Tributes flood in as much-loved comedian Lee Wilson loses cancer fight
Tributes have been paid to a much-loved Black Country comedian who has died aged 74.
Lee Wilson was a regular on the local comedy circuit and passed away on Monday, just four weeks after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
The grandfather and great-grandfather, whose real name was Geoff Beards, leaves behind his wife Sheila and children Tracy, Lee and Debbie.
Speaking at their home in Pedmore, Stourbridge, where the couple lived for more than 30 years, his widow Mrs Beards, aged 72, said: "He was the most wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grand father.
"He had a heart as big as a bucket. Whenever there was a problem he was always first on the phone." Mr Wilson's showbusiness career started in the mid-1950s as a guitar vocalist. In 1957, while on active service he formed a band entertaining the troops.
He turned professional in 1973 and went on to win New Faces in 1976 and starred on The Comedians television show. He was also a familiar face on the popular Black Country Night Out evenings held in the region.
A talented salmon and trout fisherman, Mr Wilson was also a popular after-dinner speaker and in 1991 he was invited to join the Variety Club of Great Britain Golfing Society, where he mixed with celebrities from show-business and raised thousands.
Mr Wilson mixed with stars including Frankie Vaughan, Norman Wisdom and Henry Cooper and Mr Beards said he got used to big name stars phoning.
"Henry Cooper would ring and say 'hello mate, is your dad there,'" said son Lee.
Jake Elcock who founded Wombourne-based Elcock Entertainments, which represented Mr Wilson, has been friends with him for around 40 years. Paying tribute today he said: "He is a lovely bloke."
In 2006 Mr Wilson also performed with friend of more than 60 years and former Sandwell mayor Bill Archer at a fundraiser at Wednesbury Conservative Club. Mr Archer said today: "I feel so sad. The people of the Midlands will know him and he was such a wonderful man. He will be sadly missed."
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