FLAMBOYANT Gil Swift, former Wigan Council Director of Leisure, has died aged 72.
Originally from South Yorkshire, joined Wigan Metro in 1973 and was head of leisure until he retired in 1991.
A former PE teacher and youth officer he set-up the borough's leisure department which opened in April 1974.
Gil's successor, Rodney Hill, said: "This is very sad news. He is still remembered across the borough as a larger than life character, with a wonderful sense of humour. Gil tremendously innovative and creative. He had a vision of leisure far beyond the traditional view found in councils 30 years ago and really put the borough on the national map. He laid the foundations for the department which we have today.
"Our deepest sympathies go to his wife Helen, and his children Paul and Claire."
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