Robins – Leslie Henry “Les”

Les and my mother married when I was 14. Naïvely, I didn’t think Les would impact my adolescence. How wrong was I! His patience, kindness, quiet strength, respect, knowledge, ability and creativity forged a lasting bond between us. Despite Les and my Mum divorcing by the time I was 26, Les remained a constant support. He proved parenting and leadership could be quiet, gracious and strong. Les proved he loved in practical ways – and you knew it.

He and his widow Joan came to our home for a holiday about 10 years ago – and I’m forever grateful they did and that he enabled me to have a long term relationship with him – albeit somewhat different.

During a particularly difficult time in my life I, my 3 children and German Shepherd dog lived with Les for a couple of months and to quote my youngest daughter, Brighid’s, memories and recent thoughts of that time:
“As a step grandfather our family was truly enriched and blessed to have you in our lives – as was my Mum who was lucky to have you as a Father figure. You could always make us laugh and kept us as tiny toddlers intrigued and busy with the tools and odds and ends you’d be using on the projects you worked on. I’m sure it paved the way for the next generation to continue a legacy you may not have realised you’d leave. Helping others was never a bother but was much appreciated.”

It’s been a heartbreak of life not to have had uncomplicated contact with Les but it’s a true testament to the character of the man that he sustained his and my relationship despite divorce.

You are loved and respected Les, never forgotten – until we meet again R.I.P.

Deb, Kelly, Jay, Brighid and families