Gainsborough: Rotary club members pay tribute to one of its founding members

The club is sad to announce that Les Rickell, a founding member since the inception of the club on July 1, 1961, died on Wednesday, August 19.

Les was aged 95, and would have turned 96-years-old in November.

Les resigned from the Rotary Club in June through ill health and was made an honorary member to recignise his valid contribution to the club.

Les was a popular member of the Rotary Club and a party was held on a club night to celebrate his 90th birthday to which many of his friends were invited to and was something he never forgot.

He will be sadly missed not only by the club but also his friends and family.

Outside of the rotary club Les was involved with a number of organisations in the area and he will be solely missed by those who he built sound and lasting foundations.

Les had two children, one of whom has sadly passed away, four grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

Granddaughter, Jess Whiskin, said: “He was a very loyal and devoted friend and he was the one of the oldest and longest standing rotary club members in Gainsborough and he was very dedicated to keeping that going.

“He loved the outdoors and he has passed on his love of walking to his grandchildren and he was a very keen gardener.

“He was a very fair man and he knew what he liked and could be stubborn.

“And he carried on working as an accountant right up until last year.

“I’m glad he got to meet his first great granddaughter before he died.

“He had a number of friends which he accumulate but at 95-years-old a lot of those friends sadly passed away but he was able to make new friends.

“He always continued to be socialable.

His funeral will be held at Gainsborough Parish Church on Thursday, September 3, at 12.30pm.

The Gainsborough Rotary Club meet every Wednesday at Hemswell Court, Hemswell Cliff at 6pm.

For more information about the club visit www.facebook.com/rotaryclubofgainsborough.