by Leo’s good friend, former President of Qld & Brisbane
Vets, John Decker.
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Leo became involved in Veterans Tennis in
1992 and played in the 45’s Team for Queensland in Victoria.
He also represented Qld in 1994 – Adelaide; 1995 – Hobart;
1996 – Perth; 1997 – Gold Coast (winning team); 1998 –
Newcastle & 1999 - Albury/Wodonga. He was instrumental
in establishing The Stanthorpe Tennis Association and
upgrading their courts in the country town on the Darling
Downs about three hours drive from Brisbane. He played
a lot of country tournaments and was well respected by
everybody. |
On Tuesday, 7 October, Leo Butler lost his 12-month battle
with cancer and passed away at his home in Stanthorpe. He
was 58.
Leo is survived by his wife Esme, 4 daughters, 2 sons and
2 grandchildren. Leo represented Queensland in the Interstate
Primary Schools team in the late 1950’s and continued his
great passion for tennis throughout his life. Veterans tennis
was a rejuvenation for him and he again represented Queensland
on a number of occasions.
Leo was a small crops farmer but he did not let the remoteness
of Stanthorpe get in the way of a good game of tennis. As
a member of Brisbane Vets for many years, Leo thought nothing
of driving 3 hours to Brisbane for Sunday afternoon fixtures,
then 3 hours home again.
In his latter years, Leo took up a position with Sirromet
Winery at Mount Cotton, where he was responsible for establishing
and maintaining the vineyard. Leo was an expert in this field
and the picture card vista that he created is a testament
to him.
Leo was a community-minded person and was a member of the
Stanthorpe Rotary Club for 25 years. Those of us who were
privileged to know Leo will always remember him for his imposing
stature, his gentleness, his calmness, his sportsmanship and
demeanour, his dry sense of humour and for being just a truly
great bloke.
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