The Spirit of Carlton Past and Present would like to extend our deep commiserations to the family and friends of Len (Leonard) Davies who passed away last Friday on the 4th of December.
Len was a past player (ruckman) recruited from Rainbow in the Mallee, a Carlton squad member for the 1954/55 seasons. He trained alongside the likes of Ken Hands & Jack Howell under coach Percey Bentley. He played consistently in the 2’s, but couldn’t break into the seniors although he was named emergency 3 times. Unfortunately a torn knee cartilage in only his second season forced his withdrawal from the game.
Len was later very active in the Carlton Past Players Association, in capacity of Secretary (and barman) for some years. For part of that time the Past Players had rooms under the Robert Heatley stand at Princes Park. He and Ken pretty much ran the match day duties. For his considerable contributions Len was made a life member of the Carlton Past Players Association.
During the 2013 season, Len was awarded a certificate celebrating 64 years continuous membership of the club.
Len was also active in the AFL Combined Past Players & Officials Association where he was bestowed the honour of life member.
His funeral is being held at Joyce Chapel, Fawkner Memorial Park, 1187 Sydney Road Fawkner at 1:30pm Thursday 10/12/2015.
We can advise that the family wishes that interested members of the Past Players Association & AFL Combined Past Players & Officials Association, may pay their respects should they wish.
A message from Dennis Munari
As a former Past President of the Carlton Football Club Past Players Association I would like to personally pass on my condolences to the Davies family on the passing of Len and acknowledge his contribution.
Personally I will always be grateful for Lens loyalty, hard work and support and acknowledge that Len was one of our most dedicated, loyal and hard working servants of our Association for so many years dating from 1960s
His contribution during the formative years of the association under Ken Hands in the 1950 -60 s, through to Chris Pavlou and then myself earned Lenny the respect of all our members. He was always in attendance at our committee meetings, despite the distance he had to travel and his increasing health issues, and on match days along with Graeme Anderson gave up his time to manage the bar at our Saturday Match Functions until stumps.
I always found Lenny to be a quiet unassuming man with strong views when they had to be expressed and without question a truly dedicated and loyal past player. He was always willing to assist with anything that had to be done to achieve our goals and objectives and I am sure that Ken Hands, Chris Pavlou and myself – all former Presidents of the Carlton Football Club Past Players Association were grateful for his contribution, loyalty and support in helping to keep the association strong and viable for so many years.
In addition Len was our club delegate to the AFL Combined Past Players Association for many years and assisted in organising their Annual Bowls Day and putting together Carlton’s representative teams. His magnificent contribution to both Associations earned Len Life Membership which he thoroughly deserved.
I can say from personal experience that the likes of Len Davies along with many others ongoing contribution to our association is a major reason why the Carlton Football Club Past Players Association ( now Spirit of Carlton Past and Present) has retained its strong relevance as a united sub section of the Carlton Football Club.
Len would be the first to admit that he may not have been a high profile past player however in many ways he represents why we changed the name of our past player association to – the Spirit of Carlton Past and Present.
I am sure Len’s spirit will live on and his contribution to our great club will always be remembered.
Yours sincerely,
Dennis Munari