21/05/2026
PASSING of RAY LEGGETT
We were saddened to learn last weekend that longtime QFS member, Ray Leggett, had passed away.
Ray was a real gentleman, passionate naturalist and conservationist with interests in birds and fish, both in the wild and in captivity. He was actively engaged in aviculture, where most of us knew him, and often liaised with Russell Kingston during the Bonza Birds days. Ray attended every one of the Finch Conventions and wth his partner of 20 years, Jeanette Lamont, he occasionally attended QFS meetings when he was "in town", having come down from his beautiful hideaway in Mapleton.
Perhaps unknown to many bird people, Ray was a real leader in ANGFA (Australia New Guinea Fishes Association) where he was a highly respected figure and Life Member. He was best known as co-author of the influential book "Australian Native Fishes for Aquariums", and he achieved the captive breeding of 189 species of freshwater fish from Australia and internationally. Ray collected nearly 8,000 freshwater fish specimens across Queensland and beyond, contributing 75–80% of the Queensland Museum’s freshwater fish collection.
He was also a long standing member of the Qld Naturalists Club where he was President three times and on the Council for 14 years. In recognition for his work on the wildlife of Queensland Ray was awarded the Queensland Natural History Award in 2008.
Ray will be sorely missed by all who knew him and we pass our condolences to his family and friends. Mapleton residents described him as their local hero.
A funeral for Ray will be held on Tuesday, May 26 at 12 noon at the Garden Chapel, Albany Creek Memorial Park, Bridgeman Downs. QFS members who knew Ray are welcome to attend.
VALE RAY LEGGETT.
