It is maybe apt that Howard passed away on a Wednesday, as Howard has been a Wednesday Gang member for many years. Adept at emptying out the bottles from behind the bar after a busy Saturday or weekend (we must say the bottles were empty before Howard got to them!). Helping around the fire on a cold day and bringing his sense of humour and intelligence to the Wednesday Gang during debates, discussions, and mickey taking over a cup of coffee or on the occasions of a birthday the odd glass of red wine or two. Howard had a seemingly endless fund of stories to entertain the Wednesday Gang with (only some of which could be repeated in polite company)!

A pharmacist by profession, Howard was nationally respected in his field, with a love of his family, travel, good food and wine, good company, dancing and volunteering for various charities, Howard was one of the most fantastic people you could wish to meet. He will be greatly missed by the Wednesday gang and by our club.

Did we mention Howard loved good food and good wine?!!!

All our thoughts go out to Howard's family and friends at this difficult time.

Howard's funeral will be held on Thursday 21 August at 11.30am at Lawnswood Crematorium, returning to Otley RUFC from 12.30pm.

Howard’s family are asking for any donations to be made to Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, who have been a great support to Howard, his wife, and family.

If you wish to donate this can be done online via sueryder.org Wheatfields Hospice, or there will be a plate available at Lawnswood Crematorium.