W.J. Leake
January 14, 1904
Manning Monitor

Death of W.J. Leake
Word was received at this office Wednesday evening from a letter written by A.J. Leake, telling of the death of his father, which occurred in St. Anthony's Hospital in Denver, January 11 at ten a.m. and would be buried January 12, at two p.m. at the Fairmont Cemetery at that place.

Mr. Leake came to Manning a few years ago and had been engaged in the grain business here and in Audubon and Ross. But one year ago he sold the business here and went to Denver last fall to assist his son Will in the meat market business where he was stricken with paralysis about five weeks ago and which was the direct cause of his death. He leaves a wife, two sons and two daughters to mourn his loss.

W.J. Leake was a man of uncommon merit. He was possessed of more than ordinary intellectual qualifications and gifts. He was a most attractive companion because of his general qualities, his great good nature and his inexhaustable mental resources for entertainment. He was never known to be anything but the agreeable man that he was. Who of those that experienced his companionship can never recall a time but what that cheerful heart was not doing everything to make pleasure for them. It seemed to be his mission. In a peculiar degree to contribute to the enjoyment of those he came in contact with. He was a very prince of optimists, the bright side was always before him. We do not know what his faith was, he did not talk of it. But this we do know, that he was ever faithful to those precepts which guide the footsteps of honorable men, that he was earnest in his friendships, true to his home In all it's obligations and duties. How unutterably great must be the grief of those who will never more know his love and care. Dear old friend, farewell, thou has answered the summons which must come to us all and we believe he has entered into a happier life and those who know him will long cherish the memory and worth as a man, a friend and a companion.

The bereaved have the sympathy of all In this, their hour of sorrow.