Leyland brother Mike dies

14 Sep 2009, 5:06 pm   -   Source: AAP
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Mal and Mike Leyland (right) as they appeared in their travel show 'Ask the Leyland Brothers', which ran from 1976 to 1984 and was watched by more than 2.5 million people at its peak. (AAP)

Mal and Mike Leyland (right) as they appeared in their travel show 'Ask the Leyland Brothers', which ran from 1976 to 1984 and was watched by more than 2.5 million people at its peak. (AAP)

Mike Leyland, one of the two legendary Leyland brothers whose quirky travel show ran for years on Australian television, has died at the age of 68.

Mike Leyland, one of the two legendary Leyland brothers whose quirky travel show ran for years on Australian television, has died at the age of 68.

His family announced that Mike died of complications of Parkinson's disease on Monday morning. Mike and Mal Leyland, explorers and documentary filmmakers, were best known for their television show Ask The Leyland Brothers.

The weekly show, which ran from 1976 to 1984, was watched by more than 2.5 million people at its peak. It featured the brothers in unusual or far-flung places around Australia which viewers had asked them to visit.

Mike was eight and Mal was five when they migrated with their parents in 1950 from England to Newcastle in NSW, where Mike lived for the rest of his life.

Mike Leyland is survived by his wife Margie, his daughters Kerry, Sandy and Dawn, his step-daughters Sarah and Alison, and seven grandchildren.

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Your Comments

Legend

Glenn Torrens - from Lake Macquarie, 3 years ago

Hi, to Mike and his family, thank you. I was there today to pay my respects to a person who I regard in similar regard as Peter Brock. I knew PB, but I never met Mike. The Leyland Brothers had me dreaming about driving Land Rovers and camping in the bush, even before I joined Scouts... and you have to be 8 to join Cubs! RIP Mike and thanks for the influence on the career I now have. Glenn Torrens Motoring and Travel Writer.

mr.

john cummings - from ashmore, queensland, 3 years ago

I spoke to mal leyland at the caravan and camping show in brisbane in june 2009 and was saddened to hear of mike's illness. Our sincere condolences are extended to all of the leyland family. Australia has lost a true gentleman and friend. The two brothers brought so much knowledge and wonderful insight into this great country we all share. vale Mike! Keep on travelling.

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