Tributes flow for loved army mates
Ryan’s endless energy, smile and wonderful sense of humour made him the heart of the workshop
THE second soldier killed in a training accident near Townsville has been identified as Warrant Officer Class Two Ryan Leslie.
Warrant Officer Leslie and Craftsman Brendon Payne died after their vehicle overturned on a public road near the Townsville Field Training Area on Monday.
Warrant Officer Leslie had served for 22 years and two months, was a member of the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers corps, and had posted to 2/14 Light Horse Regiment at Enoggera Barracks in January this year.
“He was 40 years old and leaves behind his loving wife Tara and daughter Montana; loving parents Robyn and Kerry, his best friend and loving brother Dean and extended family who loved him dearly,” an army statement released on behalf of his family says.
“Ryan was a proud member of the Australian Army and leaves behind many friends and colleagues who will honour his memory with love and respect.
“Warrant Officer Leslie had deployed to East Timor and the Solomon Islands; this was his second posting to 2/14 LHR.”
Friends in his unit described him as “one of the most-loved members of the Army, a true leader and consummate professional who cared deeply for the soldiers both at 2/14 and at 7 Combat Service Support Battalion”.
“A larger than life character, Ryan’s endless energy, smile and wonderful sense of humour made him the heart of the workshop,” the statement says.
“His positive influence will be irreplaceable.”
Craftsman Payne joined the Army in March last year, and was also a member of the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers corps.
Craftsman Payne had posted to 2/14 Light Horse Regiment at Enoggera Barracks in June this year, on his first posting after training.
He was 29, and leaves behind his wife Aimee, his parents Mark and Julie, and siblings.
Friends in his unit described him as “the strongest bloke we’ve ever worked with, a man who would never fault and never crack”.
“His cheeky smirk would come out all the time, and when it came out you had to smile back,” the army statements says.
“He gave all to his work, and would do anything to help his mates.
“He was a man who gave so much, and we will miss him forever.”