Local football has lost one of its most revered figures following the death of Les Ash.
The man whose name is synonymous with the Bellarine League and the Leopold Football Netball Club died early this morning.
In a statement to krockfootball.com.au, the 88-year-old’s family said, “Les passed away peacefully and comfortably at 12:30 this morning surrounded by his family”.
“He lived a full life.”
Mr Ash was a driving force behind the establishment of the Bellarine and District Football League in 1971 and served as president from the foundation year until 1978 when he was afforded Life Membership.
The league’s senior football best-and-fairest has been named in his honour since 1989.
Before joining the newly-formed Leopold in late 1955, where he was the inaugural secretary before five seasons as president in the 1960s, Mr Ash played with St Albans.
After his stint as Bellarine and District Football League president, Mr Ash spent two years as Corio District Councillor for the Victorian Country Football League, during which time the Geelong League was established.
“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.”
Mr Ash was married to Gillian for 49 years before her passing. They had four daughters; Kerrie, Lisa (dec.), Fiona and Shelley.
Mr Ash was also a proud grandfather to 16 and great-grandfather to 16.
In accordance with his wishes, Mr Ash will be farewelled at a private funeral ahead of a public memorial service in the coming weeks.
All AFL Barwon clubs – both football and netball – will wear black armbands as a mark of respect.
Twitter: krockfootball
