In a clear and controlled voice it must be in the genes 12-year-old Rachel Leonard spoke movingly of her grandfather, broadcaster Peter Leonard, at his funeral in Canberra yesterday.
Her memories of her beloved ''Lolo'' would be of him reading Dr Seuss to her, teaching her how to play chess, attending grandparent events at school, and ''the smiles that you give at the end of the news and all the kisses that you give every time we see you''.
''You light up your room with your presence and people respect and honour you. We are so blessed to have had you as our Lolo. You will not be forgotten,'' she said.
Younger sister Phoebe, 6, later joined in to say, ''Goodbye for now, Lolo. You're a legend.''
Peter Leonard was well-known for his media and community work, but to those closest to him he was very much ''a private and committed family man'', according to his son Nathan, who also gave an affectionate tribute on behalf of siblings Matthew and Natasha.
Their father was ''a man we all adored and cherished''. ''The one thing we could all agree on was what a full, privileged and very happy life both he and our mum, Gwen, have provided for us,'' Nathan said in his eulogy.
About 500 people packed the All Saints Anglican Church in Ainslie to farewell the much-loved broadcaster and former Canberran of the Year who died last week aged 66. It was the same church Peter and Gwen were married in 44 years earlier.
Chief Minister Jon Stanhope and Opposition Leader Zed Seselja were among the standing-room-only crowd, while other mourners sat outside under the blossom trees.
Also in the congregation were Leonard's 86-year-old mother Evelyn, brother John and former and current WIN-TV staff, including now Channel Seven presenter Samantha Armytage and former weather man Tony Lynas.
Puccini's O mio babbino caro accompanied the casket as it was taken from the church. His grandchildren released balloons into the spring sky.
Leonard died at home last Tuesday after being diagnosed with mesothelioma in January. He had retired as the WIN-TV newsreader only six months earlier after 16 years with the station. His varied working life also included stints at Treasury, the National Capital Development Commission, Parliament House Construction Committee and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, as well as the ABC, Capital Television and WIN-TV.
''One of the last things that Dad said to me before he died was, 'Be happy,' and I think now that he is free of this awful disease, we will,'' Nathan said.
WIN-TV sports presenter Phil Small spoke of sitting next to Mr Leonard for 16 years behind the news desk, ''pretty much like two mates back at school: one always trying to make the other one laugh'' at least during the commercial breaks.
Mr Small also announced a journalism scholarship to be named in Mr Leonard's honour and funded by the ACT Government and WIN-TV.
''So, Peter, for the final time, 'From the WIN News team, good night,' and if you have a say from where you are now, keep that spot at the desk next to you reserved. It would be a privilege to fill it a second time around,'' he said.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia executive director Wendy Phillips said, ''He was a perfect gentleman and touched the hearts of everyone who knew him.''
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