Leslie Zetland (Les) Griffin

I have only just heard that Les has passed on. My most sincere sympathy to all his family. I was sitting next to him at Royden Somerville’s bar dinner a few short weeks ago and we had much to talk about on Ross Dowling days, where I got my start in law with Les, (Stan Ross and Hugh Ross and Tony Dowling were then the other partners), this was from 1961/63, as a law clerk. It was a most enjoyable evening of retrospective. Over the many years of my practicing in Oamaru we kept in touch and Les assisted me with many matters from time to time. He was a good friend and colleague, a very good lawyer, and a gentleman in every way. For us all, he will be much missed. George Berry

A supportive cousin and friend. Deeply missed.

You have been in our thoughts all this week and particularly today . Bruce is still in hospital so we could not travel He came to Ross and Dowling as a clerk in 1967 and became a partner in Ross Dowling Marquet and Griffin in 1971 Les was a stalwart in the firm throughout until I went to Auckland in 1987 Throughout the years we enjoyed a good relationship with them both and treasured their company. Les was a. Careful and thorough lawyer held in high regard by those for whom he work. His wife and family came first and he was dedicated to them all

Les was a wonderful man and a true gentleman. He was an inspiring legal role model, always encouraging and supportive. I am grateful for the conversations we shared and for the opportunities his hard work created. I will remember Les with great respect and think of him whenever I watch the horse racing. His legacy will continue to live on in those he loved, supported and inspired.

Dear Mike, Penny, Sue and families As you venture into tomorrow to farewell Les I trust this message adds to the outpouring of love we know you will receive. It’s hard not to think of Les, without his love, Isla. Isla exuded warmth, grace, poise & style. Les, the consummate gentleman, dedicated to service to others, chivalrous to fault and generous always. Such a beautiful & fun double act. Humility was a trait they possessed in bucketfuls. They were wonderful communicators and sympathetic listeners who never ceased taking interest and pride in our life’s journeys, adventures and achievements. We all benefited at some level from their infectious enthusiam and without fail enjoyed the times we got to spend together. We all held Les and Isla in such high regard, it was a privilege to have them as Uncle and Aunt and later surrogate grandparents after Maurie & Joy had passed away. Together they leave an amazing legacy, one we can only aspire to emulate. Rest in Peace Les & Isla Peter, Julie, Sunniva, Saed, Marcel, Lena, Reuben, Lorena & Eden

Very fond memories of Les. The Warhurst Family.

We have felt it such an honour to have had Les in our lives for so many decades. He was the epitome of integrity and grace. And a fabulous lawyer to boot! All our love to Michael, Penny and Susan and grandies. So glad the Zetland name continues on! Vivienne, Richard, Lynne and families.

We had the privilege to spend time with Les for a shorty period than most. Within this space, we were lucky to welcome a gentleman into our shop who was just built differently to today's model. Les promoted a time where tradition, respect and loyalty were ahead of most things. He is what we would refer to as a 'gentleman' who knew many things but cared for more. I cannot make Friday, but my thoughts, admiration and respect will always be there for the one and only Les Griffin. No doubt we will raise a glass or 2 for him over the weekend. You will be missed. Paul

It was with great sadness I learned of the death of Les. He was a valued friend and contemporary of many years. Sadly in more recent times the limitations of age restricted our further associations but I have certainly been left with treasured memories of our past. There have been numerous occasions when with my late wife Patricia we enjoyed the company of Les and Isla both in Dunedin and Queenstown. They were good times. To the Griffin family I extend my sympathy, for you have lost a wonderful father and grandfather who for you will be someone you can hold in your memory with respect and affection. Ian Clayton

I was saddened to hear of Les’s passing. My parents, Neil and Beulah Cairns, were clients of Les throughout the 1970s and 1980s, and to them he was far more than an adviser - he was a trusted advocate and a friend. Even now, when I reflect on the various decisions they made over those years, I can still hear my father saying, “I’ll talk to Les.” My thoughts are with Les’s family, friends, and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Very fond and respectful memories of Les who was a great friend to horse racing having served on the Otago Racing Club Committee for many years offering sound advice and wisdom. Les was associated with many good horses including champion filly of her year Queen's Pal raced by his mother. Rest peacefully.

Les was always a real gentleman in the law. Careful and kind, personally and professionally. I remember him with respect.