The South East community is mourning the recent death of prominent Millicent businessman Len Teagle at the age of 93.

He passed away after a short illness on August 8 at Boneham Aged Care Services in Millicent.

Since his death was announced, numerous warm-hearted tributes have appeared on social and mainstream media.

Many acknowledged his fine community spirit as well as his feat of founding an earthmoving business in Millicent 65 years ago which now has a workforce of 37.

Among them are his son Geoff and grandson Shawn.

Mr Teagle was widely regarded for being good company owing to his genial nature and dry sense of humour.

Originally from Balaclava in the Lower North of SA, he moved with his family to a farm at Mount McIntyre while still in his formative years.

His first job as a teenager was at the fledgling Cellulose Australia Mill at Snuggery and he rode his motorbike there from the farm each day.

On one occasion, he collided with a cow and broke his collarbone.

By the time he was in his 20s, the foundation of the modern-day Teagle Excavations had been laid.

The depot was based at the rear of the Teagle family home on Williams Road at Millicent and it remains there to this day.

Even past his 90th birthday, Mr Teagle could be regularly seen helping out with chores in the depot and workshop.

His business had grown owing to the demand from government and corporate clients as well as farmers and small business operators.

While principally involved in earthmoving, the Teagles invested in commercial and residential real estate in Millicent and diversified into self-storage sheds and garden supplies.

The demands of running such a business were heavy and Mr Teagle found respite on weekends in a holiday home at Beachport.

Another outlet was his long-time membership of the Millicent Lions Club.

While servicing the needs of literally thousands of clients over more than six decades, some were truly remarkable.

For example, Mr Teagle helped prepare the former Millicent showgrounds in 1964 into the site of the new Millicent and District Hospital.

Fast-forward 50 years and Mr Teagle was back at the site undertaking earthworks for the $1m upgrade to the hospital’s fire management system.

While earning a living from the Millicent community, Mr Teagle was generous in his backing for local clubs and worthy causes.

For example, Teagle Excavations provided machinery and labour at no charge in the 1990s in the preparation of the grounds of the Noorla Yo-Long youth camp at Rendelsham.

The company does likewise for the staging of the annual Pines Enduro off-road race.

When the community built the Millicent swimming lake in the 1960s, Mr Teagle supplied trucks, graders and workmen at no cost.

Mr Teagle was recognised in 2017 for his community and club service by the Millicent Lions Club with the prestigious James D.

Richardson merit award.

Mr Teagle was pre-deceased by his two wives: Margaret (nee Altschwager) and Faye (nee Dean and formerly Mrs Slaughter).

He is survived by his son Geoff and daughter Leanne and their children as well as his step-children.

At this stage and owing to the COVID-related restrictions, a private funeral will be held.

Len Teagle on his 90th birthday.