Paul Frederick Leader

Paul Leader passed away peacefully at the age of 79 on Tuesday. August 8th. In the presence of family and friends. Paul was born in Ontario, Canada to Kenneth and Rita Leader. The eldest of three sons. He attended school in Guelph. Played baseball in a minor league until his asthma made it impossible to stay in Canada.

He went to Detroit and then Chicago. Again, his asthma sent him looking for a hot dry climate. While driving to Arizona, Fate stepped in and he stopped in El Cajon, California. He rented a room and found a job at Seaboard Finance. That was the beginning of his life and future success in the United States.

He loved his job; being a Repo Man, suited his personality and his love for cars. From El Cajon, he moved to Las Vegas.

He went to work for Clover Underwriting Insurance. He thought the Insurance business was a little to slow and his boss suggested an auto dealership that was looking for an F and I guy. Enter Ed Olliges and Friendly Ford. As they say in the movies the rest is history.

He worked for Friendly Ford and the DOCS Auto Dealers from 1972 to 1980. Life was good and the hours long. Mr. Olliges was a great mentor and friend. Paul met and married Elizabeth Smallwood and her three children, Cory, Cary and Kelly in 1973.

On his time off he coached American Legion Youth Baseball with Ed Borla, another great friend.

When the opportunity opened to buy into an auto dealership in 1980 it was an opportunity of a life time. El Cajon Ford was to be his final move in the auto business. There he excelled with the help of his management team and many wonderful employees until the time of his death.

He was Time Dealer of the year nominee; Chairman of the Southern California Ford Dealers Assn., Co-Founder of the San Diego Dealers Salute to Education Scholarship Program. He had many other successful business ventures.

Finally, he indulged in his passion for Bass Fishing. His El Cajon Ford Bas Tournament, was one of his proudest accomplishments. He had several partners, but his last was his grandson Klayton Belden.

He is survived by Liz his wife of 44 years. Three children; Cory, John Jones Jr., and Cary Smallwood and Kelly Leader; two grandchildren Kerra Belden and Klayton Belden and 1 great grand-daughter Raelynn McAhren, brother Howard Leader and sister-in-law Valerie, two nephews Ryan and Adam Leader in Ontario, Canada. Brother and sister-in-law Don and Mary Pickett from Paradise California. His family will miss him dearly.

Paul's Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, August 20th. A private family service will take place at the El Cajon Mortuary. Paul's Celebration of Life will take place at El Cajon Ford; 1595 Main St. El Cajon, CA from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The family request in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tony Gwynn Foundation. His ashes will be scattered later.