By ALESHA CAPONE
NIDDRIE MP Ben Carroll has paid tribute to a war hero who belonged to the Keilor East RSL for more than 60 years, before his recent death.
Mr Carroll told State Parliament Leslie ‘Les’ Walter Fraser was born on 22 July 1924 and passed away earlier this year, and was survived by his wife Dawn and four children.
Les was schooled at Aberfeldie Primary School, was a founding member of the Doutta Stars Cricket Club and a soldier in the ninth division of the 2/17th Australian Imperial Force battalion.
He served in in Papua New Guinea and Borneo during World War II.
“He will be forever remembered as a gentleman devoted to his family and a stalwart of the local community,” Mr Carroll said.
“He will be missed but not forgotten.”
Les’ daughter, Moonee Valley City Councillor Jan Chantry, said more than 170 people attended her father’s funeral at the Keilor East RSL.
“Dad was very proud of his role as a soldier and his contribution to his country and the flag,” she said.
“This in turn led to his ongoing commitment and passion for the RSL.
“After the war he played cricket for Brunswick RSL.”
Ms Chantry recalled travelling in an old furniture truck to watch her father play cricket, while her mother always packed a picnic lunch.
“Les Fraser was a very proud, quiet and at times a private man who lived for his wife and family,” she said.
“He was married to Dawn for 66 years and even after all this time they still loved and adored each other and would often be seen holding hands while shopping together in Keilor Rd.”
