Many of the old time trotting fraternity will remember former Trotting Control Board (HRV) Steward Les Hooper who passed away on October 26 at Bendigo Hospital Palliative Care aged 96.

Les a fanatical Carlton supporter was a popular steward in his day and made many friends in the sport including trainers and drivers of that era, even though stewards were isolated from socializing with them as they are today.

He also made many friends in the provincial areas of the state during his time as a highly respected steward, especially with various club committee members.

One of his great friends was late Riverina trainer Robbie Jack the father of Russell and David Jack now based in Victoria.

Les was also popular with the staff of the Trotting Control Board in that era which was based at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds and enjoyed nothing more than a friendly game of cards there on a weekly basis when not required to work.

He was also friendly with TCB staff members Lorraine Duffy/Johnstone, Ron Harry and Brian Flannery.

It has never been released but Les and fellow steward Kevin Smith were dismissed under undisclosed circumstances which came as a great shock to both men.

After his dismissal Les opened a garden supplies shop and small nursery near his home in Pascoe Vale before taking out a bookmakers licence. He loved doing this and would meet and greet many old associates when working at trot meetings around the state.

After retirement he shifted to Bright on the edge of Victoria’s Alpine region and was loved by the community, he was always at the Men’s Shed and RSL Club and enjoyed playing lawn bowls on a weekly basis especially after his loving wife Irene had died. He had been a resident there for many years.

He was so popular that he hardly ever had to buy food as the ladies in the town provided him with home cooked meals on a regular basis.

To my knowledge never a bad word was said about Les.

His funeral will be held on Friday November 15 at Our Lady Of The Snows Catholic Church Bright commencing at 1-30pm followed by a burial at Bright Cemetery.