The family of 89-year-old Les McIlfatrick has recalled fond memories of a hard working man who loved sports and in later life his garden.

Speaking at his home in Enniskillen, his wife Claire, daughters Rhona and Elaine, sons Danny and John and their children, had many stories about Les’ life.

From his attendance at the 1966 World Cup Final, his active lifestyle and his regular flutter at the bookies, his son John best summed it up when he said: “He is probably a good example if you keep yourself active, it is good for.”

“My memory of this house is when he went out for his cycle and got the papers and came back in and he would sit at that end of that table and he would pick his horses. He couldn’t do anything in the day until that ritual was completed,” said Rhona.

“One of the jokes on Saturday was the funeral procession should have stopped at Ladbrokes because every time he used to take you somewhere he used to pop into a bookie,” added John.

Les and his wife Claire moved to London in 1956 on the very same day they got married.

They set up home in Plumstead in South East London where he worked as an electrician.

“He had a very good work ethic.

“He would have worked weekends quite often both days, the mornings anyway,” said John.

“But he always got off in time to watch the football,” joked Claire.

A talented footballer in his own right, Les played for Lewisham United for 11 years while living in London.

“He played in the FA Cup for Lewisham United back in the late 50s, the early rounds. He would go off to these little grounds in Kent and play against teams. He loved his sport, he would watch any sport,” said John.

His love for football saw him attend every England game during the 1966 World Cup including the World Cup Final in which England beat Germany 4-2 to lift the Jules Rimet Trophy for the one and only time.

Les got the tickets for the games from a German neighbour.

“He worked at the German embassy. During the war he was in a U-boat and surrendered and he was taken prisoner. But he never went home, he stayed in England after the war. He got all the tickets.,” explained Danny.

Les and his wife Claire moved back to Fermanagh in 1990 and they enjoyed a fruitful retirement in their home county, with Les taking a keen interest in gardening.

Cycling was another past time for the active 89 year old right up until a few years ago.

“He enjoyed himself during his retirement.

“He really threw himself into his garden whereas in London he didn’t really but he was working seven days a week most of the time.

“When he retired you wouldn’t have guessed he would have flourished in retirement but his health improved and it worked out really well,” said John.

“He said he couldn’t complain. You don’t usually get such a long retirement,” added Elaine.

Les was laid to rest on Saturday, May 4 and is deeply missed by his family and wide circle of friends.