Leslie Terry
Leslie Terry died on 30 November 2025 aged 70 years.
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Dionysios Koutsouvelis — 17 December 2025
Les was a remarkable human being with immeasurable depth, passion and integrity who loved to joke and make everyone around him happy. He was a larger-than-life character who impacted on people around him. He was equally strong in both academic and fiction writing and committed till the end to finishing his second book. More so, though, he was committed to his family. He was so proud of and caring for each one and every new addition to his family speaking so fondly of every single one. I met Les 40 years ago at Child Migrant Education Services at Myer House and we became friends ever since. I remember fondly the Thursday nights that wed have Greek lessons at his home. Of course we spent most of the time laughing. When the family moved to Mount Macedon, I remember those phone calls including the laughs. As we both reached retirement those phone calls became longer as the decision was not an easy one to take. And after returning from the professorship in Japan the family moved to Clifton Hill, we had those enjoyable walks and discussions and of course coffees at Cavallinis. Throughout his life Les never stopped inquiring about his relatives from his fathers side from the island of Samos. He was so proud of them, and they were so welcoming and accepting of him when he visited them in Samos . He discovered that he was related to Chrysostomos the Metropolitan Bishop of Smyrna who was declared a Saint. He was so proud of it that he was making enquiries about the life of his relative Saint even days before his passing. Les, I remember you saying that lifes too short. You left us so early, but youve accomplished so many things. You leave behind a beautiful and loving family, so many friends, and of course an academic and writing legacy that you should be extremely proud of. Your passion and understanding of pluralism, your advocacy for the weak and the vulnerable, your understanding of broader social issues made you a complete human being. Your memories will live with us for ever. We are so proud and privileged that you have shared aspects of your life with our family and that we have shared aspects of our lives with you and your family. That way you are now part of our collective memory. Dear friend, you will live in our hearts and memories for ever. From your other family, Rest In Peace Lazaros. Dionysios, Matina and Konstantinos
Maggie Siebler — 11 December 2025
I have many warm memories of Les from growing up. Les was funny, genuine and absolutely one of a kind. I mostly remember a lot of laughter from Les and everyone in his presence. It was always very obvious when my Dad was talking to Les on the phone, as the conversation would never end! Sending all my love to Annabel, Will, Amelia, Grace and fam, we are thinking of you all.
Jesse siebler — 9 December 2025
Growing up Les and his family would come to stay at our place and vice versa. They were friends with my parents and over time my sisters and I became friends with the kids too. When Les was coming to visit I always knew it was going to be fun. He was such a character and a really funny guy. Our place was in the country and I remember Les embracing this, starting every morning outside. Later in life I recall hearing the story about how Les felt unwell and it turned out hed been bitten by a snake without realising. I always wondered if that happened at our place. When they lived in Gisborne I remember going to stay with my family. I distinctly recall them having a wine cellar under the house and possibly getting food poisoning from a lasagne I ate. I also recall being introduced to Chuck Norris. Later in life I studied at VU and remember reading Les first novel. It was good book and an insight into Les and his life. I have nothing but good memories of him. Especially as a kid, he was so entertaining. I was really sorry to hear of his passing and all the best to the family.
Lyn Pope — 9 December 2025
Dear Les,Sorry that I'm not there today to celebrate your amazing life.You were such a character . . . larger than life! A true spirit: no pretences; always genuine; heartfelt; ready and willing to uphold your principles, and advocate strongly for others.So many wonderful memories of times spent together with you, Annabel and your family, from our early 'hippie' days of casual 'drop-ins' at one another's houses to enjoy good food, music and company, to visits with children when our families would breach the wide distance to catch up. Our children, Jesse, Maggie and Fern, remember you with such fondness.You would always 'light up a room' with your presence and your smile, relating stories and recollections with such flair and panache! Les, you had a very special gift . . . to make everyone laugh!Love you, miss you,Lyn xxx
Jen couch — 5 December 2025
Les was one of my first lecturers and mentors, and one of the people who truly changed the course of my life. As a working-class, mature-age student bewildered by university life, I often felt out of placebut Les never let me feel alone in that. He encouraged me, supported me, and helped me see that I belonged.Before the pandemic, we would meet and talk about everythingfrom ideas and work to the strange, winding journey in and out of academia. Those conversations grounded me and reminded me of the bigger, human reasons behind what we do.Les carried so much love for his family, a deep commitment to community, and an enormous multicultural heart that welcomed everyone. His warmth, wisdom, and generosity shaped countless lives, mine included.Thank you, Les, for all you gave me. I will always be grateful.
Katie Hughes — 5 December 2025
I worked with Les for many years and was always struck by his compassion for first family students. He was endlessly kind, and a very popular lecturer for it. I was so sorry to hear this news, and send my condolences to his family.
Jeannie Rea — 5 December 2025
Les was a courageous and passionate man who deeply impacted those around him. As a colleague he was a terrific educator, great company, fun and serious when needed, as we sought to expand higher education to working class people way out west. I often think fondly of those early days of VUT and Les always features in those memories. Vale