Leigh Francis John COSTAIN O43376, joined Nirimba with me as part of the 22nd Intake in January 1967.
This morning I was informed by his wife Annette, and following a reasonably short battle with advanced cancer:
Brian, I am writing to let you know Leigh passed away at 10.30 last night. Our family sat with him until 12.30 this morning talking about his life. He is now at peace after the last couple of days.
Could you please pass this message on. Will let you know about funeral date etc as soon as possible.
Thank you so much
Annette
Leigh trained as an ATA and was also a great sportsman during that time. After training, Leigh was posted to Albatross to enhance his skills. At some stage he started his Pilots Course in fixed wing aircraft, including A4 Skyhawks. But, he eventually became a rotary specialist.
If I remember correctly, Leigh ended up being the senior Trainer and Test Pilot at Albatross until he retired.
Leigh saw active service in the First Gulf War, Piloting a Seahawk off HMAS Adelaide. But his best and worst experiences came during the 1998 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Leigh was heavily involved in many rescues, with extreme risks, and in his later years came back to haunt him a bit.
He and Annette were regular attendees at our term reunions, as well as Birdie gatherings.
My sincere condolences to Annette, family, and friends. Leigh will be sadly missed by his MOBI mates.
RIP Leigh, rest your oars.
Thanks Brian, sounds like Leigh enjoyed the sort of exciting career that many of us would envy, I know I would... 
I never met Leigh, but always sad to loose another MOBI, regardless of rank, or calling... 
Rest on your rotor blades, Leigh, your journey is done... 
VALE: may you R.I.P 