Originally from Yass, Leonard, best known for his 15 years as Win News anchorman, lost his battle with mesothelioma – an asbestos related illness.

Leonard often referred to his fond memories of his early years in Yass, where he attended Yass Primary School and assisted his parents with the day-to-day running of the Liberty Café.

Leonard was a trusted, friendly face and voice in Canberra homes for 45 years, before he retired from WIN News in July of last year.

“He was a lovely man,” says Faye Moore, a childhood friend of Peter. “His mother and father ran the Liberty Café while I worked next door at the theatre. Peter was always very obliging to do things for our town.

“He had a happy childhood here in Yass.”

During his years as a high profile news reader in the ACT, Peter remained in touch with many of the community organisations in Yass, particularly Yass Repertory.

He would happily trek up the Barton to Yass, where he would watch shows in the old wooden theatre in Meehan Street – be it in the stifling heat of summer or freezing cold of winter.

“I don’t think he ever missed a Rep performance, God love him” Yass Repertory founder June Comins said. “He was a very outgoing person… a very good person.”

Canberra loved Peter Leonard. In 1991 he was awarded ACT Citizen of the Year for his tireless charity work and outstanding job as an ambassador for the region.

Yass business owner Kay Clayton, a friend of Peter, was saddened by the news of his death. “He was such a loved and highly respected man. He still loved Yass very much and enjoyed coming over for celebrations and reunions.

“I’ll always have loving memories of Peter.”

Mr Leonard felt privileged to have enjoyed a 45-year-long career reading the news and weather for 2CA Radio, the ABC and WIN television. “You’re part of the community in a way that other job will let you be… everybody knows you, everybody knows of you,” Mr Leonard said after announcing his retirement last year.

Fellow school friend and Yass local Brian Kemp will greatly miss his pal Peter. “He was a great man,” Brian explained. “We had school reunions every four or five years in Yass and Peter would always be present.

“Even though he was high up in his field, he was always a down to earth, average sort of bloke. It’s a sad loss.”

Peter Leonard's funeral service will be held on Monday at All Saints' Church of England, Ainslie, beginning at 11am.