A WELL-KNOWN Westcliff businessman died on holiday in Las Vegas.

Les Harvey, owner of Les and Gary’s second-hand shop, in London Road, died of pneumonia during the trip with Jeanette, his wife of 54 years.

The 75-year-old was taken ill after watching a show and failed to recover.

Daughter Sue Bell, 53, who flew to America, said her dad would be sorely missed. Mrs Bell said: “My parents were on a three-week holiday. Dad had a little cough, but went to a show. In the morning, he was gasping for breath. He had to be venitilated and never recovered.

“I was in Turkey, but went to be with mum. It was very traumatic, because we thought he would recover.”

Les and Gary’s has traded in Westcliff for more than 30 years. Mrs Bell said: “My father was a big part of the fabric of Les and Gary’s, bringing his unique style and values. We have been lucky to have our furniture and memorabilia feature in TV programmes and films, such as Harry Potter.

“My father had another shop in Hamlet Court Road, with my sister, Denise, for a few years before he retired recently. He had Les and Gary’s customers asking after him right up to the end.”

The family came to Southend in 1976 from Edmonton, London, when Les was a minicab driver at the Barbican.

After a spell running a cafe, the family opened Les and Gary’s, originally in Southchurch Road. Though new to the trade, the family quickly established themselves, selling to dealers and the public.

Mrs Bell added: “We lived above the business for several years. It was started with my mother and my husband, Gary. We came up with the name, which we intended to change, but it stuck.”

The family had several other businesses, the most prominent being Hustles Pool Hall, in Southchurch Road. It became South East Essex Pool, staging major competitions, which were televised.

Mrs Bell added: “Dad and Gary were professional referees and officiated at matches at the Cliffs Pavilion live for TV. My father was wheelchair-bound for his final years with rheumatoid arthritis, but never let it get him down.

He will be sorely missed.”

Mr Harvey leaves four children, ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Ocean Beach, Eastern Esplanade, Southend, at 3pm on November 26.