Gordon Patchett was 75 when he died at his home in Broadley Crescent, Pellon, Halifax, last Saturday

He was known throughout the town for his love of bowling and, in his spare time, played for three separate clubs before ill health forced him to retire. He won trophies and medals with Holmfield, Illingworth and Crossley Crown Bowls Club – and at one time he was thought to be in the top 10 players in the district.

He also regularly played with his dad Dan, uncle Roy and brother Keith in friendly family competitions.

Mr Patchett, who attended the former Ovenden Secondary School, lived in Halifax all his life except for three years as an RAF radar operator in the early 50s.

Then he was based in east Yorkshire where he met his wife Barbara, 71, who he married on Boxing Day 1955.

The retired brass foundry worker leaves three daughters, Carol, Julie and Sandra, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.