Sarina’s The Diner owner Walter ‘Roscoe’ Leeson remembered

Sarina has lost a character and a home in the death of beloved The Diner owner Walter ‘Roscoe’ Leeson who is remembered for his sharp wit and generosity. Read his story.

The name of the iconic Sarina hub The Diner was very much like its owner — no-nonsense with a whole lot of cheek.

Walter ‘Roscoe’ Leeson took over The Diner with his beloved wife Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Leeson in 1978 and ran it right until a few months before his death on December 12, 2021.

The pair’s granddaughter Krystal Odegaard said the couple met in 1966 after Mr Leeson returned from serving in The Merchant Navy for four years where he travelled throughout the Pacific Islands.

“He lied about his age so he could join the Merchant Army — he was 16 years old when he joined,” Ms Odegaard said.

Walter Ross Leeson and Elizabeth 'Betty' Leeson. Picture: Contributed

After leaving the navy, Mr and Mrs Leeson travelled through much of Australia, beginning their married in life in Western Australia’s Merridan before making the move to Biloela in Queensland where they had their first and only child Joanne.

The family then packed up and moved to Roma and eventually their forever home — Sarina.

Mr Leeson took up a job as a belt splicer in Hay Point saving enough to buy their very first home on Mill St and later the very well-known establishment, The Diner.

Walter Ross Leeson was born in Lismore on April 20, 1935. Picture: Contributed

Ms Odegaard said both her grandparents immersed themselves in their community, with her grandmother taking on a coaching position for the Sarina Crocs Rugby League Club.

“I know that Nan was very, very generous and would open up her home to anyone,” Ms Odegaard said.

“My nan and pop never turned anyone away from The Diner, as long as you helped to wash the dishes after.”

Sadly Mrs Leeson died in 1992, but Ms Odegaard said her grandfather was determined to carry on their legacy.

‘It was just like that, you have a shot at Roscoe and he’d have a shot at you. He was sharp as a tack, it was just bloody great’. Picture: Contributed

Ms Odegaard said even the design of the iconic establishment allowed for patrons to “nod off” on side tables after a few too many drinks — under the proviso they would be waking up at 3am with Mr Leeson to chop wood.

The old-school straight shooter was a big fan of beer himself — which often made it difficult for his granddaughter when she flew up from Brisbane to visit him.

“He never had a mobile. I would have to ring every pub in Sarina and ask if Roscoe was there,” Ms Odegaard said with a laugh.

“My pop was very rough around the edge, he swore like a sailor and would tell you straight how it is, no matter who you were.”

“He was a very funny and cheeky and always making jokes.”

Walter 'Roscoe' Leeson with his granddaughter Krystal Odegaard. Picture: Contributed

Mackay Councillor Martin Bella echoed the icon’s granddaughter reminiscing on his own time in Mr Leeson’s diner.

“You’d go in there to give and receive cheek and abuse,” Mr Bella said.

“It was just like that, you have a shot at Roscoe and he’d have a shot at you.

“He was sharp as a tack, it was just bloody great.”

Mr Bella said he worried about the hole Mr Leeson’s death would leave in the community.

“That place, it provides a social outlet for a lot of guys who don’t have much else,” Mr Bella said.

“Roscoe in a lot of ways provided a social service as well as a damn good feed.”

“Now that Roscoe’s gone, I just hope it keeps going the same way.”