TRIBUTES have been paid to the former secretary of the dominos league who died after a short battle with lung cancer.
The family of Fred Ashby have described him as a "special man who was loved by all".
Fred died on November 1, aged 82, after fighting lung cancer, which he was diagnosed with in December 2011.
He married for a second time in 1976, and was devoted to his wife Jean Ashby, taking in her five children as though they were his own.
His family recall him loving the simple things in life such as a meal out or a drink in the local pub.
But none of these compared to his passion for dominos.
Fred's step-daughter Lesley Redgrift, of Grimsby, said: "He played in a league for 40 years, in pubs across North East Lincolnshire.
"He was a regular in a lot of pubs because of this beloved hobby and everyone had a good word to say about him.
"He was the type of person who would chat to anyone, such a friendly character."
Fred also leaves behind 15 grandchildren and lots of great-grandchildren.
Lesley said: "He was a very private man and kept family close to his heart. He had nicknames for all the grandchildren, they adored him.
"Apart from his dominos, he had a passion for football and was glued to the previous World Cup games, wearing his England hat with pride. I think his proudest moment in life was receiving a plaque for his many years service to the domino league."
North East Lincolnshire councillor Cliff Barber knew Fred for around 20 years and describes him as a true friend, who will be truly missed.
He said: "I first met Fred when working as the landlord at the Valiant Pub, on the Willows estate.
"He would come in every Saturday for a drink and every Tuesday night as part of his domino league.
"He was very keen player and even taught my wife and I how to play."
Councillor Barber recalls Fred's dry and witty humour.
He continued: "At times I could not tell if he was pulling my leg or being serious – that was his character.
"The majority of people in the pub knew him, he was always a nice person to get along with.
"He will be missed by many and I can imagine he will be remembered highly by his domino friends."
More local tributes
Log on to www.thisisannouncements.co.uk for more local tributes. Family announcements can also be read from page 27 of today's paper.
