Well known entertainer dies

'FLAMBOYANT, outrageous with infectious energy' - that is how many will remember well known entertainer Wilfie Higginson who passed away last Tuesday, October 12, aged 74. But his family will best remember him as a hard working father who loved life and a laugh.

The father-of-four from Roseville Gardens died at Craigavon Hospital from complications related to diabetes.

He attempted to live a full life, but never really got over losing two of his children in separate road accidents eight years apart.

Siobhan (30) was killed on the A1 in November 17 1999 while son Clinton (44) died on the Saintfield Road in April 22, 2007.

Born William James on November 18, 1935 he was known best as just Wilfie. According to family he got the nick-name while growing up in Young Street. A neighbour who had never had children told the family if she ever had a child she would have named him Wilfie, and the name stuck. His father - who ironically also died at Craigavon Hospital at the age of 74 - also called him Wilfred.

He attended Central Primary and as a schoolboy became an International footballer. While playing for Ireland against England he lined up against Duncan Edwards, who was killed in the Munich Air Disaster.

During his footballing career he played for Crusaders and Ballymena United and was a devout Spurs fan. Later in life he loved to watch cricket and football on television.

He married Heather in August 1958 and had four children.