Albert “Al” Earl Gaskill

Albert “Al” Earl Gaskill of Lenox passed away peacefully May 19, 2026 at the age of 85, surrounded by his loved ones. 

He was born in Detroit and always called Michigan home, but he traveled all over the world because of his love for and skill with motorcycles. He raced on everything: flat track, road race, off-road or ice. He made multiple Nationals in the 1960s, raced Daytona 200s in 1969-70, and a career highlight was winning the 1968 Louisville Race of Champions on ABC’s “Wide World of Sports.” More than a racer, though, he was a staple of the racing community. 

Al translated his love of racing into a lifelong career, opening his first motorcycle shops in 1969 in East Detroit, and eventually a second in Richmond. All of the people who worked for and with him became part of his family. 

The only thing he loved more than motorcycles was his family, whether they were direct relations or friends who became like family. Al loved to say that, “You’re in charge of your own destiny.” He made a great destiny for himself, and took a lot of friends and family along for the ride. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Helen Gaskill; a son, Albert Jr. “Zookie;” a son-in-law, Al Belcher; sisters, Lidian Sutter, Alice Sinda and May Nimrod; and a brother, Richard Gaskill. 

He is survived by his wife, Birgit Gaskill; his children, Kim Nash, Barbara (Al) Belcher, April (Shane) Ashley, Maj-Lis (Daryl) Nash and Jesse Chapman; his grandchildren, Shawna (Joshua) Wilmoth, Tara (Yusuke) Tsunoda, Ryan Belcher, Jessica (Joshua) Sargeant, Jason (Jordan) Flowers, Ashley Gaskill, Ariel Gaskill, Koee Chapman, Lina Chapman and Lillian Chapman; and 10 great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry forward his legacy of determination, adventure and love. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to RLS.org in Al’s memory. He suffered terribly from restless leg syndrome, a much-misunderstood disease. Help support others to find relief for this debilitating condition. 

Planting a tree in his memory at Arbor Day Foundation would also be appreciated by the family. 

Sunday, May 31, from noon till 4 p.m. at The Farm will be a Celebration of Life for the man, the myth, the legend.\Please bring a dish to pass, anything you choose is fine.\We will have burgers, chicken and hot dogs for everyone.\Reach out to Maj-Lis or Birgit for the exact address if you need it.\Come share and listen to Al Gaskill’s famous stories with his friends and family. 

Visit Albert’s memorial page to share a memory or send condolences to the family, read the obituary, and find the upcoming events.

https://www.mandziukfuneralhome.com/obituaries/albert-gaskill/