Len Buckeridge
Leonard Buckeridge | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 15, 1936 Australia |
| Died | March 11, 2014 (aged 77) Mosman Park, Perth, Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, Businessman |
| Known for | Originator of the Buckeridge Group of Companies |
Leonard Walter Buckeridge (15 June 1936 – 11 March 2014) was a prominent Australian entrepreneur and the originator of the Buckeridge Group of Companies.
Early life
Buckeridge received his education at Perth Modern School and pursued architectural studies at Perth Technical College. During his final year, he earned the James Hardie Prize for his thesis entitled "The Economical House".
Career
Through his enterprise, the Buckeridge Group of Companies, Buckeridge was responsible for the development of numerous high-rise structures in Perth and other locations. He also held ownership of James Point Pty Ltd.
In September 2012, he initiated legal action against a former forklift operator accused of making defamatory remarks on Facebook; the employee was supported by United Voice.
Later that year, in November 2012, Buckeridge lodged a lawsuit seeking $1 billion in damages from the Western Australian Government due to construction setbacks at Cockburn Sound. Premier Colin Barnett publicly urged him to abandon the claim. Additionally, Buckeridge pursued litigation related to delays encountered during the Perth Arena project.
Personal life
Buckeridge was married to Judith Lyon, with whom he had five children: Lise, Rachel, Andrew, Sam, and Joshua. For approximately forty years, his de facto partner was Siok Puay Koh (also known as Tootsie Ambrose), who is the mother of Julian.
He lived in Mosman Park, Perth. As of January 2013, his wealth was estimated at $1.4 billion. Buckeridge passed away at home on 11 March 2014 at age 77 due to a heart attack.
After his passing, 22 relatives commenced three separate Supreme Court actions disputing his $2.5 billion estate. According to his 2008 will—which took effect in 2019—his business interests were apportioned among 15 beneficiaries: his six children, eight grandchildren, and partner Tootsie Ambrose.