It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of our dear friend, mentor, and Trustee, Dr. Leo Newland. Leo passed away peacefully in the early hours of Thursday, January 22nd at his home in Fort Worth, Texas.
Leo’s impact on the BMW community was profound and spanned decades. A true servant leader, he was a founding member of the BMW CCA Lone Star Chapter (1977), served as the South Central Zone Governor in the 1980s, and as National Board Secretary starting in 1981, helping to shape the BMW CCA into the organization it is today.
Within the BMW CCA Foundation, his legacy is equally indelible. As a founding Foundation Board member in 2002, past President, and long-term Trustee, Leo was a tireless advocate for the Tire Rack Street Survival program, our Ambassador network, and a generous benefactor whose support made the “M Platz” at our museum a reality. He truly embodied the spirit of the “Friend of the Marque,” a prestigious award he proudly received from BMW Clubs International Council in 2014 in recognition of his significant contributions to the BMW CCA and the BMW community at large.
The family will have a small, private service in the coming days with a Celebration of Life later this year to pay tribute to Leo’s memory. We will share the date and location as plans are finalized.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, the entire Foundation staff, and our Ambassador volunteers, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to his wife, Marian, and the entire Newland family.
In the meantime, please join us in remembering our dear friend Leo.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Bruce Smith
President, BMW CCA Foundation
