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Les Gibson

16/ 5/2008

LES Gibson, a well-known and popular face on the Accrington darts circuit, has died aged 64.

Mr Gibson had a triple heart bypass operation three weeks ago but a few days after being discharged he is believed to have suffered a pulmonary embolism and died shortly after in the Royal Blackburn Hospital, with his wife Dot by his side.

The grandfather-of-four, of Royds Avenue, Accrington, won countless trophies and friends on the local darts scene and in his prime played for Lancashire – even representing England in a home international.

He was a multiple winner of the Hyndburn Open darts championship and was a household name in the darting community, including in the Stanley Street Club and Pioneer Club, Church.

Mr Gibson leaves his devoted second wife Doris, known as Dot, grown-up children Sally and Les from his first marriage, daughters Lisa and Tracy and grandchildren Billie, Dean, Melissa and Sam.

A builder by trade, he was exceptionally good at stonework, and was also a passionate keeper of terriers and working dogs.

A minute’s silence was held at many of the town’s darts and dominoes league games this week while Pioneer cancelled its games as a mark of respect.

The family say they have been touched by the number of people sending messages of condolence.

Heartbroken Dot said: "Les had a good sense of humour and he was well-liked. Most people in Accrington will know him for his darts. To me he was one in a million."

Son-in-law Sheldon Ward remembered: "He was a straight talker. You knew where you stood with him and he was great with the kids."

Phil Miller, of the Stanley Street Club, believed he could have played at a much higher level if he had sought the limelight.

He said: "On behalf of the Accrington Darts and Dominoes League players and committee we would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Les. He was a fantastic player – one of the best in the area not to break into the big time. It is no doubt he had the ability but, as good a player as he was, he always respected his opponent and always had words of encouragement for any player of any standard. I have known him for 30 years – a fantastic man, a man’s man and a gentleman."

The funeral will take place at Accrington Crematorium on Tuesday.

Arrangements: L Champ.