In Loving Memory of Vladimir Leal
Vladimir Leal, 46, passed away at MD Anderson Cancer Center on December 25, 2025. After a long and incredibly brave journey, Vladimir crossed his final finish line on Christmas Day. God opened His doors for Vladimir to join Him on this beautiful day, welcoming him home on the birthday of Jesus. He passed following unexpected surgery complications, while held close by the love and presence of his family.
First diagnosed in late 2023, Vladimir approached his recovery with the heart and discipline of an Ironman. His strength and resilience were so profound that in 2024, he rang the bell at MD Anderson, celebrating the news that he was 100% cancer-free. When the illness returned in 2025, he did not waver; he met the news with the same quiet resilience and powerful determination that defined his life.
Whether in his professional life as a respected Engineering Manager or in his personal journey, he was a man of action until the very end. On December 18th, the day before entering surgery, he was still his vibrant, active self, making plans and working on his FJ Cruiser. To those around him, his strength was so immense that his illness was often invisible. He chose to undergo surgery with hope and courage, driven by his singular goal: to stay here as long as possible for the sake of those he loved.
Vladimir was a man of faith who walked with God and prayed. This spiritual strength fueled his primary motivation, which was never just to survive, but to truly be there for his family. Even in his most difficult moments, Vladimir’s heart remained fixed on the well-being and future of his wife, Gabriela Leal, and his children, Eric (14) and Natalia (10). A dedicated father and coach for his son’s mountain bike team, Vladimir was happiest when sharing his passions with his kids. He took great pride in teaching them how to train for triathlons, snowboard, hike, fish, bowl, and kayak, and he found great joy in capturing the beauty of life through photography, passing on the same grit and perseverance he lived by.
He was a leader at work, a coach in the community, a warrior in the hospital, and a hero at home. He is survived by his wife and children; his loving parents, Magaly and Eric Leal, who raised him with the values he lived by; and his beloved sisters, Waleska and Fabiana, with whom he shared beautiful memories. Vladimir took his greatest pride in his family, and his legacy will forever live on through the many lives he coached, led, and loved. He fought a long, dignified battle and has now found his rest. He remains deeply loved, forever missed, and never forgotten.
I Am Free
I am free now. I am following the path that God chose for me. I took His hand when I heard Him call my name. I turned my back and left it all behind. I could no longer stay another day to laugh, to love, to play, or to work. Although my wish was to return home, God called me to a new adventure.
If my parting has left an emptiness, please fill it with joyful memories: exploring the mountains, the sound of the waves at the beach, snowboarding, training for triathlons, or the time spent working on my trucks. Those are the things I will miss, too. Do not feel burdened with sorrow; instead, look for me in the mountain wind.
My life has been full. I have savored many things: good times with my family and friends, and the affection of everyone who loved me. I fought with all my strength because I love you, but God wanted me now. He set me free. God broke our hearts to prove to us that He only takes the best. I am with Him now.
Gabriela Leal