

May he rest in peace.