'Such a joy': Leake retires after more than 37 years with the city of Coeur d'Alene

With staff at the Coeur d’Alene Streets and Engineering Department, Jay Leake has rock-star status.  

He is admired. Praised. Adored.  

“Everybody lights up around him,” said Sue Sim, administrative assistant. “Out of all the employees, Jay is loved by everyone.”  

For proof of that, step back to lunchtime Monday. Leake sits at a table, and he is surrounded by city employees. 

There are smiles and laughter, all of it coming from Leake or directed at him.  

“What are you going to miss the most?” asks Todd Feusier, the department’s director. 

It wasn’t easy to make out Leake’s answer. His words are muddled and come in brief blurps. But for those who have communicated with Leake for years, they knew. 

“You. All you guys.” 

After more than 37 years with the city working part-time, handling tasks for Streets and Engineering and for a time the water department, Leake recently retired. 

About 50 people attended his send-off party when he was presented with a three-wheeler, cake and applause.

"Be proud of the work you have done, the person you are and the difference you have made," read a poster presented to Leake.

The 60-year-old special-needs man is known for his big heart and joyous spirit, but also his wit and love of banter.

The gregarious Leake often wore a shirt and hat with his trademark comment: “You buggin’ me?” It drew the grins and started the conversations he enjoyed. 

“No, you’re bugging me,” Sims would respond.

She described him as happy, sweet and a “loved bird” who was a light in the city. 

“He was always happy and never in a bad mood,” Sims said. "That's what you want everybody to be. It’s what we all want to be. It's easy to not be. But not for Jay.” 

Keith Knight paired Leake with the city on April 23, 1987. Knight was overseeing a disabilities program, and part of his job was to find employment for those in it. One of them was Leake.

For Leake to remain with the city that long, Knight said, was “quite amazing.” 

“It really takes a special connection,” he said. “It’s a testament not only to Jay but to the city.” 

Leake’s sister, Rosie Ham, said her brother has always been a “joyful soul" even when he faced difficulties growing up.

“If you’re lucky enough to know Jay, you should consider yourself blessed,” she said. 

Despite his speech impediment, she said, Jay is good at expressing himself. Shy at first, once he gets to know someone, there's no shortage of words. 

“He will find a way to communicate,” Ham said. “He has a way of getting across.” 

Leake grew up in the area and remains a fixture, though he recently moved to a group home in Post Falls. His favorite hangouts include Hudson’s Hamburgers, Starbucks and Anthony’s Homeport, often arriving on his bike. He liked collecting business cards from people.

“He’s known throughout the city,” Feusier said. “He is loved by many, for sure.” 

Leake, whose duties included sweeping, taking out trash, wiping down and picking up mail, will be missed. The crew at Streets and Engineering was like family. Those who became his friends were friends for life.

“Such joy. He’s a good guy,” Feusier said. 

Mike Cummings, field lead with Streets and Engineering, said Leake has a unique sense of humor. He was known for his love of silliness, playing tricks on coworkers and handing out sticks of gum.

He said once, Leake unscrewed the top of a saltshaker and dumped it down his back on a hot, sweaty day. 

“It burned my back, so I took his birthday cake and smashed it in his face,” Cummings said. 

Both men laughed. 

Kim Harrington, assistant project manager with Streets and Engineering, said she was fascinated by Leake. 

"He loves everybody and he’s accepting of everybody,” she said. 

Sims called Leake’s a remarkable success story. 

“The city brought him in, and he was able to give back to the city for 37 years,” she said.

Leake, by the way, has a new shirt, courtesy of the city: “Buggin' no more. Retired."

    Richard Fortman with the city of Coeur d'Alene gives Jay Leake a hug on a recent visit to the Streets and Engineering Department.
  

    Bob Drapeau with the city of Coeur d'Alene shares a laugh with Jay Leake.
  

    Jay Leake laughs during one his visits to Starbucks in Coeur d'Alene.
  

    Todd Feusier, director of Coeur d'Alene's Streets and Engineering Department, presents a parting gift to Jay Leake at his retirement party.