Unsung rugby hero Bob Birks dies aged 43 (From Craven Herald)

Unsung rugby hero Bob Birks dies aged 43

9:00am Thursday 7th February 2013 in News

A former rugby union player known during his playing career as the “cornerstone of the pack” has died aged 43.

Bob Birks started his playing career as a 17-year-old and was prop forward for Skipton Rugby Union Club until he retired.

Mr Birks was made a centurion of the club in 2009, having taken to the field at least 100 times for the first XV. Often the unsung hero of the team, he notched up 318 appearances. He also played for Yorkshire Colts.

He was employed by Landis Lund in Eastburn and died last Wednesday while working in Berlin. He lived in Rowan Garth, Sutton, with his wife Lyn and teenage daughter Sophie, 15, who attends South Craven School and plays the accordion. His son Adam, 19, is studying to be a teacher.

About five years ago he underwent a heart bypass following a virus attack.

His close friend Stephen Place, of Sutton, said “Bob was a dear friend and a wonderful family man who valued every day of his life. I think Bob knew his back was to the wall health wise and he intended to get as much pleasure out of life and his family as possible.”