Les Holloway, a man described by a former colleague as a Ballarat “institution”, died at the age of 82 last Saturday.
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Mr Holloway was well known in the city, noted for his community-minded attitude, meticulous research skills and his outspoken-ness in addressing the issues that concerned him, particularly those affecting Ballarat’s heritage and civic pride.
Brett Macdonald, the chief executive officer of Royal South Street Society, where Mr Holloway used to volunteer on the historical sub-committee, said: “Les was terrific. He was the go-to man for South Street history when you didn’t know where to go. He was a gem and he will be missed.”
He described Mr Holloway as “instrumental” in bringing debate back to South Street and bringing it into the “healthy state” it is today.
Prior to his volunteering, Mr Holloway also used to serve on the board of the South Street Society. Its chairman Peter Zala described him as “quite an inspiration” who was always happy to roll his sleeves up and get stuck into work. “He was a quiet achiever, a gentleman and a thoroughly nice chap,” Mr Zala told The Courier.
The youngest child in a large family, Mr Holloway was born in Coleraine then moved to Ballarat at the age of three where he grew up with his five older sisters.
A keen sportsman, he played football at a high standard in his younger years – at one stage going for a trial for North Melbourne where he played all the 1957 pre-season practise games . He also won the best and fairest for Redan in 1959, went on to become a keen golfer, squash player, runner for the Ballarat Harriers, as well as a bowls player for Central Wendouree.
His professional life revolved around for more than four decades around The Ballarat Courier, where he joined on an printing apprenticeship as a compositor, then worked his way up to become the advertising and promotions manager.
He met his wife, Meryl, on a seaside break to Lorne in 1960 and the couple were married in April 1962, bringing up their three sons in Mount Clear. His children describe a strict but loving father with a keen sense of fun.
After leaving The Courier to set up his own firm, Advertising Works, he maintained his link with the newspaper as a frequent letter-writer. His correspondence in recent years covered issues that ranged from the gardens of the city’s North Gardens, graffiti in Wendouree, dangerous road crossings and the heritage of Ballarat’s railway station.
Former deputy editor of The Courier Kim Quinlan spoke of a proud man who was very good at his job – winning several awards for his advertising campaigns – and always taking new people under his wings.
“It didn’t matter what department you worked in – advertising, editorial – he was the go-to person for any advice,” she said.
His eldest son Craig recalled that Mr Holloway “seemed to know everyone in Ballarat” and that he was responsible for several big fundraising initiatives.
Mr Holloway wore many different hats with his voluntary work after his retirement. He was a former president and life member of the Golden City Paddle Steamer Museum Society and worked on a cemeteries community advisory committee.
He would frequently bang the drum for authorities to take greater care of the city’s historical treasures.
Mr Holloway’s research skills also took him on deeply personal journeys, including to the battlefields of Europe, where he traced his father Ron’s footsteps during the First World War.
In 2009, he went with his son Bryce to Gallipoli with the Conservation Volunteer Group. Three years later, he returned to the old battlefields of the Western Front, and was particularly proud to be asked to read the Anzac Ode at the Menin Gate nightly service.
He wrote about his father’s experiences as a soldier and prisoner of war in a document Conflict of Silence.
Passionate and knowledgeable about Ballarat’s past, Mr Holloway worked on a history of the Golden City Paddle Steamer. His book The Years Between, which detailed the story of the Young Men's Debating Society in South Street, was published last year. He is also credited as the designer and compiler on the book Know your gallery: the City of Ballaarat Fine Art Gallery.
He leaves behind his wife Meryl, his children Craig, Bryce and Glenn, as well as three grandchildren. His funeral will be held at Doveton Park Funeral Centre, in Ballarat at 2.30 this Friday (February 22).
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