ONE of the Bolton Badminton League’s most popular players, Geoff Williams, has died at the age of 67.

Geoff, who was a member of Markland Hill Racquets Club, had been fighting a long battle against cancer and passed away in Wigan and Leigh Hospice.

His badminton career spanned more than 40 years. He taught the sport at night school in Wigan, helping to establish a team in the Wigan and District Badminton League which later became Bridge BC where he still played until he became ill.

He also joined St Thomas of Canterbury BC in the Bolton League and then Markland Hill, where he was manager for a time. During his playing career, Geoff coached many youngsters, encouraging them and inspiring them to enjoy the sport as he did.

He was always a great ambassador for badminton and an advocate of fair play on court. As well as local leagues, Geoff played for Lancashire in inter-counties’ competitions, in tournaments across the country as well as being in the England squad for the European and World championships.

His proudest moment was winning the over-55s mixed doubles’ title at the All England Masters’ Championships with his long-term badminton partner Sylvia Gill.

Bolton Badminton League official Ray Schofield said: “Geoff was a true gentleman, always glad to have a word and chat about you and your club.

"He was passionate about badminton and he will be sorely missed by so many people in Bolton.”

Geoff leaves a wife, Pat, son, Paul, daughter-in-law, Sarah, and grand-daughter, Emily. His funeral will be held on Thursday, January 28 at 2pm at St Anne’s Church, Beech Hill, Wigan with donations in his memory for Wigan and Leigh Hospice.