Life of Alec Sims

Alec Sims, who was well known in Timsbury as a baker with Abbott's, in Maggs Hill, has died after suffering a stroke at the age of 76.

Born and raised in Timsbury, where he attended school, he was popularly known as Tardy.

He completed his National Service near Gloucester and it was while based there that he met his future wife Elsie. After being demobbed he continued working for Abbott's but this time in Avonmouth, where he remained until his retirement.

Mr and Mrs Sims lived in Avonmouth after their marriage on March 20, 1954 and they both became popular members of the community. Mr Sims continued doing a part-time job after his retirement, delivering prescriptions for a chemist.

Mr Sims was president of the Bristol Billiards and Snooker League from 1997 to 2007. His love of snooker originated from his early days in the Miners Welfare Hall in Timsbury and he was later to be a member for many years at St Edith's Club in Sea Mills. He loved most sports and was a keen Bristol Rovers supporter. Gardening was another of his principal hobbies.

Mr Sims is survived by his wife Elsie, daughter Lesley Ann and grandchildren Laura, Hannah and Jonathan. The funeral service was held at St Andrew's Church, Avonmouth, and was followed by cremation at Canford.

Mrs Sims said: "Alec was a true gentleman. He was a great family man and friend to many. His sudden death came as a great shock and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him."