Darts champion who 'never spent day apart from his wife' dies suddenly

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Tributes have been paid to a darts champion who 'was loved by anyone whoever met him' and was the 'heart' of his family. Stewart Simmonds of Accrington died suddenly from kidney failure and bowel cancer at his home in Accrington with his wife of 53 years, Judith, by his side on July 19, aged 77.

Stewart set up a darts team in The Abbey and The Castle in Accrington, altogether setting up 14 leagues. His daughter, Jackie, said: "Dad was funny and his life was his family, especially for mum, they never spent a day apart. He was very much the heart of our family."

Over the years Stewart played darts for various pubs in Hyndburn, including Kings Arms, The Arden Inn, The Abbey and The Castle. He began playing darts when he was 16 and developed a great love for the sport, winning more than 78 trophies.

His sister, Tracy Simmonds, who is a member of the Accrington Community Events Committee, said: "My dear brother was the head of our family since mum and dad both passed away. We will miss him terribly, his witty one liners, his smile and gorgeous eyes, he loved to play guitar and sing on karaoke, he was loved by anyone whoever met him.

"He loved his fishing but most of all caravanning in Garstang was his happy place with his soulmate and wife Judith.

"A very close knit family, especially his children Jackie and Glynn and his precious grandchildren, Cameron, Luke, Oscar and Olive. I was his little sister who always looked out for me over the years."

Stewart was born and raised in Accrington with his siblings Lynn, Glenys, Darrel and Tracy. He began his working life in the mills before making the move into engineering, working for Atkinson's in Clitheroe.

The adored great-grandad of Ruben and Ayla later went on to work as a dairyman for Associated Dairies and worked his way up to the role of foreman.

He also served as the shop steward, always standing up for his team and leading with integrity. Stewart enjoyed strumming away on his guitar and was always at the heart of any gathering.

Among his many interests were fishing, martial arts and holidays, which always held a special place in his heart. He and Judith travelled the length and breadth of the UK in their treasured touring caravan and also enjoyed sun-soaked adventures in Italy, Spain and Greece.

The couple got married at St James' Church, Accrington in 1972. Stewart's funeral service will be held at Accrington Crematorium, Burnley Road, Accrington BB5 6HA, on Monday, August 4 at 11am.

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