Pat Rhodes

Based at their kennels in Gilstead, Bingley, Pat and her husband Barry established the Fearnley line of Irish Red Setters and started to show them in the early 1960s. They also had a keen interest in Welsh Springer Spaniels, moving to set up Bramhope Boarding Kennels in the early 1970s.

Mrs Rhodes, who has died at the age of 82, also judged at a number of dog shows around the world, awarding certificates in all the Setter and a number of other Gundog breed categories.

She judged Irish Red Setters on three occasions at Crufts, culminating in her judging the Gundog Group in 2004. In 1985, she judged the Gundog Group at the World Show in Holland. In 2000 she judged in Sydney, Australia and Auckland in New Zealand. She was also a judge in Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Luxembourg, Ireland and the USA.

Her support for the welfare of dogs and the development of veterinary practices was notable and she was a lifelong supporter of many national and local associations including The Kennel Club, who made her an honorary life member earlier this year, Leeds City and District Canine Association and Yorkshire Gundog Club.

She was a great encourager of young people, a tireless supporter of local charities and an inveterate bridge player.

Mrs Rhodes is survived by her three children, Louise, Sally and Jonathan, seven grandchildren and two great-grandsons. Her funeral is at the Parish Church of St Giles, Bramhope, on Monday, July 28 at noon.