Per a notice at the Today's Homestead web site; Stonetemple forum, John Leake, who was one of the original members of this board, passed away of a massive heart attack.

I don't know if his wife visits here, but if so, I'd like her and the rest of the family to know that I'm very sorry for their loss; and while I know that my feelings can never reach the depth of theirs, I will also mourn the loss of someone I consider to be a friend.

The e-mail addy I have for John is natlivent@pcpros.net

I don't know if it's still valid; but if anyone wishes to send their regards, they could try that; or go over to todayshomestead.com and send a pm to his inbox.

-- Anonymous, March 08, 2004

Answers

Apparently he went fast. He passed away 2/29/04 from what I understand and had posted on many of the forums the same day. At least the Reaper sneaked up behind him quietly and cut him down fast.

-- Anonymous, March 08, 2004

Oh my god, I cannot believe it!! He was so young!! And an absolutely sweet guy. He sent me some bulbs/seeds a couple of times, and would never take anything for them, and I always thought I would meet him someday cuz he lived in Wisconsin. We almost met once at the Midwest Energy Fair.

A very thoughtful, interesting and caring man; he will be sorely missed.

-- Anonymous, March 08, 2004

Oh my God. Is this true? One of the nicest people I have ever known, online or otherwise... I am in shock. We corresponded for some time. He sent me some of his writing. I hope it may not be true. Oh how sad. Oh my God. I'm so sorry for his wife and family and all of his friends.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2004

From the Today's Homestead board:

Tue, Mar 2, 2004 John Leake

John K. Leake, 58, 510 Black Walnut Road, Mosinee, died Sunday, Feb. 29, 2004. Survivors include his wife, Christie Leake, Mosinee; one son, John Leak III, Florida; one daughter, Michelle Leake; one grandchild; one stepson, John (Jodi Dalphonso) Lassek, Neenah; one stepdaughter, Carrie (Jerry) DeJung, Eden Prairie, Minn.; a brother, Gary (Jan) Leake, Lebanon; and a sister, Kathy (Dean) Thompson, Canton, Mich. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee. Burial will be in Mosinee Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, and Thursday from 10 a.m. until service time at the funeral home. http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/wdhrecords/291368561501864.shtml

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2004

Yes, Jay; there is something to be said for being taken fast - I certainly hope that is the way that I go when it's my time.

I spent a couple of hours last night re-reading posts by him here on the forum. In a way, it mad me sadder, as he had plans and dreams that weren't realized; but in another way, it mad me smile to know that he had done a lot of things that he wanted to do and was happily making plans for other things. Guess we can't ask for much more.

I'll be sending a card to his wife, Chris, in the next couple of days. If anyone wants me to tuck a note in from them; just post it to this thread and I will copy/paste and enclose it.

Hugs to you all. And don't any of the rest of you dare die off on me.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2004

That's a wonderful idea, Polly, to include this thread in his card, so his family can know how much he meant to us, and how terribly sorry we are.

Hugs back, EM

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2004

My thoughts go out to his family. He always debated with class. I recall him talking about a river that was very close to his home. He said it was a big plus of his area even though it was a headache at times.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2004

John was a great guy. The world will be poorer without him. That's rather a cliche, but I really mean it. I always liked reading his posts and chatting with him. And he was always so nice, despite a lot of people who reamed him up one side and down the other (thinking back to the Countryside forum days). He had class.

'Bye John, I'll miss you! ~ Joy

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2004

I couldn't believe this post when I came here tonight!!! So hard to think about John being gone! And, like you said EM...so young. I never had any type of corresponse with him as some of you folks did, but I do remember him being so knowledgible and patient with his forum answers. My most sincere condolences go out to his family!!!! I just know he's still "here" and at the other forums watching over things!

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2004

Thats for sure Joy.....John had class....He had a lot to say and he said it so eloquently

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2004

I am very sorry to hear of John's passing - he was, as put above, a class act. I also enjoyed reading his posts. Never the person to let emotions rule over logic, he was wise beyond his years, and I always learned something new, or at least gained a new perspective.

My father passed away the same way - massive heart attack, came out of nowhere. That does sound better than a lingering illness.

Vaya con Dios amigo.

-- Anonymous, March 17, 2004

Does anyone have any of the Egyptian walking onions that John sent out a few years ago? I didn't have a place to plant them at the time but I'd love to have some now. I'd been meaning to ask him about it but it just kept slipping my mind. I guess there's a lesson in that.

-- Anonymous, March 25, 2004