Leif Alexander Zars

Leif was born in Munich, Germany. At the age of four, he and his family moved to America, settling in Warren, Ohio.

He was a man of boundless energy and curiosity, diving into many industries throughout his lifetime, and continuously seeking to learn and expand his knowledge. At an early age, he sold newspapers on the street corner in Ohio. Later in his high school years, he delivered Western Union telegrams into the late hours of the evening.

At the start of WWII, and with the encouragement of his father, he joined the Navy at age 17 through the Navy college training program, serving for five years. During his service, he was assigned to a submarine chaser USSPC – 472. His ship patrolled the east coast during WWII, protecting the United States from German U-boats. He completed his military experience as a Naval Ensign and with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech, later joining the Naval Reserves. In 1968, he graduated from the Advanced Management Program at Harvard’s Graduate School of Business. In retrospect, the Navy gave Leif purpose and direction and changed his life’s trajectory toward creating industry-leading change.

His infinite interest in business and progress led him to begin his business career with Ethyl Corporation as a research engineer, securing them many patents that were used worldwide and changing blending plant design forever.

In 1954, Leif moved his family to San Antonio where he started Gary Pools, which became the largest commercial and residential pool builder in San Antonio as well as a multi-generational business. From residential to commercial pools, country clubs, theme parks, apartments and universities, Gary Pools are ubiquitous around the city as the original pool builder. Leif himself oversaw 22,000+ pool installations in and around San Antonio. As a leading force in the industry, he dedicated endless hours on improving swimming pool industry standards while serving as Chairman of the National Spa and Pool Institute Builders Council and National Swimming Pool Foundation for seven years. He was most proud of his work in swimming pool safety, especially in the areas of diving safety and suction entrapment. He was instrumental in creating the Certified Pool & Spa Operator certification program, which is the world’s leading education and certification program for keeping pools safe. One of his proudest achievements was the Humanitarian Award given by the National Sanitation Foundation to recognize him for his dedication to solving environmental problems and his contributions to the development of many pool standards, some of which include safety, workmanship, diving and decking. All Leif’s achievements in NSPF and NSP would not have been possible without his great company and the people supporting him. To all that have worked with him in the past, thank you.

Leif lived life to the fullest and truly lived up to the old adage of “work hard, play harder”. Leif was an avid sailor, starting small on Woodlawn Lake. When he and his sailing friends needed a larger venue to compete in, they founded Lake Canyon Yacht Club. He loved all things motor – sports cars, luxury cars, motorcycles, dirt bikes, motor homes, boats and planes. He and his son Gary rode the BAJA 500 twice.

When the speed limit was changed to 55 miles per hour, Leif bought a plane and THEN learned how to fly. This love for planes led to his venture in Security Air Park, 15 acres of airplane hangars at San Antonio International Airport; all so he could park his plane. His love for dirt bikes and the many adventures he took with his sons led to the partnership with the Dirt Bike Club of San Antonio utilizing the Zars Ranch near Floresville, Texas.

Leif is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Felice; their son, Leif Zars II and his wife, Brittany (Leif III, Landry, London); his daughter, Tassie Pena and her husband, Matthew (Luke, Barrett); children by his first marriage, Keith Zars and wife Barbara, and daughter Gail Zars; as well as 21 grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.

Leif was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Patricia Zars; son, Gary Zars; and granddaughter, Tamara Zars.

The family will receive guests on Friday, February 10, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Porter Loring Mortuary, 1101 McCullough Avenue, San Antonio, Texas.

FUNERAL SERVICEFRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 20232:00 PMPORTER LORING MORTUARY

Click here to live stream the service of Mr. Leif Alexander Zars.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to military charities such as Tunnel to Towers, Disabled American Veterans or Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.

A private interment at Mission Burial Park will be held the following day.