9:10am Thursday 5th March 2009
Long-time Wharfedale rugby man Peter Hartley died suddenly on Tuesday.
Mr Hartley, 61, of Thornton-in-Craven, had been a servant to the Threshfield club in many ways.
The man known affectionately at the club as “Bear” was a back row forward in his playing days and eventually became part of a successful coaching team that saw Wharfedale achieve four promotions in 20 years and eventually consolidate its place in National League Two.
The club paid tribute to Mr Hartley with this statement on its website: “Peter was widely admired and respected throughout the game. His death has shocked his many friends and colleagues, and the club’s sympathy goes out to his wife Cath and their children John and Victoria.”
Club captain James Doherty said: “He had always been involved at the club and was a person who did a lot of work nobody sees. His contribution was invaluable. You can’t put a price on what he’s done for Wharfedale.”
Mr Hartley was a first team manager in this season’s Wharfedale coaching set-up. He was also a selector for Yorkshire and chairman of the England Counties Selection Panel.
Mr Doherty said: “Peter was a keen student of the game and a person who really understood rugby. He was methodical in his thought process. He was a voice of reason and always calm-headed when selecting the team.”
He said that, as a player, Mr Hartley had been first team captain at Wharfedale and his dominance on the pitch, but calmness off it, earned him the nickname “Bear”. His success as a coach, alongside current chairman of rugby Michael Harrison, saw the first team become one of the top 40 teams in the country.
Mr Doherty said Mr Hartley’s death had put everything into perspective for Wharfedale’s home game against Cambridge on Saturday.
In the match programme, fans will be able to read this tribute: “Player, coach, selector, manager, “Bear” was a shining example to generations of players. Peter’s loss will be felt well beyond his beloved Wharfedale.”
The club will hold a minute’s silence before the 3pm kick-off.
A service of thanksgiving will be held next Thursday, March 12, at 2pm at St Michael and All Angels Church, Linton.
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