A long-standing member since the 1970s, Eric – a former heavyweight boxer - played prop forward for the club and was a member of the Helsby side that lost out to Ashton-on-Mersey in the 1989 Cheshire Plate Final. He became Secretary of the Club in 1988, serving for eight years – a period during which the club had to play its home games away from the BICC Sports & Social Club, due to the rugby pitches being lost as a result of the expansion of the village factory. Thanks to the resilience of Eric and the club’s other officials at this time, the club ultimately returned home in the mid-90’s once new pitches had been established.

Having hung up his boots, Eric then served the club for a further two years as Chairman from 1998 to 2000 and then as President for three years, from 2000 to 2003, during which time his son, Mike followed in his footsteps – himself playing for the club for a number of seasons.

Upon hearing of his passing, former team-mate of Eric’s, John Warren, contacted the club to pass on his condolences. "I first met Eric at the end of the seventies, when I used to see him in the Wheelwright Arms. Always cheerful – a giant of a man (nicknamed Bifta) – whom I never heard swear. Together with Tony Ryder, Keith Stringer and Chris Millward, they were integral parts of the club – not just the first team. When the club decided to have Xmas parties for the members’ children, Eric and Keith would make a detailed list of the children and what they liked and after a Full English Breakfast would spend a morning in Chester toy shops, buying gifts and would then run the party (with Bryan Ryder dressed as Santa). To those who had the pleasure of knowing and playing with him, he will be sadly missed".

Another former team-mate, Barrie Cavanagh, added "Really sorry to hear the news - Eric was indeed always cheerful and always had a smile on his face. Along with Tony Ryder, another club legend Dave Wilkinson and their wives, Eric attended my 21st Birthday party in 1981. I hadn't been at the club long, but they felt it important to come along wearing their club blazers as the club and it's players meant so much to them".

Many more team-mates have also written to us, echoing these sentiments - including former Club Captain, Dave Orme (for whom Eric served as Vice-Captain of the 1st Team from 1986 to 1988) "Eric was a one-off. A lovely guy and a founding member of the 21 Club (a dedicated but thirsty group, who would have 21 pints before they went home after a game on Saturday). RIP".

The club offers its deepest condolences to Eric’s wife, Roz, his daughter, Bev and his son, Mike, plus his four grandchildren.

A giant of a man and a very well known and respected character, Eric will be fondly remembered by everyone at Helsby Rugby Club.