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Vale - Cmdr LFJ COSTAIN O43376 - Jan 67 Intake.
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Author:  BC [ Tue Jan 13, 2026 1:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Vale - Cmdr LFJ COSTAIN O43376 - Jan 67 Intake.

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.

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If I remember correctly, Leigh ended up being the senior Trainer and Test Pilot at Albatross until he retired.

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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.

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Author:  BC [ Tue Jan 13, 2026 8:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Vale - Cmdr LFJ COSTAIN O43376 - Jan 67 Intake.

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Hi Brian,

Funeral will be on Wednesday 21st January at St Michael’s Catholic Church, Nowra commencing 1pm.

There will be an RSL Poppy Ceremony and medals to be worn.

There will be live streaming through Murphy Family Funerals, Nowra.

Burial will be at Navy section of old cemetery in Kinghorn Street, Nowra and Wake afterwards at Nowra Bowling Club.

Hope to see you there if possible.

Annette


For anyone wishing to pay tributes, go to the “Share Your Memory” section at the bottom of the page:

https://murphyfamilyfunerals.com.au/tri ... bute-start

Author:  Hippy Chippy [ Wed Jan 14, 2026 8:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Vale - Cmdr LFJ COSTAIN O43376 - Jan 67 Intake.

=; Thanks Brian, sounds like Leigh enjoyed the sort of exciting career that many of us would envy, I know I would... :happy:

:-k I never met Leigh, but always sad to loose another MOBI, regardless of rank, or calling... [-(

:notworthy: Rest on your rotor blades, Leigh, your journey is done... :prayer: VALE: may you R.I.P [-o<

Author:  piquet [ Wed Jan 14, 2026 8:53 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Vale - Cmdr LFJ COSTAIN O43376 - Jan 67 Intake.

I remember Leigh from Nirimba days. Another mobiwho in hi case turned into a “ high” achiever
RIP . Fly free

Author:  Graeme Rhodes [ Wed Jan 14, 2026 10:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Vale - Cmdr LFJ COSTAIN O43376 - Jan 67 Intake.

Knew Leigh very well, played a lot of footy with him.
So sad.
Vale Leigh.

Author:  DirtyDiesel [ Wed Jan 14, 2026 12:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Vale - Cmdr LFJ COSTAIN O43376 - Jan 67 Intake.

Vale Leigh

Rest on your wings

condolences to all his family

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