Tributes pour in for Blackburn pub landlord who has died

Wesley Smith, known as Wes, died on October 17 at Royal Blackburn Hospital. His wife, Beryl Smith, said he suffered a heart attack.

Wes, who died aged 61, was at the helm of the Brownhill Arms pub, in Whalley New Road, Blackburn, for more than six years.

Wesley and Beryl Smith (Image: Beryl Smith) Beryl, who was married to Wes for almost 25 years and managed the pub alongside him, has paid tribute to him.

She said: “Wes was a qualified engineer but was made redundant after 24 years of service - so we decided to start a business of our own.

“The Brownhill Arms was the first pub Wes went drinking in so we decided to go for it [and become landlords].

“It was a bit of a challenge as the pub had a bad reputation. We have really turned things around, now the pub is so lovely and welcoming now.

"We have amazing staff and lovely customers.”

Beryl said everyone “has a lot of respect for Wes”, displayed by the crowds of people who turned up at the Brownhill Arms on Saturday (October 19) to remember him.

Wesley Smith (bottom left) with his family (Image: Beryl Smith) She said: “Saturday was so hard but I lost count of how many people came in.

"As hard as it was it was a great comfort to us as a family. So many people loved and respected him.

“I am overwhelmed at the amount of cards, messages and flowers we have received. The hundreds of messages are a tribute to the man he was.

“‘A true gentleman’ are the words most people use to describe him.

“The one thing that we will all miss is his smile and his cheeky sense of humour.

"He always joking with the customers. Even our customers’ dogs loved him, they would come in and run straight to Wes for a treat.

Beryl Smith has paid tribute to her late husband, Wesley Smith (left) (Image: Beryl Smith)

“We as a family are devastated. He was the best husband anyone could wish for.

“He was a loving stepdad to Anthony and Leanne, a respected father-in-law to Mick and Steph, and an adored grandad to Alistair, Oliver Erin, Ellison, Ethan and Iris. Funeral arrangements will follow.”

Customers, friends and other family members have also been leaving tributes of their own.

Joanna Murphy said: “He was a best friend and fabulous landlord.  Words cannot describe how much we will miss Wes”.

Kathryn Cain said: “Wes [had] the best personality. I loved his company. I am heartbroken for all the family.”

Another said: “Very sad to read this news. He was a very nice gentleman. My condolences to you and your family.”

Stephen Hughes said: “Very sad news of the passing of Wes Smith, the much loved and very popular landlord of the Brownhill Arms.

“Wes has been described as a fantastic chap, landlord and friend to many, amongst the tributes that continue to come in. Thoughts and prayers are with Beryl and her family at this sad and difficult time.”