HUDDERSFIELD businessman John Netherwood was known for his love of speed and adventure.

The former council leader, who was an air gunner during the Second World War, died on October 10 aged 83.

He had suffered a major stroke five years ago and his health had been in decline.

Mr Netherwood was born in Huddersfield and went to St Olave’s School in Ripon and Bootham School in York.

In the Second World War he briefly joined the Home Guard, then served with 466 Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force at Driffield, North Yorkshire.

He was a mid-gunner in Halifax bombers from 1942.

It was while in the RAAF that he developed his love for speed and motor vehicles.

He was interested in both motorcycles and cars and formed a life-long addiction to anything powered by petrol.

Because of this he was late being demobbed after a motorcycle accident. It meant he missed his own 21st birthday party.

Mr Netherwood later competed on motorcycles in races in Britain, the Isle of Man and Ireland, winning the Munster 100 and getting high placings in the Clubman’s TT and Manx Grand Prix.

He also competed on four wheels and was an active member of the Huddersfield Motor Club for nearly 30 years, serving as president.

He also found time to serve on the committee of the Yorkshire branch of the British Automobile Racing Club.

In later years he took up trail-riding and was instrumental in establishing the West Yorkshire branch of the Trial Riders Federation.

He made a successful return to competitive motor sport in the 1980s, competing in both hill climbs and sprints.

After leaving the RAAF Mr Netherwood joined the family firm Netherwood Dalton and qualified as a master printer.

His father died in 1957 and, with his brothers Richard and Jim, Mr Netherwood ran the company at Bradley Mills until it was sold in 1988.

Outside work Mr Netherwood sought adventure. He gained a skiing gold star, crossed the English Channel with two friends in an amphibious truck and made an attempt for the land speed record for towing a caravan.

He was still riding motorcycles until the age of 79.

He also sat as an independent on Denby Dale Urban District Council in the 1960s, including being chairman.

He was also on the organising committee for the 1964 Denby Dale Pie celebrations and was on the board of trustees which established the village’s Dale Pie Hall.

From 1978 to 1982 Mr Netherwood served as a Conservative on Kirklees Council. He also remained actively involved with the Historic Buildings Trust.

He was a life-long Quaker and went to High Flatts Meeting House.

Mr Netherwood leaves his wife Sheila, son Richard, daughters Penny and Trudi and his late son, Nicholas. He also had four grandchildren, Laura, Harvey, Olivia and Max.

He showed determination in dealing with his poor health and remained good humoured to the end.

His funeral was at Huddersfield Crematorium on Friday.