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Vale: Peter Leonard

WIN's Peter Leonard is remembered as the voice and face of local news in Canberra for 15 years.

Former WIN TV newsreader Peter Leonard, died yesterday. He was 66.

Best known for his 15 years as anchorman at WIN Canberra, he lost a long battle with mesothelioma.

Leonard retired from WIN in July last year after being a fixture in the homes of many Canberrans. ”It’s a privilege to do this job. You get a view of the community like no other job lets you, and it really is a privilege,” he said at the time. He lived in Canberra for more than 50 years.

Leonard did five years of work experience at Radio 2CA before accepting a position as presenter with the station, where he stayed another 10 years. For the next 20 years, he presented news and current affairs for radio and television at the ABC in Canberra, before joining WIN.

His family led by Leonard’s wife, Gwen said in a statement, ”Peter was a wonderful, loving and caring family man.

”While best known as one of Canberra’s most recognisable media personalities, his family will remember him as a man who always put the needs of others first, for his wicked sense of humour and his total loyalty and commitment to those closest to him, be they family, friends or work colleagues.”

Chairman of WIN Corporation Andrew Gordon said, ”The management and staff of the WIN network are deeply saddened. He was a much valued member of the team for 15 years as the face and voice of local news in the ACT.

”He was a mentor to many, a true professional and a charismatic man. Above all, he was our friend and we will miss him.

”Our heartfelt sympathies are with Gwen and his family at this time.”

”He showed great attention to detail and I think he was a remarkable face for the news,” added former colleague Jeremy Lasek.

”He was a great supporter of young people starting their careers in the media and generous when sharing his knowledge and expertise.

”I just know everyone who came into contact with Peter had the highest regard for him. He will be very greatly missed.”

Leonard is survived by his wife Gwen, his children Matthew, Nathan and Natasha, and his grandchildren.

Source: Canberra Times

4 Responses

  1. Peter proved instrumental in building the reputation and popularity of WIN Television, and indeed their Canberra news broadcast. Each bulletin he presented would be of a high standard and quality, and his personality certainly shone through. His excellent sense of humour was a breath of fresh air. You will be missed, Peter, and my deepest condolences to his wife Gwen and family, friends and colleagues.

  2. Very sad indeed. Peter was the face of WIN News and WIN in general as I was growing up, and it was definitely sad to see him go last year (although it was rumoured it was due to healh reasons).

    Rest in Peace Peter, you were a top bloke and you will be deeply missed by the Canberra community.

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