Don was involved with Baildon Methodist Cricket club for over 50 years and in the early 1970,s became a playing member of Baildon RUFC. A ferocious wing forward he would tackle anything above ankle height and more often than not left the playing area at the end of the game having shed a drop or two of claret.
An opening batsman and bowler at Baildon Meths, on the winning side of many cup and league games, he also mentored the junior’s bringing them into the game. He was instrumental in the amalgamation of Baildon Meths with Baildon cricket club resulting in Baildon fielding five teams at its peak. A strong member of first the Sunday School league then the Aire Wharfe league Don did not pack up playing until his sixties, all the time nurturing younger players, but refusing to give up his playing spot until he thought his replacement would be a better player than himself.
Don also enjoyed his garden allotment and was well known locally for winning many prizes and cups in the Baildon Horticulture annual shows. Don had suffered heart problems a few years ago which curtailed his activities although he enjoyed walking past Jenny Lane making comments about the Rugby and Cricket club.
Taken ill at the New Year, he went to hospital but returned home a few days later. On the 6th January he was again taken to hospital where he passed away with complications associated with pneumonia . A retired Detective Sergeant, he was held in high esteem and will be sadly missed.
The funereal is on Monday 30th January at 11.30am at Nabwood, and afterwards at the Clubhouse.
