“Dad’s guidance and unique humour will live on in our hearts”: Crown green bowling star Steve Ellis passes away
The Fylde coast crown green bowls community has lost one of its leading names after the passing away of Steve Ellis this week.
Born in Huddersfield in 1952, Steve moved to Blackpool at the age of seven and became well known for his bowling talent.
That saw him win the Waterloo handicap in 1984, having previously been the runner-up in 1971 and 1974: one of the 100 trophies he collected over the years.
He also won the All-England Trophy in 1994, as well as representing the North Lancs & Fylde County Bowling Association on 69 occasions.
Steve played in local leagues across the Fylde at clubs including Kirkham Bowling Club, Halfway House, St Annes Ex-Servicemens, East End and South Shore, winning the Fylde league averages 14 times.
He had a keen interest in greenkeeping and spent many hours looking after greens up and down the Fylde coast for members to enjoy.
Steve was also part of the team that formed the Fylde Parks and Federation, which continues to thrive today in keeping alive the sport he loved.
Professionally, he worked for Refuge and CIS across Blackpool and Fylde, as well as for Whitesides Taxis, before operating Lytham Airport Services prior to his retirement.
His family wishes to thank the staff at Blackpool Victoria Hospital and Trinity Hospice for their support over the past few weeks and days, adding: “Dad’s guidance and unique humour will live on in our hearts.”