Brian Scott Leekley

Brian James Scott Leekley passed peacefully on Monday, June 13, 2022, on Bainbridge Island, WA. A teacher, life-long activist, and gifted writer, Brian devoted his talents, heart, and soul to social justice.

Brian was born on May 30, 1942, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Richard and Evelyn Kohanek Leekley. Growing up in Chicago, he was endlessly curious with a boundless imagination which nurtured his lifelong passion for storytelling, writing, and books. Always gracious, kind, and giving, Brian is loved by so many. He earned a Bachelor of Creative Writing and Literature from Knox College and a Master of Library Science from Western Ontario University. In 1964 during the civil rights movement, he joined the SNCC Students of Non-Violent Coordinating Committee and traveled to Greenville, Mississippi where he joined the historical efforts for voter registration during Freedom Summer. A Chicago public high school teacher, anti-war pacifist, environmentalist, and champion of equality and workers’ rights, Brian devoted his life to helping those in need. His life’s mantra was “Doing good well is best.” After his father’s death in 1976, Brian ran the Leekley Rare Bookshop in Winthrop Harbor in partnership with his mother, Evelyn. After she suffered a stroke, Brian was her loving companion and caregiver for 20 years.

He is preceded by his brother Guy Leekley and survived by his sister Avon Leekley (Michael), brother John Leekley (Rebekah), niece Lura Bickford, nephew Mark Leekley (Julie), and many great-nieces, nephews, and friends.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island.