Loring Leslie Leeds, 60, died April 25, 2018 in Santa Monica, California with his sister by his side. He died of pneumonia.

Loring grew up in Maine, spending early years in Waterford on his grandparent’s dairy farm and Keoka Farm. His grandparents were Senator Harold S. and June J. Pike. He attended Wiscasset schools and received the American Legion Award in eighth grade, the highest award given for courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship and service. He attended Lincoln Academy and graduated from Gould Academy in Bethel where his mother had also graduated. He was awarded the Headmaster’s Bowl, given to the senior who exhibited the highest standards of scholarship, character and service to the school. Loring attended American University in Washington, D.C. before heading to California to pursue an acting career.

In addition to his acting career, Loring had a long career in the specialty tile industry working for Country Floors and his own companies. He traveled to Europe on buying trips and expressed his love of tile by designing several lines of tile for well-known American tile makers.

In 1999, Loring was diagnosed with stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’slymphoma. He was given four months to live. His character and strength took on special meaning when his life journey took him to City of Hope hospital in Los Angeles where he helped pioneer the first stem cell gene therapy on July 30, 1999. After this treatment, and for the past 19 years, the cancer was undetectable. Learning from his experience, City of Hope has treated many more patients as they continue to seek a cure for cancer and HIV/AIDS. In 2006, Loring was awarded the “Voices of Hope” award by City of Hope hospital for his fundraising help and “giving back.” When Loring recovered he gave back by designing a line of tile called, Legacy, which gave a portion of the proceeds to City of Hope for continued research.

Loring was a kind, creative, gentle soul and was well-liked by everyone.

He is survived by his sister, Audrey Leeds Miller, her husband, Jeffrey H. Miller and niece Alexis Loring Miller of East Boothbay, Maine.

He was predeceased by his mother, Esther Pike Leeds Mitchell. He will be buried at Elm Vale Cemetery in Waterford, Maine in the H.S. Pike family plot. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date in both Maine and California. Donations in his name can be made to The Center for Gene Therapy, City of Hope, 1500 Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91007 or the charity of your choice.