Obituary: Leslie Adams; Justice of the Peace who was known for integrity and sense of humour

Leslie Robertson Adams JP, best known as “Les”, a retired builder and cabinet maker and well respected member of the Yetholm and Kelso communities, in the Borders, died at the age of 90, on 12 September, 2012.

The youngest of seven children, he was born on 10 June, 1922, to John and Christina Adams of Yetholm, where he lived a great deal of his life.

He served a joinery apprenticeship with Willie Gray in Kelso and when the Second World War broke out he joined the RAF, serving as an aircraft fitter in India.

It was during this time and while on home leave that he met his future wife, Isobel Robb, sister of his dear friend Bill Robb. Following the war, they married and returned to Yetholm where, using his demob money, Les started his building business LR Adams. Initially cycling to and from his jobs, with his tools on the back, he built a very successful family business, furnishing the Borders with many of his houses.

His passion was strong and took him into avenues new; he built the first timber-frame houses in the Borders and designed the dream houses his clients desired.

Many years ago he was appointed Justice of the Peace and served on the local bench. Renowned for his integrity, he was also well known for his great sense of humour and dry wit.

It was a delight for all who knew him when, five years after the death of his first wife, he married Jeanette and his ensuing retirement years were some of the happiest of his life.

Les was also well known in his many sporting circles with his great interests being football, cricket and latterly golf, which he played well into his 80s, teaching his grandchildren the joys of the sport through the years too.

He also continued his cabinet-making skills until very recently, making intricate inlaid tables of his own designs.

Les is survived by his dear wife Jeanette, daughter Pat, sons Gordon and Stuart, and stepdaughter Maureen, 11 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

In his own words: “I’ve had a good innings.”

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