Derrick Jessie Leaks November 7, 1978-April 14, 2005

ASNR Staff

American Journal of Neuroradiology

It is with great sorrow that the ASNR reports the death of Derrick J. Leaks, who served as Editorial Assistant for the AJNR since January 2001.

Derrick attended Providence St. Mel High School in Chicago, Illinois. While at Providence, he had the opportunity to study at Oxford University in the United Kingdom. He received a Bachelors of Science degree in psychology from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, and while working at the journal, completed a Masters of Science program in industrial psychology at Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, Illinois.

Derrick offered his expertise in statistical analysis and survey design to the ASNR in such important projects as the Needs Assessment Survey that will be critical to the society’s re-accreditation. He brought to the job a thorough understanding of new technology, which greatly enhanced efficiencies in journal production as the AJNR migrated from a paper-based to a paperless system.

What vendors, coworkers and friends will remember most about Derrick was his dependability. He would always respond to a question, a request or a call for help. That is why on April 14, 2005, when Derrick did not respond to emails or phone calls in “real time,” it became clear that something was wrong. And when he did not come to work, his AJNR colleagues responded immediately to investigate what was wrong. The night before, Derrick suffered a heart attack in his newly purchased house.

Derrick was a quiet young man with an uncanny sense of humor. What the ASNR staff remembers most about Derrick is his deep, loud laugh that reverberated through the office and lightened everyone’s load. He was a gifted mimic and great observer of human behavior; he would have been a gifted stand-up comedian and novelist. Derrick was also a talented musician and he volunteered in his community. He loved people and people loved him.

In his short life, Derrick touched so many, as was evident in his memorial service at Christ Tabernacle M.B. Church of Austin in Chicago, Illinois. It was standing-room-only and the sanctuary was overflowing in celebration of this young man’s life.

Derrick is survived by his mother, Denise Leaks; his grandfather, Tealy Williams Sr.; three uncles, Dr. James (Sheila) Haley, Tealy (Angela) Williams, Jr., and Erick Williams; many great-aunts, great-uncles and cousins.

We all miss Derrick very much but, like all who met him, we are so grateful to have known him.