Desmond Gibbs died aged 89 in February 2018 from the asbestos-related lung disease mesothelioma. Solicitors for his widow Evelyn say he is thought to have been exposed to asbestos dust and fibres while working in the factory of Edward Webster Ltd in West Howe between about 1968/69 and 1987/88. He worked as a maintenance engineer and may have come into contact with asbestos through repairing pipes which were lagged with asbestos materials and through working in the boiler house, the lawyers said. Asbestos was widely used at the time and today’s regulations did not apply. Mr Gibbs also worked in the 1960s in the Bournemouth area as a heating and ventilation engineer for Avon Heating Services, Matthew Hall and Scott and Scott (Bournemouth). He may have come into contact with asbestos working for these companies, it is believed.