Weir, Lester Palmer, Jr.
Death: Saturday, May 22, 2021 at the age of 69
On a cool, clear day on December 6th 1951 Les came into the world, the eldest son of Lester and Martha (Work) Weir in Washington D.C. Growing up in a small farmhouse in Maryland, he learned a strong work ethic and self-sufficiency. He became an entrepreneur in his early twenties, joining with two partners, a friend and one brother, in the business Pure Mountain Water. After nearly 2 decades of hard work there, he sold the business and opened a very successful new business, Bay Engraving, which kept him busy for the next 30 years. Through these early years he married Deborah A. (Howie), who made his blue eyes twinkle with a deep and abiding love, and he became a father to Brendan and Jesse, his greatest treasures. When the boys were young, Lester coached basketball and soccer teams his sons were on, and as they became young adults, he brought them into the family business.
A driver claims he was unfairly fined by new hi-tech phone detection cameras that mistook his chocolate bar for a mobile.
Scott Phillips insisted the photo that came with a $349 penalty notice and the loss of five demerit points proved he was innocent.
The image was taken when Mr Phillips was driving north on the Hume Highway in Menangle Park, on the southwestern outskirts of Sydney, on April 15.
Mr Philips, the chief investment officer for share trading website The Motley Fool, is adamant it was impossible he was using his mobile phone at the time.
He insisted the device was clearly visible in a cradle attached to his dashboard in the image he was sent.
Motorists claim hats, wallets and even hands are being mistaken for mobile phones by revenue-raising cameras.
Drivers have spoken out about being slugged with unfair fines for allegedly using their phones while behind the wheel.
New South Wales has collected more than $73million in fines for mobile phone offences since portable cameras were implemented a year ago, compared to just $8million in the 12 months prior.
Adelaide food truck owner Zubair Ghalzai was on his way to Sydney to spend time with his critically ill father in hospital when he was caught by a camera holding a phone in his left hand - despite the object clearly being far larger than a phone.