The sheepdog trialing and wider community were saddened by the loss of Alan Leak who died on December 30.
Alan lived the whole of his 94 years in Cumbria. He was born at Troutbeck, the second son of John James and Rhoda Leak.
Two years older was his brother, John, and two years younger was his sister, Mary.
Alan’s grandparents lived at nearby Howe Farm. His grandfather passed away aged only in his 40s, leaving his wife to manage the farm.
Consequently, the Leak family spent many hours helping her.
Alan’s father, known as JJ Leak, was an accomplished sheepdog trainer and handler.
He competed with great success at all the trials in the Lake District.
Through helping his grandmother and watching his father working his dogs, Alan developed a keen interest in shepherding and sheepdogs. On leaving school he worked mainly as a freelance shepherd, along with some dairy work.
He married Joyce Senior in 1967 and they bought the Masons Arms, at Strawberry Bank, Cartmel Fell, along with Joyce’s two sons, Philip and David.
He ran the pub while Joyce looked after the catering and accommodation side of things, although Alan still found time for shepherding and go out with his dogs.
Alan and Joyce sold the Masons Arms and moved to Gaisgill Farm in 1978. Joyce, who had worked all her life in hospitality, ran a bed and breakfast business there. With their warm and welcoming manner they made many friends both from the UK and abroad and many made return visits.
Alan continued shepherding, but spent more time training dogs both for himself and other people. He also coached people how to train their own dogs.
In addition, he had more time to judge trials at home and overseas. He and Joyce travelled to America where he judged trials run by the American Border Collie Association. They stayed with friends Ross and Paula Lammers, who had been guests at Gaisgill Farm.
Leaving the Masons Arms also gave Alan more time to pursue his love of competing in sheepdog trials where, when working his dogs, he was known for his quiet and unhurried manner. He had a natural way with them and enjoyed training them.
Alan qualified to represent his country at the International Sheepdog Trials on 10 occasions.
He was runner-up in 1987 and 1989, and in 1989 he made the English team with a second dog. At the international, he qualified four times for the supreme championship, where he was fifth in 1989 with Joe. These were impressive achievements.
Alan was well liked and respected; he was pleasant and friendly with everyone and will be sadly missed.
His wish was to be buried at Jesus Church, Troutbeck, which is where his funeral was held.
