Tributes paid to foodbank stalwart Les Paskin passes away
Les Paskin was well known for his work with the foodbank Tributes have been paid to Les Paskin, the first coordinator of Perth and Kinross Foodbank, who died earlier this week.
Les (71) passed away earlier this week after a long battle with illness.
He was well known in the community around the Fair City because of his work with the foodbank and the Salvation Army.
His granddaughter Toni Moffat described him as the “greatest man” she had ever known. She said: “My grandad was a very loved man, well known by many in Perth but his first priority was always his large family. His wife Patricia, six kids Michelle, Chris, Paul, Rachel, Debbie and the late Richard, 19 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
“He would drop anything he was doing to help all of us. He was the greatest man we had ever known and we miss him dearly.”
Many who paid tribute to Les commended his caring work ethic and strong faith.
Marjorie Clark, secretary of Perth and Kinross Foodbank, said: “Les was the first coordinator of the foodbank. Thanks to him, the Perth and Kinross Foodbank became established.
“He did a huge amount and was very committed to his work here at the foodbank, he was a very caring person.
“We want to send our condolences to his wife and family because we will miss him, and his family will miss him hugely. He had a long battle against ill health, so it is very sad but he had a strong faith, so we hope he has gone to a better place.
“He did all this in his retirement, right at the time when we were setting up. He was amazing, and he saw us into our city centre premises.”
Family friend Doug Rous worked alongside Les at the Salvation Army in Skinnergate. Doug said: “Les always wanted to do more than just provide a basic resettlement programme for the guys coming to Skinnergate.
“His motto was always ‘we give a man a bed to sleep in, and a reason to get out of it’.
“His passion was crucial to the quick success of projects, where I had the privilege of working under him. He encouraged guys to come and volunteer and ensured they were well looked after.
“It was always a joy to us, but especially Les, when we could bring some of his guys onto the payroll.
“But, we did the one thing Les was passionate about - to join together church, social and community as one.”
Tributes were also paid by local charity Perth Autism Support: “We are sorry to hear the news of Les passing at Perth Autism Support. He was a wonderful supporter of ours and our thoughts are with Pat and their family.”
A private family burial service for Les Paskin will take place on Wednesday, February 21. This will be followed by a celebration of life memorial service at The Salvation Army Hall on Perth’s South Street at 1pm.
The family have asked for no flowers, however donations to The Salvation Army at the memorial service will be welcomed.
He was the greatest man we had known