Bingo Bob, 61, dies after cancer fight

A stalwart of the West Midlands bingo scene has died aged 61 after a long battle with cancer.

Walsall-born Bob Whitehouse, known as Bingo Bob, was well known for his role as manager at Aldridge's main bingo hall, where he worked for more than 30 years.

Along with brother Harry and sister Margaret, Mr Whitehouse owned the former Avion Bingo Hall, in Anchor Road.

When the business was sold to Jarglen and then Gala, he continued to manage the hall until he was too poorly to continue.

Mr Whitehouse's sister Margaret Bryan, aged 73, today described her younger brother as a "colourful character."

"He was very well-known in Walsall," said Mrs Bryan, of Erdington Road, Aldridge. He loved golf and was a member of Great Barr Golf Club. He was also a big Wolverhampton Wanderers fan who never missed a game.

"He went to Wolves games since he was young and had a season ticket every year. He was quite well-known on the terraces because he could get a bit carried away about some decisions."

She added: "He was a very colourful character and a very good brother and we have some very fond memories of him."

Mr Whitehouse was born in Walsall, where he spent his early years, before being educated at Denstone College, in Uttoxeter.

He went on to join the family business set up by his late father Harry, who at one stage owned bingo halls in Birmingham, Stafford and Wolverhampton.

Bingo Bob, who lived in Weston Crescent, passed away on Monday.

He leaves behind a widow Lesley and two daughters from a previous marriage, Julie and Sarah.

A funeral service for Mr Whitehouse will be held at 11am on March 2, at Streetly Crematorium.

Mr Whitehouse was also a member of Aldridge Conservative Club Golf Society.

Friend Paul Marston, who used to play golf with Mr Whitehouse, said he would be be missed.

"I have played golf with Bob every Wednesday for 25 years," he said.

"He was a wonderful guy and was very brave throughout his illness."