A Skipton man who practiced as a local chartered accountant has died aged 81.

Arthur Walker was brought up on Marina Crescent and was educated at Ings Primary School.

He left Keighley Technical College at the age of 15 and joined the Keighley accountancy firm, Sunderland Driver, as an office boy.  After completing his studies he qualified as a chartered accountant

in 1964.

In 1982 he set up his practice, Arthur E Walker & Co, which continues to the present day in Water Street.  His daughter, Sandra, was the firm’s first secretary and she was joined by John Preston, who is still with the business today.  The firm is currently owned by Arthur’s son, Andrew, and many of its clients have been with the practice for over 30 years.

Arthur was a gifted athlete.  He ran the 100 yard sprint at local shows and his first success was a win at Kilnsey Show.  He was coached by Edgar Jeans and due to his encouragement, Arthur continued to win races at various Lakeland shows.  Through his running, he made many friends, such as Keith Summersgill, Roger Ingham and Keith Schofield, who recall his distinctive running style and his black athletic gear.

 As was common in the 1950’s, Arthur met his wife, Marea, at a dance held in the Clifford Suite of the Black Horse.  Within a short space of time they were married and they set up home in Hurrs Road.  Marea was very supportive to Arthur in his career and she was often called upon to provide temporary cover as a secretary. Arthur will be remembered by his clients as an honest and trusted business advisor.  His down to earth style and integrity made him very popular and people often liked his particular dry sense of humour.

 Arthur is survived by his wife, Marea, a son and daughter, Andrew and Sandra, and four grandchildren,  James, Emma, Julia and Rachael, all of whom he was very proud. A service to celebrate his life will be held at 12 noon at Holy Trinity Skipton on Friday 17 March.