City remembers legacy of Les

Trish Kinnane, wife of Les, is comforted by her son Brent and other family and friends at the funeral at St Mary’s Catholic Church.

Sarah Harvey

AS A dedicated teacher, sports administrator, groundsman and family man, Les Kinnane helped so many people in the Ipswich region.

Having an extraordinary nine life memberships in cricket, school sport and community involvement, Les was someone everybody welcomed and respected.

However, as family and friends celebrated his generous life in a packed St Mary's Catholic Church yesterday, Les most likely would have been humbled.

He died suddenly last Monday, exactly a month short of his 69th birthday.

He was still actively involved in many pursuits, including helping a support group for the needy.

However, his legacy will live on for decades in the Ipswich community he served without fuss and fanfare.

Family spoke at yesterday's funeral service about him being old-fashioned, loyal and adoring of his wife Trish and children Brent and Kerri. But in a world where dependable volunteers are hard to find, Les will be toasted for years to come for helping others over more than 40 years.

His diverse roles included everything from serving on several sports committees to fundraising and looking after his beloved Len Johnson Oval cricket wickets at North Ipswich.

His commitment to helping young people was one of his greatest strengths.

"He loved kids," former teacher and long-time family friend Des Johnston said after the service.

"He loved making sure kids had the opportunity to get out there and do things in sport.

"He always believed you saw a better side of kids if they were involved in sport."

For decades, Johnston followed the sport, school and 48-year teaching career of Les. He continues to serve with Les' wife Trish as one of Australia's leading athletics officials.

"Most meetings in school sport didn't start without Les being in the room," Johnston said. "And it didn't matter whether it was cricket or rugby league or athletics or swimming, he was always there.

"Ipswich was his home and he ensured everything that could be done for kids was done."

Among the many groups Les supported was the Ipswich Parents and Old Boys Association, who were out in force yesterday.

Representatives from Brothers sporting clubs also paid their respects, along with players and officials from many Ipswich organisations and civic leaders.