Tributes to Silsden rugby fan Dennis Horner (From Craven Herald)

Tributes to Silsden rugby fan Dennis Horner

11:00am Thursday 3rd January 2013 in News

A well known Silsden rugby fan has died aged 90.

Dennis Horner, a devoted follower of Silsden Amateur Rugby League Football Club, died at Springbank Nursing Home in the town after a short illness.

He was born in Cross Roads, but had been living in Silsden for 50 years.

He spent most of his working life in the textile industry and served in the Royal Army Service Corps during the Second World War.

Les Pyrah, treasurer of Silsden ARLFC, said: “Until about five years ago he was at every home game and a lot of the away matches.

“Whatever the weather he was there, he made a lot of noise on the touchline.

“He was the only spectator the referees knew by name.

“He was a hell of a character.”

Mr Horner was married with two children. His son, Granville, said his father was officially made a life member of the rugby club in honour of his years of support.

“He never played the game himself, but it’s surprising how many people took notice of what he had to say,” he added. “He was very outspoken.”

Mr Horner’s funeral service takes place at Skipton Crematorium tomorrow (Friday) at 11am.