Obituary for Thomas E. Leik

Thomas E.  Leik, age 83, of Portland, Michigan passed away peacefully on April 7, 2026 at home. He was born on March 5, 1943, and grew up in Portland, Michigan.   Tom attended and graduated from Portland St. Patrick’s School in 1961. He received his Bachelors in Business degree from Ferris State College. Married Mary E. Addison in January, 1968 and raised three boys Andrew, Anthony, and Martin. While working at Saginaw Steering Gear he realized his lifelong passion to be a self-employed entrepreneur. Starting with his lifelong passion for “going fast” on two wheels he opened YAMAHA of Portland, selling motorcycles and snowmobiles. He may have struggled with remembering birthdays or an anniversary, but he could recall almost most past customers he sold a bike or snowmobile to (including make, model, and color). He loved traveling the state of Michigan with his family in a camper, supporting the snowmobile team and local motorcross riders. In 1980 Tom sold Yamaha of Portland and took a break to figure out his next adventure. Spending that summer and fall cleaning out the family barns, camping, and making sure his son Tony was on the bus for kindergarten (which he missed often and had to drop off many times as the bell rang). In early 1981 he followed another passion for “Clean & Neat” cars and purchased the bankrupt Breton Village Auto Wash. Using his mechanical abilities, love of automobiles, and knack for supporting good customer service turned it into a thriving business for the next 15 years. He later purchased Grand Ledge Auto Wash to have a business closer to home. He enjoyed talking to his customers, building lasting relationships with his employees, and spending many an evening/night maintaining the equipment (that usually included at least one of his sons helping). In 1997 Tom joined his wife Mary in retirement after building the home of their dreams, just outside of town. Tom had many hobbies and interests: cars, motorcycles, tractors, or tinkering with anything that had a motor, traveling/camping (thanks Rick Gregg and others for planning), skiing, hunting, cutting and splitting wood, attending car shows, and generally fixing anything and everything. He also knew many “hole in the wall” bars/restaurants in Northern Michigan where one could find a good burger, hot dog, wet burrito or chicken wing (plus maybe a beer or two).

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Henry M. and Mary Rose Leik, his beloved sisters Ellen T. Leik and Mary Anne (Leik) Ferrari, and his nephew Allen Ferrari. He is survived by his wife Mary, brother Philip Leik, sons Andrew Leik, Anthony Leik (Leigh Ann), Martin Leik (Elizabeth), and niece Annie Douglass (Scott). He adored his grandchildren: Charlie, Jonathon, Henry and Bridget.  They were a great source of joy for him and he loved spending time with them.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Rev. Darrel Kempf, at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 17, 2026 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Portland.  Visitation 1 hour before the mass.

Instead of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial contribution to Father Flohe Foundation in his name.  Father Flohe Foundation supports Portland St. Patrick Catholic School. Online link available if you go to GIVING on the website.