WELL known Hamilton identity Les Donehue passed away suddenly on Thursday morning at the age of 83.

Mr Donehue and his wife Margaret were well known for having established a family owned and operated caravan business, that began in the front yard of their Hamilton home in 1968.

Donehue’s Leisure expanded into selling boats, swimming pools, spas, home building and renovations, and in 1976 moved to the former sawmill site on the corner of Coleraine Road and Henty Highway.

In 1994, a second business site was opened in Mount Gambier S.A., but the Hamilton site became iconic for the large and colourful garden, full of roses and daffodils, lovingly created and tended by Mr Donehue up until only a couple of weeks ago.

The Donehues retired in 2004 after handing the reins to four of their six children and they became committed caravan club members for many years.

Mr Donehue continued to make a significant contribution to the community through his membership with Rotary, Probus, as a volunteer with Meals on Wheels, and Second Bite.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret and their children Shane, Andrew, Sue, Wayne, Didi and Kerriann, and fifteen grandchildren.