FORMER Bathurst City mayor Les Wardman has been remembered as a friendly, fiery representative of the people following his death on Saturday.
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Mr Wardman succumbed to a short illness aged 93.
Those who worked alongside Mr Wardman have paid tribute to him as one of the longest serving Bathurst City councillors.
Former councillor Paul Haysom served with Mr Wardman on the last Bathurst City Council, before it amalgamated with Evans Shire Council in 2004.
He highlighted the alderman’s knack for keeping in touch with the average ratepayer, describing him as “feisty, but also friendly, amusing and a great storyteller”.
“He was a person whose company anyone would enjoy,” Mr Haysom said.
“I was involved with the Cobb and Co committee with him, and we would often travel out west together. He had the greatest knowledge of western NSW of anyone I know – I could sit and listen to him all day!”
It was a sentiment shared by another of Mr Wardman’s colleagues, Norm Mann.
“He was an absolute gem, a terrific bloke, and he was respected by all who knew him,” Mr Mann said. “He did a lot for this city, and was on council for a record amount of time.”
Mr Mann mused that “Wardy” was renowned as an engaging orator.
“He was a brilliant speaker, a natural raconteur. I’ve seen him speak at so many different things, and never has there been an audience that hasn’t been completely captivated by him.”
Earlier this year, Mr Wardman addressed a mayoral reception during the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Mount Panorama racing circuit. He shared his memories of the first race held at Mount Panorama and about the circuit’s construction.
Bathurst MP and former mayor Paul Toole said residents would also recognise Mr Wardman’s involvement in all facets of the community.
“He did everything,” Mr Toole said. “Les played an instrumental role in the Ben Chifley Dam wall being raised, and he was a strong advocate for the rural community.”
Cr Wardman was first elected to Bathurst City Council in 1965, and remained on council until March 2004.
He was elected as mayor of Bathurst in 1977, and held that role until 1980. He served as deputy mayor from 1975-1976 and 1993-1994. A decade ago, he was recognised as the oldest councillor serving in NSW at 83 years of age.
Mr Wardman is survived by his wife Betty, with whom he celebrated 60 years of marriage last year.
His funeral will be held at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Kelso on Friday, commencing at 2pm.
