Often regarded as the greatest all-round cricketer of all time, Sir Garfield enjoyed an impressive career with the West Indies between 1954 and 1974.
While celebrated across the world, Sir Garfield also held a special connection to Bolton.
The Barbadian star was the professional for Radcliffe Cricket Club in the Central Lancashire League between 1958 and 1962 and, following his retirement, maintained close ties with Farnworth Cricket Club.
Among those remembering him this week is Farnworth Cricket Club treasurer Martin Axford, who was fortunate enough to spend time with the sporting icon after being introduced through former cricketer Victor Walcott.
Mr Axford recalled meeting Sir Garfield at the club on a winter evening and being astonished by his sharp memory.
He said: “As soon as he walked onto cricket pitch, even though it was dark, he said, ‘I’ve played on here.’
After a drink in the cricket club, the pair later headed into Manchester for a meal with a small group.
“He ordered a fillet steak and said he didn’t eat vegetables, so he just had a fillet steak on its own.
“We found that quite amusing,” he remembered with a laugh.
Sir Garry Sobers is pictured with Farnworth CC treasurer Martin Axford, during a social visit to the club in 2016. (Image: Harry McGuire)
What struck him most, however, was the opportunity to spend time with a man many consider the finest cricketer in history.
“To talk to someone that’s possibly the best cricketer of all time was absolutely amazing.” he said.
Sir Garfield was said to have spoken warmly about his life in Barbados, where he played golf six days a week at Sandy Lane, and for Mr Axford, the evening remains one of his most treasured memories.
He said: “We had a lovely night with him and it was just one of those on-the-spot things that happen to you in your life and you just never, ever forget the time we spent with him that night.
“It was just one of those moments I was privileged to have in my life, I’ll never forget it.
“It was probably the best company you could ever wish for – he was such a gentleman.”
News of Sir Garfield death prompted an immediate response at Farnworth Cricket Club, with members raising a toast when they learned of his passing.
The club has also lowered its flag to half-mast as a mark of respect for a player whose influence stretched far beyond the cricket field.
For cricket fans in Bolton, Sir Garfield will be remembered not only as a global sporting giant but as a humble and gracious visitor who never forgot the grounds, clubs, and people he encountered along the way.