The legendary Bob Leakey died this morning at the age of 98.

Sad news, in his case legendary is apt.

sad news  another great one gone,

We are fortunate that a number of interviews with him are held in the BCA Audio Archive. There is one set conducted by Geoff Yeadon, and another set conducted by Sid Perou, with some 27 years between them.

http://caving-library.org.uk/audio/listbyinterviewee.php?interviewee=Bob%20Leakey

You've got to have total respect for this man.  If anyone doesn't know about Bob's exploits just follow Langcliffe's link and listen to the archive on how Bob first passed the sump in Disappointment Pot.  Add together; nakedness, being accompanied by his future wife on her first trip, and digging underwater with his toes for a great trip report.  Just imagine that story appearing on UKC today.

My own 'Bob  Leakey' story is that I once rescued him.  Well it was only a year ago and he was in his late nineties (otherwise I doubt I would have been able to keep up with him).  Bob could often be found sitting quietly in the corner of the Harts Head Pub.  We were in there having a pint and the girls left to pick up a takeaway.  They very soon came running back in, "there's an old man collapsed out the front" they said.  We rushed out and found Bob lying on the floor with a small wound to his head.  He'd obviously stumbled on the steps after enjoying a few pints in the pub.  We took him home which was close by and returned to the pub.  Concerned, we related the experience to the barman, "Aye, that'll be old Bob", he said as if it were as normal as pulling a pint.

Anyone else got a Bob story?

Lovely story Badlad; having "rescued" RDL is quite an achievement.

I'm sure there are many stories people could recount; I think that some folk at least are trying to get these to the family in the first instance though, so they can select from them for a fitting tribute at the funeral (and, I suspect, in Descent magazine).

Mike Wooding used to tell a few RDL stories, as he worked for him on and off. I always wanted to have a go in one of RDL's innovative "Leakey Boats" (as the company was called!).

He wouldn't have been on the pop though. Half a Pepsi with a slice of lemon in a glass tankard.

Accompanied with a bowl of porridge of course!

Pitlamp said:

Mike Wooding used to tell a few RDL stories, as he worked for him on and off.

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He actually stayed with Bob when he first moved to the Dales.

We have a paucity of photographs of Bob Leakey illustrating his interviews in the Audio Archive.

Does anyone have any we can use?

I think I sent you one some time ago taken at the CDG 50th. I think he is chatting to Graham Balcombe. if not I will send it again if you PM me.

That one is being used, thanks mrdoc. It's just that we have nine recordings and only about four photographs of the great man.

langcliffe said:

It's just that we have nine recordings and only about four photographs of the great man.

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Don't that tell you something about the old bloke?, Always ready for the latest development?, Capture some stills off the video's, I hurt for the loss of another pathfinder for British caving, loved the man.

bograt said:

Capture some stills off the video's

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That's where most of the current ones come from. We have but one from his caving days, the next oldest being one from 1996 when he was already an elderly gentleman supplied by mrdoc.

Pitlamp - is there anything in the Jack Myers collection?

Not that I can remember Langcliffe - but will send you a PM

That Mr O'Doc supplies elderly gentlemen, does that explain the Old Ruminator?

Sorry, couldn't resist.

Don't think I have ever met the fellow but he sounds like he was one heck of a fellow! Rest in peace.

Alex said:

Rest in peace.

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I'm not so sure he would enjoy that.

He had just finished checking a proof of his book, due for publication later this year. If anyone wants to send me a comment or tribute, I will include these in the book,

Joe

JoeLord said:

He had just finished checking a proof of his book, due for publication later this year.

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Excellent news. I wasn't sure that he had finished it.