In January of 2015, our world was devastated by the lost a great man. A native of Kansas City, Leo was many things to many people but the roles he cherished most in his lifetime were those attached to his family and friends. He was at his core: a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a grandpa, an uncle and a friend. Leo was the kind of person that everyone loved to be with.
Many hearts were broken when we found out that Leo had an aggressive cancer which would take him from us in only a few short months.
Before his passing, he would spend many days on the golf course. There wasn’t a day that went by where he didn’t stop at Nick and Jake’s in Overland Park, thus honoring him the title of “mayor” for the restaurant. Leo played in the Fore the Kids golf tournament every year. Which is why his family and friends came together to form a sponsorship in his name for the tournament. It was then that the idea for “Leo’s Place” formed. A playroom at Children’s Mercy for kids fighting cancer. Being such a playful man himself, it just made sense.
He radiated warmth and made everyone he met feel valued and special. He always managed to have fun and make people laugh. He was sincere in everything he did and courageous in all endeavors. If he were here today, he would wish for each of you two things: peace and love. The Nick and Jake’s and Fore the Kids family misses him dearly, but we know with each year, he is watching over the golf tournament, cheering everyone on!