BILL COOPER, who played more than 900 games over 35 years for York RI RUFC, has died aged 79.

After a long battle with cancer, Cooper passed away at his home in Baildon with his wife, Joan, and family present.

Cooper learned his rugby while undertaking National Service in the Royal Air Force and joined York RI as a railwayman player in 1954.

He continued to play as a wing forward – or flanker – and latterly tight head prop until well into his 50s.

RI spokesman Bill Moore paid tribute to Cooper as “an outstanding contributor in the history of his beloved club”.

Moore added: “He served the Yorkshire RFU faithfully for over 50 years as fixture secretary until ill health forced him to quit. He was admired and respected throughout our county both on and off the field.

“Although extremely ill, Bill still had his son, John, bring him from Baildon to our Survivors lunches and, rest assured, this unique gentleman will be remembered by many.

“A measure of the man was that he was told he had won £50 on the rugby draw and bought all his mates a drink, only to find out it was a mis-draw. Bill shrugged his shoulders and just smiled.”

His railway career began in 1950 at Escrick Station. He then had spells at Copmanthorpe, Wetherby and Cattal before moving to the passenger trains section at British Rail headquarters in York.

After his National Service, Cooper returned to York and joined Traffic Analysis and Marshalling Yard Modernisation at Tees, Tyne and Healey Mills Yards. He later left British Rail to become work study officer with Bradford City Council.

The funeral will be held on Friday. There will be a private cremation for family only. The service will be held at Baildon Methodist Church at 2.15pm, followed by a wake at Baildon RUFC.