In memory: Les Gilsenan

Les Gilsenan 1951 – 2021. Born December 5, 1951 at Rekohu Wharekauri to Edward Archibald Gilsenan and Te Autiti Eva Kamo. Died June 3, 2021. 

Sending all our aroha to our Gilsenan and Pūaha te Rangi whānau, who lost a much-loved father, grandfather and uncle, Les Gilsenan, earlier this month. The below was sent in by Les' eldest son, Tobias. It is followed by an article  in the Whanganui Chronicle acknowledging Les' rich contribution to his whānau and community.

 

“Kua hinga te totara i te wao nui a Tane.”

We are sad to let you know that we lost our dad Leslie John Gilsenan on June 3, 2021, in his 69th year, but our hearts are full knowing that in his last days he was at home, surrounded by his whānau. Les passed very peacefully after a swift decline in health.

 A much-loved dad and father-in-law of Tobias and Francesca, Gabe, Kieran and Shelly, and

Casey. Loved Koro of Tiaki, Jaydana, Elijah; Kaian, Luche, and Jaxon. Loved brother, brother-in-law and uncle. Friends and whānau attended a celebration of Les’ life in Whanganui, on Tuesday, June 8, prior to interment at Aramoho Lawn Cemetery.

Les was a strong disability advocate and policymaker in the community. He worked tirelessly for those who needed a voice.

Hē aha ō te mea Nui, he tangata he tangata he tangata!

Maunga aroha.

Tobias Gilsenan (Les’ eldest son)