Biography
Mr Richard Ansley was described as one of the most highly respected and lovable personalities in the Leonora district. Though he had been ill for some considerable time, the end came rather suddenly, and though it afforded him a happy release, his many friends received the news with feelings of deep sorrow.
The deceased had been living in Leonora since 1901, engaged for some some time with the storekeeping firm of Clark and Smith. He afterwards had business interests in the town, and later successfully carried out the duties as secretary to the Leonora District Hospital, which position he held with very great credit until about a year before his death, when he relinquished that office. During his 37 years in Leonora, he was a successful businessman and accountant and carried out his duties in a Christian manner, as befitting a devout Catholic.
Deeply attached to his church, he was a regular attendant at the Sacred Heart Church, Leonora, even when he became enfeebled in body, though his mind remained active. Loving sympathy was passed to his widow. A grown-up son, William, was resident in the Eastern States at the time of his father's death.
Richard was the youngest of six children born to John and Mary Ann Ansley in Kyneton, Victoria, where John Ansley taught at Catholic School in Footscray Victoria, then went to Taradale in 1858 staying some years. He was then teaching at Kyneton & Lauriston, a teacher in the state System for about 12 years. He later became a grocery and provision merchant in Piper Street, Kyneton. The couple married in 1866 in Victoria. Their children were: Jane, born and died in 1867; William Ambrose born 1868; John Augustine born 1870; Ann Bridget born 1872; Charles Frederick born 1875 and finally, Richard William in 1877. All were born in Kyneton. Mary Ann died on 24 April 1884 at Kyneton and her husband died there on 30 July 1901.
Richard's brother, Charles Frederick, died in Leederville, Western Australia, on 10 October just three months after the death of Richard.
