A BUSINESSMAN from the Ribble Valley who was struck down with suspected meningitis during a Caribbean holiday has died in Blackburn Royal Infirmary.

Michael McKeown, 53, of Longridge Road, Hurst Green, was flown home from the Dominican Republic in January and was critically ill in the intensive care unit for three weeks. He died on Tuesday afternoon.

Mr McKeown was well known across East Lancashire for setting up and running Darwen-based firm Newhey Loft Conversions.

A keen golfer, he was a former president and captain of Darwen Golf Club.

Golf club secretary and long-time friend John Lawson today paid tribute to Mr McKeown.

He said: "Mick made the most of his life while he was here. He really worked hard for his company, but was fun-loving and enjoyed himself.

"He was liked by most people and became very well known throughout Darwen and East Lancashire through his business."

Mr McKeown was a member of Stonyhurst Golf Club and played in competitions across East Lancashire.

Although he lived in Hurst Green, Mr McKeown was born and brought up in Darwen where he was a pupil at St Joseph's Primary School.

He leaves his wife, Frances, and sons, Paul and John.

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