BIG family man Ronald North spent 30 years as a fire officer in Kirklees, receiving a medal for his long service and good conduct.

His first post was at the former West Riding Brigade, before he was transferred to Huddersfield in 1957.

The grandad to 14 became station officer in 1970.

He was then promoted to assistant divisional officer for Kirklees.

Mr North, 83, died peacefully at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary on May 19 with his seven children all gathered around his hospital bed.

Son Bevis remembered his father as a ‘dedicated’ fire officer and ‘fantastic’ father.

“He was extremely supportive to each and every one of us,’’ he said.

“He was very dedicated and very well-liked. He a heroic man.”

Mr North saved many local people throughout his career as a fire officer and was said to be cool under pressure.

He attended St James’ Grammar School in Almondbury.

Later Mr North joined the Royal Navy where he served for seven years.

He and his late wife, Sonia, met on a bus from Huddersfield to Almondbury. They married six weeks later in Almondbury and were together for 59 years.

The pair spent much of their time in the South of France after retirement. In his spare time Mr North liked to garden and enjoyed caravanning.