Keighley Cricket Club are mourning the death of their long-serving member Brian Wilkinson. Wilkie' as he was popularly known, gave more than 50 years service to the club.
He died on Saturday in Airedale Hospital from lung cancer aged 75 and already tributes have been flowing in for a man who was also affectionately known as Mr Keighley'.
Wilkie served Keighley as a player, groundsman and barman and was a hugely popular figure with visitors to the Lawkholme Lane club. He was also a fine footballer and was once on the books of Bradford City as a goalkeeper.
Many umpires and officials used to look forward to their trips to Keighley to enjoy Wilkie's hospitality.
He even had his own beer Wilkie's Wobbler' which was named after him after he won a competition run by a local brewery.
Keighley secretary Mike Parker said: "This is a huge loss for the club. Wilkie was such a wonderful character who did so much for the club.
"He looked after the ground for many years and has run the bar and gave all of his labour to the club for free.
"Whenever opposing clubs or umpires visited the ground they always asked where Wilkie was. He was always around the place helping others and having fun. He was a wonderful character and will be sorely missed."
Mr Wilkinson leaves a wife Elaine and three sons, Steve, Tim and Simon.
l A funeral for Mr Wilkinson will be held today at the Knowle Chapel of Rest at 1pm prior to cremation. Refreshments will follow at Keighley Cricket Club.
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