MICK LEONARD & LINDA ALLEN
Donation protected
To friends, family, fans and communities of MICK LEONARD:
I am opening this Gofundme account for the benefit of Mick's beautiful wife, LINDA ALLEN. She is in need of all forms of support right now; the only thing I can actually DO something about is to help find her some financial relief. Mick's illness has been devastating on every level. Since Mick has recently been the sole provider in their family, Linda is now left in an incredibly challenging situation.
My lifelong friend, Mick Leonard, was an incredibly talented musician, producer, arranger, composer, vocalist and teacher. Sadly, Mick passed on 4/3/19 in the wee hours of the morning, following a grueling fight against a multitude of assaults on his body, which finally gave out under the strain. Anyone who spent any time with him quickly learned that he also excelled in the gift of storytelling. He was a fount of information ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous, which he was always happy to share. He was a prolific reader and loved any and all of the performing arts. He was incredibly kind and enriched us all with his gentle ways and generosity of spirit. There wasn't a stranger Mick didn't know and wouldn't help if he could. He was just a nice guy with a twinkle in his eye, a penchant for conversation and an amazing gift for music.
Mick's musical talent and passion impressed all who were exposed to it. Among other accomplishments, he played with Marvin Gaye, Muddy Waters, was a founding member of the Simms Brothers Band and as such was influential in the 60s and 70s, a musical era that still dominates the airwaves and fills stadiums today. He played a wicked lead guitar, but also mastered the bass, ukulele, keyboard, drums, mandolin, the tin whistle. There are many musicians who owe their introduction to playing an instrument thanks to Mick's tutelage, skill and passionate encouragement. His absence will be sorely felt by all who knew him.
You can't talk about Mick without mentioning his deep love for Linda; she has been his light, his joy and his center. When she wasn't with him, he would always find a way to bring her into the conversation. Their partnership spanned 20 years and they collaborated on everything, especially music. Mick & Linda wrote and composed music together since they first met; both personally and professionally. Music was the backdrop and the framework of their partnership and it was the realm in which they danced.
Mick, at age 69, was still working full time until his health started to decline. He survived treatment for lymphoma a few of years ago but, as often happens, chemo took its toll, and not just physically. The financial impact of his medical costs and the loss of income has been devastating. And now, Linda has the burden of all of it without the benefit of any income at this point. She has been tending to Mick and his health for a while. For the last 4 months it was all day, every day and it was a full time job. Linda, too, is a talented musician. She taught music to kids for many years and she just wrote and illustrated a children's book. She'll be able to find her professional niche again, but it's going to take a minute.
It is my hope that we can help her over this hump, giving her some breathing room to grieve and adjust her life to her new reality. To add insult to injury, she has to leave their home of 20 years by the end of May. Mick & Linda have done so much for so many--their home has provided refuge and comfort for friends, myself included. It's the time to return in kind. Needless to say, this is extremely difficult for her as she doesn't want to burden others and would never ask--so I'm asking for her.
The goal amount is extremely low given the situation but I want to make sure she has enough to cover the basics for a short time. Without any experience at doing this, and since she won't receive any of it unless we reach our goal, I figured this would one would be achievable. It would be helpful if you would share this as you see fit as there are many who don't know of Mick's passing. The posts on Facebook have been amazing. The condolences and stories about Mick have brought Linda much comfort and she's extremely grateful.
Thank you in advance for your support, Prayers & blessings are also welcome.
Gratefully,
Ginger Macleod
I am opening this Gofundme account for the benefit of Mick's beautiful wife, LINDA ALLEN. She is in need of all forms of support right now; the only thing I can actually DO something about is to help find her some financial relief. Mick's illness has been devastating on every level. Since Mick has recently been the sole provider in their family, Linda is now left in an incredibly challenging situation.
My lifelong friend, Mick Leonard, was an incredibly talented musician, producer, arranger, composer, vocalist and teacher. Sadly, Mick passed on 4/3/19 in the wee hours of the morning, following a grueling fight against a multitude of assaults on his body, which finally gave out under the strain. Anyone who spent any time with him quickly learned that he also excelled in the gift of storytelling. He was a fount of information ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous, which he was always happy to share. He was a prolific reader and loved any and all of the performing arts. He was incredibly kind and enriched us all with his gentle ways and generosity of spirit. There wasn't a stranger Mick didn't know and wouldn't help if he could. He was just a nice guy with a twinkle in his eye, a penchant for conversation and an amazing gift for music.
Mick's musical talent and passion impressed all who were exposed to it. Among other accomplishments, he played with Marvin Gaye, Muddy Waters, was a founding member of the Simms Brothers Band and as such was influential in the 60s and 70s, a musical era that still dominates the airwaves and fills stadiums today. He played a wicked lead guitar, but also mastered the bass, ukulele, keyboard, drums, mandolin, the tin whistle. There are many musicians who owe their introduction to playing an instrument thanks to Mick's tutelage, skill and passionate encouragement. His absence will be sorely felt by all who knew him.
You can't talk about Mick without mentioning his deep love for Linda; she has been his light, his joy and his center. When she wasn't with him, he would always find a way to bring her into the conversation. Their partnership spanned 20 years and they collaborated on everything, especially music. Mick & Linda wrote and composed music together since they first met; both personally and professionally. Music was the backdrop and the framework of their partnership and it was the realm in which they danced.
Mick, at age 69, was still working full time until his health started to decline. He survived treatment for lymphoma a few of years ago but, as often happens, chemo took its toll, and not just physically. The financial impact of his medical costs and the loss of income has been devastating. And now, Linda has the burden of all of it without the benefit of any income at this point. She has been tending to Mick and his health for a while. For the last 4 months it was all day, every day and it was a full time job. Linda, too, is a talented musician. She taught music to kids for many years and she just wrote and illustrated a children's book. She'll be able to find her professional niche again, but it's going to take a minute.
It is my hope that we can help her over this hump, giving her some breathing room to grieve and adjust her life to her new reality. To add insult to injury, she has to leave their home of 20 years by the end of May. Mick & Linda have done so much for so many--their home has provided refuge and comfort for friends, myself included. It's the time to return in kind. Needless to say, this is extremely difficult for her as she doesn't want to burden others and would never ask--so I'm asking for her.
The goal amount is extremely low given the situation but I want to make sure she has enough to cover the basics for a short time. Without any experience at doing this, and since she won't receive any of it unless we reach our goal, I figured this would one would be achievable. It would be helpful if you would share this as you see fit as there are many who don't know of Mick's passing. The posts on Facebook have been amazing. The condolences and stories about Mick have brought Linda much comfort and she's extremely grateful.
Thank you in advance for your support, Prayers & blessings are also welcome.
Gratefully,
Ginger Macleod
Organizer and beneficiary
Ginger Macleod
Organizer
White Plains, NY
Linda R Allen
Beneficiary
