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Search forFriends and family say farewell to much-loved player who died, 35
Friday, November 21, 2008, 08:03
Lesley Barnsley, aged 34, was engaged to the 35-year-old JCB worker who was found dead at a house at Meir Park on Saturday, November 7.
The couple, who lived at St Clare Street, Dresden, had been engaged for two years after starting a relationship four-and-a-half years ago.
Ms Barnsley, who works for mobile phone company Vodafone, said: "When I met Alex, he changed my life for the best.
"His beautiful blue eyes lit up my world. He was so much fun, so caring and sensitive, beautiful and such good company.
"He made me laugh every day of his life. He was my soul mate and we had an unforgettable bond that can never be broken.
"He was an entertainer, and a great influence on me with his intelligence. He blessed me with his presence every day and I will never forget him."
Alex's 32-year-old sister, Aimi McLeish, of Shirburn Road, Leek, said: "My brother Alex was my world and I will sadly miss him. My world will never be the same again without him.
"He was always there for me whenever I needed him. I and my daughter, Drew, will miss him very much.
"A part of me will always be missing and there is a void that cannot be filled."
Alex, the father of a 10-year-old daughter, Megan, was a Stoke City starlet.
He was a pupil at Leek High School and had worked at Kerrygold in Leek before moving to JCB.
Alex played football for a host of sides in the Leek area including Ipstones, Flying Horse, Britannia Inn, Ball Haye Green and Blue Mugge.
His death is not being treated as suspicious and his friends and team-mates have paid tribute to him.
Britannia Inn's Gavin Bateman said: "Alex was a great footballer who should not have been playing Sunday morning football with all his ability.
"As a player at the time it was always a boost to the team's confidence when Alex was named in the team, as he could dominate a game.
"If he played up front he scored goals, if he was in midfield he would create goals and tackle all day long.
"As a club we wish to pass on our deepest sympathies to all his family and offer our support in any way possible."
The front garden of the home of Alex's mother, Marie McLeish, at Blackshaw Moor has been adorned with floral tributes following his funeral, which took place last Friday at St Mary's Catholic Church, Leek, followed by cremation at Carmountside.
Alex worked for JCB for more than 12 years and was a team leader in the welding shop of the Loadall Business Unit, at JCB's World Headquarters at Rocester.
An inquest into his death has been opened and adjourned to a later date.
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