Devoted couple who diedwithin days of each other

Andrew Robinson

A COUPLE died two days apart after spending 65 years together.

Gordon Kirk met his future bride Sheila in Leeds in 1944, they married in 1952 and were devoted to one another ever since, one of their two sons said yesterday.

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Mrs Kirk died in hospital on December 29 and her husband on January 1. They were in separate hospitals in Leeds and Mr Kirk had not been told that his wife had died.

Son Andrew said: “I believe he knew. They would not have wanted to be without each other.”

Both were 83 and died peacefully after short illnesses.

The couple, who lived in Oakwood, Leeds, were stalwarts at Roundhay Rugby Club for many years.

Mr Kirk was an excellent all-round sportsman but will be best remembered for his lifelong contribution to Yorkshire rugby union.

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He joined Roundhay RUFC when still at school and after war service with the Royal Marines he became a key player there, spending 20 years in the first team and club captain in 1953.

He represented Yorkshire and grew to be one of the best players in the North, featuring in many Select XVs.

The couple are survived by two sons, Andrew and Gordon, and four grandsons.

The funeral is at St John Church, Springwood Road, Oakwood, Leeds at 11.30am next Wednesday. Cremation at Lawnswood and afterwards at West Park Leeds RUFC at Bramhope.

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