LeifStringham.com

I first met Leif with Fred (Who posted his experience with Leif already) while playing pool in Wudaokou in the summer of 2008. Although our first encounter with Leif was brief, he made a great impression on us. I remember Fred and I debating how to pronounce his name correctly just in case we ran into him. He was definitely a guy I was hoping to see again.

Over the summer, we ran into Leif a few times in Wudaokou when we were playing pool. From there, our friendship grew and we made sure to hang out with Leif whenever had had a break from work. I was excited every chance I got to meet up with him.

Both Fred and I must have sensed Leif was a natural teacher because every time we saw him, we would ask him tons of questions. At first we would just ask Leif questions about pool shots and tricks, but we soon realized he was an exceptionally smart, interesting, and caring person. Our questions quickly turned away from pool as we asked for his advice on almost all possible topics. He was a great teacher. I remember clearly Fred and I talking about how it was so great hanging out with Leif because every time we got to spend time with him, we learned something new.

After living in Beijing for two summers, I returned to the US, but I always missed living in China. My fond memories of hanging out with Leif was a major reason why.

In this world I can count my best mates with only the fingers on one hand and leif was definately one of those best mates...

I met Leif here in China early september 2004, it was the 2nd time for me in China as it was for Leif. The new term was only a few days away and i went to check the school out. I saw him at the main gate offered him a smoke i had brought over from duty free and well, just hit it off and started talking.
The night after that i went around to his place and met Moon for the first time (apparently they hadn't been living together for long).
September is pretty hot in beijing and it was great to know that Leif had prepared a fridge full of beers, he introduced me to country music which for me was pretty new...(of course he knew every lyric to all the songs) I heard jimmy buffet for the first time....stand out track that night was jb's version of sippin on gin and juice!!..over the years following i acquired the taste of those Irish drinking songs too....
The amazing thing for me and for Leif about our friendship was that we had so many things in common, our chinese was pretty much at the same level, both had a chinese wife, played the same level of pool and darts, loved to ride motorcycles (we had the same type of motorbike).
Over the last 7 years or so spent heaps of time together, everytime we met up was great, we would sometimes spend hours at a pool hall and at the end of the night realise we'd only played 5-6 games of pool..we'd just talk. He played a huge part of my life here in china...whenever one of us needed to chill out and forget we're in china sort of thing it was great to have Leif. He truly was incredibly smart, patient and was a fantastic listener which is quite a rare skill to have. He taught me heaps and yes he was a natural teacher...and had a way of communicating clearly and effectively.
Not only did we hang out we also worked together...just recently i have had to start work again and i still expect to see his bike in his spot.
I still am finding it hard to deal with..such a waste.. There's so many good things I could say about the guy..

My heart goes out to Moon, Renee, Chuck, Lars, Lance, and Aden whom I was honoured to meet recently not to mention other family and friends of Leif.

Leif you will be missed my friend and thank you for everything you did for me. I love you heaps mate

Warrenn