Devoted Brother, Father, Grandfather, Husband, Friend, and Colleague
It is with great sadness and unimaginable pain that we say goodbye to Les here in this book. He passed away on Friday 28th Oct after a prolonged battle with cancer, a battle that he faced with immense bravery, humility, and characteristic humour. He showed a strength that will characterise his legacy and show those of us that remain a great example.
On 3rd May 1954 the second son of Murray and Jean Flanagan, Les was born. He grew up in London Colney idolising his big brother Ray and eventually becoming a big brother to Murray and then Helen, who he dearly loved and cared for immensely. He often reminisced about his childhood and how wonderful it was, despite his parents having nothing of value they gave their children the greatest childhood filled with adventures, experiences, and laughter. Written off at school as a ‘damn cuckoo’ Les went out into the working world and found himself in the logistics industry as a forklift truck driver. A humble start for a man that was to go on to become a titan in the same industry and then owner of three very successful logistics companies. Not bad for the young lad that left school with nothing.
His early days as a new parent were to Andrew and Christel, doing all he could to make their lives a joy and balancing a busy work life with the demands of a single parent, quite unheard of in the early 1980s. Much like his parents and their grandparents Les gave them all he could, despite the challenges he faced. Two became five with the arrival of Matthew, Oliver, and Elizabeth and then seven with the arrival of twins Isabella and Alexi. Selfless, caring, loving, and nurturing he would give all to see others happy, especially his children. His dedication to fatherhood was immeasurable and his love and care unmatched. His dedication to his role of ‘Uncle Les’ led him to taking the unruly mob out on road trips and outings, camping, and caravanning, and causing havoc when entertaining them at grandparent visits. Whilst the stress of such adventures was palpable, Les took it all in his stride and cared for everyone in the kindest ways.
Becoming a grandfather for the first time in 2004 he had the opportunity to extend his love and care all over again to a new generation. Showing Mollie, Sophie, and Ava his love, care, and kindness.
Les met Provan in 1997 and they married in 2005, they shared a wonderful life together with travel, children, adventures, and Provan supported Les in everything he did. Most notably the raising of their lovely twins Isabella and Alexi and the creation of the businesses they ran together.
Les made many, many friends on his journey and always had time for everyone. He was a colleague to some, a boss to others and a mentor and leader to all of those he came across in his professional life. He worked for some of the biggest logistics companies in the world and often spoke very fondly of the people he had the pleasure to call a friend or a colleague. He added warmth, charm, and positivity to all situations, and he did so with respect and empathy.
Les will be dearly missed by all who knew him, and he will live on in all of us.
Please share your memories, pictures, and comments in this book. It will go on to be a notable keepsake for the whole family.
Goodbye old man, thank you for everything. God bless and see you next time.