Les Duby

Born on December 21, 1918 to Joseph and Alice Duby of Rockwood, Les aBended school in Rockwood, before moving to Acton. First living on Lake Avenue and then at the corner of Maria and Yorks streets.

Les drove gravel trucks before marrying Alice Taylor of Acton. He later worked at the Tannery in the “shaving” department before serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force as a ground crew mechanic for Lancaster Bomber “J” for Johnny.

Upon his discharge Les conQnued to work at Beardmore’s, unQl his death at age 59, eventually becoming Personnel Manager. Les served as a Town Councillor then as Mayor, and was in fact the last Mayor of Acton prior to the introduction of Regional Government. He then served as a Councillor for the Town of Halton Hills for six years, prior to this death in 1979.

Les was called the “Singing Mayor” and worked with the Five Straws singing group and the Rhythm Ramblers, a country group of six musicians. Les was father to three children…Tommy, Laurence and Lesley Ann and when Alice’s sister Barbara, was killed in a car accident in 1951, Les and Alice became Guardians of her three children.

Les built the family home at 194 Churchill Rd North, Acton under the Veterans Land Act.

Les is buried at Fairview Cemetery, Acton.

Truly a Canadian Hero

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