Brian Leaf will be remembered by many as the talented business reporter for the Rockford Register Star. But those who knew him also are sharing stories of his talents as a friend, father, spin-class instructor, musician, local music supporter, hunter, nature-lover, and all-around good guy.
Leaf died Wednesday at the age of 57. He had a heart attack while teaching a spin class at the YMCA in Rockford.
Leaf did two stints as a reporter for the Rockford Register Star for a total of 16 years. Last October, he left journalism for the job of Public Information Officer for the Beloit, Wis., school district. The Superior, Wis., native and Green Bay Packers fan continued to live in Rockford, where he was a very active member of the community.
Leaf is survived by his wife Mary Kaull and their two children, Roy and Sally. Services are set for 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, at his church, Emmanuel Episcopal, 412 N. Church St., in Rockford. His family has requested that memorials in his honor be made to the YMCA Pennock Branch Remodeling Project.