Earle Leeder, a longtime supporter of Terrier hockey and member of The Friends of BU Hockey, passed away on July 29, as a result of injuries sustained in an auto accident.
While not a founder of the Friends, he was a charter member of the organization that Jack Kelley helped launch after becoming BU’s head coach in 1962. Kelley said, “Earle was involved from the beginning, always contributing to the program both financially and as a friend to the players, throughout my tenure as coach and continuing onward. For all that he did, he never wanted to take any credit. Earle was just a wonderful, good guy who took a personal interest in the players, looked out for them and opened his home to them, especially those who were not local.”
Two-time All-American defenseman and member of the 1971 and 1972 national championship teams Bob Brown, who hails from the Toronto area, recalls that “in those days, there was no Sunday dinner served in the dorms and many players would be invited to the Friends’ homes for dinner. I was one of many who regularly went to the Leeders’ home, and that grew into a lifelong friendship. Whenever my wife and I traveled to Boston, we stayed with the Leeders. We’re very saddened by his passing.”
Kelley noted that he’d invited Leeder to join him and many former players this past February when a bust of the legendary coach was dedicated at Agganis Arena, and that Leeder has been most appreciative to be included in the celebration.
The Leeder Family has indicated that remembrances may be made to Friends of B.U. Hockey, 925 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215 or a charity of your choice. Online Guest Book.
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