Gordon Kirk

He took the role on a "temporary" basis in1956 and was in charge of the accounts for 40 years until Roundhay and Headingley merged to form Leeds RUFC, forerunners of today's Guinness Premiership club Leeds Carnegie.

But Gordon Kirk was not just a man in the background doing the sums; far from it. He had opinions, especially on rugby and cricket, and was not afraid to express them – or to argue the point at length, but never with acrimony, should it become necessary.

He was also an excellent cricketer as well as a rugby player, good enough to play for Yorkshire and be invited to appear in many "guest" teams for special fixtures such as jubilees and the opening of new clubhouses.

He was born in Leeds in 1926, educated at Harehills and Roundhay Schools and soon proved himself a talented sportsman. He joined Roundhay RUFC while at school and never forgot a robust match against Hunslet Engine Company when he was a 14-year-old scrum-half.

He left Roundhay School at 16 having won colours at rugby and cricket and earned his School Certificate, taking up a position with the Midland Bank, initially in Pudsey. He would stay with the Midland for the rest of his working life apart from his service with the Royal Marines starting in 1944. While a Marine he played rugby for the Corps and the Combined Services and also had successful football trials with Portsmouth.

After demobilisation he returned to Leeds and the Midland, quickly establishing himself as a leading member of Roundhay's first XV, taking the captaincy in 1953. He played in every three-quarter position and latterly in the back-row during his 20 years at senior level but was at his best at inside centre.

He continued to shine in the summer months as a batsman, regularly topping the averages for Yorkshire Bank, for whom he chose to play because they had different arrangements for the Midland for Saturday half-days – and a superb batting wicket at their sports ground at Moortown. He was also a fervent member of Yorkshire County Cricket Club.

On retirement as a rugby player, he devoted himself to running Roundhay's financial affairs, playing a key role in the development of Chandos Park and the development of a club which became one of the acknowledged leaders of Northern rugby and produced several England players.

Gordon Kirk died on January 1 just two days after his wife Sheila. She was 83 and died on December 29.

Sheila Kirk was born in Leeds in 1926 and followed family tradition in becoming a keen horsewoman.

After war service with the Royal Observer Corps she worked in Leeds at the Bidgood Larssen Travel Agency. She shared her husband's involvement with Roundhay Rugby Club. On retirement she undertook charity work, notably for the Martin House Hospice in Boston Spa.

Their joint funeral service will be at Roundhay Methodist Church, Springwood Road, Oakwood, on January 20 at 11.30 am followed by cremation at Lawnswood and a reception at West Park Leeds RUFC at Bramhope.