25/05/2026
We received the sad news of the passing of Fluff Les Dunbar yesterday.
Rox chairman Paul Bergset paid tribute to a much loved member of the Rox family...
"Leslie, or Fluff as he was affectionately known as, grew up on the beaches in Umhlanga during the late 70’s and early 80’s. The Dunbar Family home was situated in the “back gardens” of The Oyster Box Hotel in those days, and most of his days were consumed, together with his brother Leonard, with crayfish diving and the supply to all the hotels on the Umhlanga Beach front.
He obtained his SPA through URSLC in the 80’s and was an active club member into the 90’s. His love for the ocean meant he was pulled into fishing and his club membership shifted to the Umhlanga Ski Boat Club where he maintained his dedication to the club by diligently manning the launch site at URSLC over the weekends. Just this year he competed in the Annual Umhlanga Ski Boat Festival and was one of the main prize winners landing a sizable Wahoo to claim 1st prize for that species in the 2026 event.
His knowledge of the banks, rocks, and currents in and around Graveyard, Cemetery, Grannies Pool through to Black Rock, Bronze Beach, Peace Cottage and on to Umdloti were invaluable to all Beach and Ocean goers. If you had the time to listen, he had much to share and chat about. While he was a born and bred North Coast man he did love the Transkei Coastline, and his favorite get away was Mtentu where he always felt at home and shared many unforgettable days with his mates from the Umhlanga Ski Boat Club and wider Fishing Community.
Fluff was affectionately known to his mates from school as the Original Rock Robber, because of his skill to fish in and around the Umhlanga Shoreline. If there ever was a Shad Fishing competition to be held on the Umhlanga shoreline Fluff would be your go-to angler. His love for the Ocean and in particular the Umhlanga Shoreline was something special.
Fluff is survived by his daughter Morgan, his sister Rozanne and brother Leonard. His friendly smile and engaging manner will be sorely missed and his gentle impact on the Umhlanga community will be treasured by many for many years to come.
Rest Peacefully Fluff and thanks for everything you shared with us.”
