Steve Cope leads the tributes to Stan Ward

A popular figure, Stan, aged 77, collapsed while taking part in round four of the recent Staffs Individual Winter League on the Shropshire Union Canal at High Onn, Church Eaton, Staffordshire.

Browning Lifestyle anglers Simon Preece and Lewis Kenyon rushed to Stan's aid to administer CPR, before paramedics arrived. But sadly, Stan passed away in the ambulance on the way to hospital.

Stan, who was from East Park, Wolverhampton, was a veteran of many a campaign for over half a century, and during his illustrious career he fished for the likes of West End Working Men's Club, Whitmore Reans CAA and Wolverhampton AA, and was a stalwart of JTE Wolves in Super League, Winter League, NFA National and NFA Regional finals.

He gained a silver medal fishing for Four Ashes AC in the NFA Division Three National in 2008 and spent his later years under the banner of Bilston Angling Centre.

Still at the top of his game, Stan won a recent Wolverhampton AA Open on the Roadside Section of the Staffs & Worcester Canal in Penkridge at the start of February.

Fellow angler and Express & Star contributor Steve Cope led the tributes.

"Stan collapsed at his peg and was rushed to hospital but unfortunately didn't make it," he said.

"As Stan would have wished, the anglers carried on fishing but when they were notified that he hadn't pulled through, they respectfully called the 'all out' as soon as they heard the tragic news.

"Respected far and wide for his knowledge and cheerful banter, Stan was a true gent and an unassuming, modest man who will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Stan ended his days doing what he loved most.

"Stan's best friend and travelling partner, Wolverhampton AA VDE captain Paul Turner, and Staffs Individual Winter League organiser Fred 'the Bread' Cheetham, along with Stan's other angling companions on the day, wish to express their sincere gratitude to Simon and Lewis and also the paramedics."