Beloved Queensland brewer Bundaberg Brewed Drinks has announced the death of its co-founder Lee Fleming.
Fleming, her husband Cliff and in-laws Neville and Gladys Fleming started the company that would eventually produce the popular Bundaberg Ginger Beer in the regional Queensland city in 1968.
“With great sadness, we announce the passing of our Bundaberg Brewed Drinks co-founder, Lee Fleming,” the company said on its social media accounts.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today
“Lee was passionate, kind-hearted, and instrumental to the foundation and growth of our much-loved Bundaberg Ginger Beer.
“The entire Bundaberg Brewed Drinks family will so sorely miss her.
“We will miss you, Lee.”
Lee and Cliff took control of the company when their elders retired in 1985.
They started exporting their drinks about 20 years later. More than 60 countries now sell Bundaberg Brewed Drinks’ products, according to the company.
The couple lived in the coastal Bundaberg suburb of Bargara.
“I thought I was going to be an executive’s wife and make cups of tea and things like that,” Lee told Bundaberg Now in an interview in 2019.
“I ended up cleaning a lot and making soft drinks, but I wouldn’t change a thing.”
A public funeral notice states Lee Fleming is survived by Cliff, their two children and four grandchildren.