THE Scottish comedian Denny Willis, one of the last great troupers of

the variety halls, has died suddenly in London. He was in his late

seventies.

Denny Willis inherited the comedy genius of his father, Dave Willis,

and his slightest gesture could produce great gales of laughter.

Jimmy Logan said last night: ''Denny was very economical in his

working style but always got the maximum effect. All he had to do was

raise a little finger or do that apologetic little cough of his.''

When doing fall-about comedy, his timing was immaculate and he became

known all over Europe, particularly in East Germany and Holland, for his

Hunting Quartet routine. He spent years touring with the Fol-de-Rols

company.

In the 1930s, he spent time in Ayr, when his father was star of the

Gaiety Whirl summer shows. At that time, he contemplated a showjumping

career. However, in 1935 he deputised in the tap-dancing double act of

Tips and Taps when one partner dropped out. He remained with the act,

renamed Willis and Wills.

During war service an Army chaplain discovered that Private D D

Williams (the family name) was the son of Dave Willis, and he became a

member of concert parties as a comedian.

After the war, he appeared on stage briefly as Dave Willis Jr. His

uncle, Claud Williams, was also a funny man, known on stage as The Great

Claud, a spoof magician.

Although in his late seventies, Denny Willis looked much younger,

having been a fitness enthusiast all his life.

Right to the end, he walked four miles a day with his Yorkshire

terrier, Bimbo, and exercised on his rowing machine. He had been putting

the dog's lead on when he fell over. His wife, Rey, said jokingly: ''We

don't want any of your silly walks just now,'' before realising he was

ill.

Denny Willis was respected by his peers as a complete professional and

a gentleman who would always go out of his way to help others.

His father died practically penniless, having been ill-advised in a

hotel business venture. Denny, determined not to fall into the same

trap, was careful with his money, and bought property in London.

He did not touch alcohol and the high life was never for him. On tour,

he lived in his caravan or with his actress daughter, Bobbi, in Glasgow.

Bobbi said: ''Dad loved animals and his garden. Apart from Bimbo, he

had a cat, Sarah. And there are two goldfish, which appeared on stage in

his last panto.''

Dorothy Paul, who appeared with him in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

at the Mitchell, Glasgow, two years ago, said: ''Whenever I think of

him, I get a wee glow. He was a magic man, a one off. So unassuming. His

voice was so quiet, yet it could be heard in every part of the

theatre.''