Leslie’s family kindly provided the following biography of Leslie who lives in Linshader, Isle of Lewis.

Leslie Eller was born in Devon on 5 February 1925 the son of a railway signalman. Leslie joined the RAF and was trained as a navigator at the end of the war in Europe. He didn't see service in the air but was part of the support and reparations service in Germany.  On returning to the UK, he joined the National Union of Railwayman as a junior clerk.  Over 40 years he rose through the ranks of the Union becoming the Director of Finance. Steering the Union through the setting up of a training college and change of offices.  He was part of the group of Union finance directors that helped establish the Unity Bank.

He met his wife Grace Sherwood at the local Labour League of Youth and they married in June 1951.  They had two children, Lorna and Mark.

Retiring in 1985 he and Grace moved from Buckinghamshire to Lincolnshire where they remained until 2022. They were married for 70 years and received 3 messages from the late Queen celebrating that achievement. Sadly, Grace passed away in February 2022 after a short stay in hospital.  After a few months on his own Les moved to Linshader where he would be near his daughter Lorna and son-in-law Tony Pendle who have been resident in the village since 1981.

After retirement Les and Grace travelled widely, going to China, Russia, USA, New Zealand, the near East and various places in Europe. They continued their sporting activities playing golf, bowls, and belonged to a bridge club. They spent many happy holidays with their family, including grandchildren Alex and Ashlyn, children of Mark and Sue Morris, including many visits to the Hebrides.   As members of The Holiday Fellowship they took many walking holidays, in the UK and abroad, leading some walks.

Whenever the weather permits Les goes for short walks in the village and enjoys trips around the island. Les is looking forward to the better weather coming so he can get out more and enjoy the scenery.