BFL’s founding father leaves lasting legacy

THE public memorial of renowned local sporting figure and former Leopold and St Albans player Les Ash will be held at the Leopold Sporting Club, 135 Kensington Road, Leopold tomorrow (Friday, July 14) at 1pm.

The Barwon region’s football community is in mourning following the death of the Bellarine Football League’s (BFL) founding father and a stalwart of the Leopold Football Club, Les Ash, on Thursday last week.

Ash served as the BFL’s inaugural president in the competition’s foundation year in 1971, and the league’s Best and Fairest Award was named in his honour in 1989.

He stayed in the role until 1978 and was made a life member at the end of his tenure.

Ash was a revered figure at Leopold, serving as the club’s first secretary in 1956, president from 1962-66 and again in 1979, and was made a life member in 1965.

“Les’ dedication and service to local football is highly admired and he was well-respected,” Leopold Lions FNC said in a statement.

“From everyone at Leopold FNC, our committee, members, players, and supporters, we offer our deepest condolences to Les’ family and loved ones, we are thinking of you.

“He will be dearly missed.”

Ash’s playing career was at St Albans and Leopold, before he took on his various off-field roles.

He played from 1956-65 in 38 senior games and eight games in the reserves.

Ash was also appointed senior vice-president of the former Polwarth League.

“The Les Ash legacy will always remain in the Bellarine Football Netball League, and the AFL Barwon community is forever grateful for his role in community football and netball in our region,” AFL Barwon said in a statement.

“The AFL Barwon Chairperson, Commission, Staff and all member clubs, Bellarine FNL Board, and all members extend their deepest sympathies to the Ash family.”

Ash is survived by his three daughters, Kerrie, Fiona, and Shelley. He was married to wife Gillian for 49 years and had a fourth daughter, Lisa.

AFL Barwon will be livestreaming the service on its website at aflbarwon.com.au