TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved family man who spent 15 years running a popular bingo hall in Leigh. 

Geoffrey Leonard Spreckley, 83, passed away earlier this month after a short illness with his loyal wife Lorraine by his side.

The 83-year-old was well-known in Leigh for his spell owning Sterling Leisure Bingo Hall, in Elm Road, Leigh.

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He had owned it from 1982 until 1997, where he ended up meeting his “soul mate” and wife Lorraine in 1997.

Geoffrey died on November 17, leaving behind his wife, three children, and five grandchildren.

Stepdaughter, Kelly Prescott, 42, said he was a “very kind-hearted man”, who was loved by everyone.

She said: “Geoff was a very kind-hearted man, who was very generous, honest, and fair. He will be sorely missed by all that knew and loved him.

“Before retiring, Geoff had owned the bingo hall for 15 years and it was where he met his wife, Lorraine. He would also often run promotional evenings offering lucky customers the chance of winning large amounts of money or holidays.

“He would once a year plan a coach trip to Thorpe Park, or Chessington for the underprivileged children in the area, which were always great days out. The bingo was his world, his livelihood.

“He was the life and soul of the party and a room would light up when he walked in.”

As well as owning Sterling Leisure Bingo Hall, he was also the managing director of Spar and Ladbrokes branches earlier on in his career.

After retiring, he enjoyed dealing, trading, and collecting stamps as well as spending time with his grandchildren.

Geoffrey had a motto for his grandchildren which was “anything you want, you ask Grampy!”

Kelly said grandchildren Sophie, Joseph, Olivia, Archie, and Ethan meant the world to her stepdad.

She added: “Grampy idolised his grandchildren. Anything they needed; they would go to him.

“He would often be seen sitting at the sidelines of Joseph’s football matches or training sessions, as well as going to watch Arsenal with his son-in-law and the grandchildren.

“The other love of Geoff’s life was Banjo, his dog, they would often be seen waling to the park bench together. Or if Geoff was in the biscuit barrel, his faithful side kick Banjo, would be big his side waiting for the crumbs.

“Geoff was a very special man to our family, but also to many within the Leigh community.”