KEIGHLEY RUFC stalwart John Smith has passed away at the age of 94.

John was president of the club for a brief period in the 1960s, as well as chairman of the general committee during the 1990s.

He was made an honorary member of the club just over a decade ago too.

Posting on the club website, Keighley club official Alden Phillips wrote: "It is with deep sadness that we report that John N Smith passed away on the morning of Tuesday, January 17, in the nursing home close to his daughter’s home near Pocklington.

"He was 94 years old and had been suffering from dementia for last few years.

"John was devoted to Keighley Rugby Union Football Club – so much so that his wife Shirley once had to ask him if she was part of his marriage!"

"One of his favourite comments was 'Got it!', when something he was not familiar with was explained to him."

Listing his milestones at Keighley, Phillips wrote: "John was made president of our club in 1963-64 and was chair of the general committee between 1991 and 1995.

"He was also made an honorary member of the club in 2012.

"John was also chair of the house and ground sub-committee in the late 1980s and early 1990s, a job to which he was well-suited, being in the family business of Smith Bros, Agricultural Engineers by the level crossing at Crosshills."

Phillips added: "Our sincere condolences go to his daughter Helen and son Nicholas and their families."

John's funeral will be held at 12:30pm on Wednesday, February 22 at St Stephen's Church in Steeton.