Michael Kempley

Michael was born in Leeds and grew up in Horsforth where his mother owned and ran Winifred Mongans dress shop and his father a potato business. He was educated at Mount St. Mary's and Barlborough Hall, studying law at Leeds University.

He took articles with Booth and Co but was quickly talent spotted by George Turnbull and asked to join Scott Turnbull and Kendal, dealing mainly with commercial property.

Within this practice he flourished, his main early work being associated with the expansion of the Burton Group, having met Arnold Burton through a shared interest in rallying.

Scott Turnbull ultimately merged to form Walker Morris and within this new partnership he worked successfully on behalf of many blue chip clients, including Land Securities and Disney. In the early 1990s, he perfected the intricacies of the Turnover Lease to the delight of many of his hard pressed clients.

Michael possessed a true sense of community and would use his talents to help all of those around him. He worked tirelessly in the interests of Harewood village, where he lived for many years, particularly as chairman of the village hall.

He also acted as company secretary for Harewood Hill Climb helping to ensure its long term viability as a racing venue and taking a great deal of interest in its landscape improvement through organising extensive tree planting.

Motor sport was a happy relief from his legal career. He started as a navigator with the Leeds University Motor Club before map reading for such luminaries as Peter Proctor, Chris Knowles-Fitton and Tony Fall in events such as the Yorkshire Rally, the Huddersfield Motor Club "Dusk till Dawn", the Morecambe Rally and the Whittaker Trophy.

In later life, he took his lovingly maintained Datsun 240Z on the Monte Carlo Historic, Tour Auto and the Prix des Alpes. He was a keen member of the Ecurie Cod Fillet motor club, where one had to win an international rally to become a member. Other mechanical adventures centred on his Armstrong Siddeley Hurricane and his 1961 Simmonds speed boat which he used for water–skiing and classic boat rallies on Lake Windermere.

Michael was a keen sportsman playing to a high standard in the Burton Squash League, a skilful tennis player with a mean backhand and a member of the Rawden Tennis Club.

He had a passion for travelling and loved to test his navigational skills by exploring some of Europe's most challenging back roads – often to the displeasure of his ever patient first choice driver, Diana Kempley.

He was a fearless and courageous skier, yet despite lacking grace and style he would always reach the bottom of the piste first to ensure a fresh round of drinks and warm welcome awaited his party.

His enthusiasm and ever optimistic view of life was an inspiration to many as was his unforgettable character. He will be sadly missed.

Michael was first married in 1966 to Sally Carter with whom he had two children, Rupert and Delia. He remarried in 1975 and leaves behind his devoted loving wife of 35 years Diana MacKinnon, and their daughter Emma.

Michael was blessed with three grandchildren, Max, Michael and Evie.