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Barry Twomlow, 1933-2004
Photos courtesy of Unicorn Darts Ltd.
Barry Twomlow, known around the world as the "Ambassador of Darts", passed away suddenly on Saturday, May 29, 2004, in the company of his wife, Margaret.
Winner of the News of the World Championship in 1969, Barry soon was hired by Unicorn Darts as their traveling repesentative. From then, until his retirement at few years ago, Barry traveled the world almost non-stop, introducing the sport of darts to countless numbers of people.
With an infectious cheerfullness, and endless patience, Barry would gladly teach anyone he met the basics of the game. For the advanced players, he had tips to pass on from his own experience, as well as from the dozens of world-class players who were his friends and league teammates. His lessons were often accompanied by highly competive games at his endless exhibitions. Any local "pro" who displayed rudeness or doubt about the skill of this mild-mannered gentleman still received his unfailing cheer and good manners.. followed by an equally polite quick drubbing on the dartboard.
In his later years, Barry would often claim that his competitive days were long gone, while sipping a little Johnny Walker Black, and casually throwing back-to-back Ton-80's on the exhibition board.
However great his darting skills, his true gift was that he had immense affinity for people. All types & kinds of people. From the poorest to the richest, Barry was equally at home with all people, and offered everyone equal respect and friendship.
Anyone who ever exchanged more than a few words with Barry came away with the feeling that they had just made a lifelong friend. And that was more than just a feeling, as Barry seemed to never forget anyone, and years later would inquire, with genuine concern, about people that he had met casually at local exhibitions.
Without a doubt the most-traveled darter in history, and certainly the most tireless promoter of our sport, Barry will be missed by his legions of friends around the world.
As much as he loved darts and travel, Barry always counted the hours until he could return home to his loving wife, Maggie. To her, we can only express our most sincere condolences over the loss of this great, gentle man, who she shared with the rest of us for so many years.
Rick Osgood, CyberDarts editor
Links to other articles about Barry Twomlow:
Barry Twomlow Exhibitions Unicorn & Barry Twomlow Derbyshire Darts Organization Barry Twomlow visit to Houston, Texas, 1995 News of the World Tournament British Darts Organization
May 31, 2004