He was born in Northamptonshire, where he played his club rugby, before moving to Heaton Moor in the early 1970s and although he had by then stopped playing, as a huge rugby fan, would come and watch games at Green Lane. He then moved to North Wales before returning to the area in the 1980s and joined the club in early the 1990s when Tony Jnr. started playing at the club. From then on, he was an active member and would always support the teams on a Saturday, both home and away, and served on the Committee in a couple of roles; first as Chairman of Bars and then for three years, as Chairman of the club and was eventually made President on two occasions; 2009-2011 and again in 2013-2015.

He was always exceptionally polite and welcoming to all and was generous with his time and resources, both to the club and individuals alike. His hospitality was invariably unstinting, especially as President, and was always good company. In the last couple of years, his health had deteriorated, thus preventing him from visiting the club as often as he would have liked, but he ensured that he was kept informed of the club’s fortunes.

He will be sadly missed and our thoughts and condolences go to Jane, Tony Jnr. and the rest of his family. At his own request, there will be no funeral, as he has left his body for medical research, but there will be a gathering at the club sometime in the future to commemorate his life – details to follow.