A POLICE officer known as "the perfect gentleman" has died.
Harry Sharp, who served in Huddersfield for 30 years, has died at the age of 80.
Mr Sharp was born, lived and worked all his life in Huddersfield.
The son of a cabinet maker and a tailoress, he grew up in Birkby and was educated at Birkby Council School and New North Road College.
He was a bright and intelligent student but favoured things mechanical rather than academic. He left school as soon as he could and served an apprenticeship as a motor mechanic, a skill which was to serve him well all his life.
At the age of 21 he did two years National Service, serving in the Royal Tank Regiment.
When he was demobbed he decided to join the police and enlisted in 1953 in Huddersfield.
During his career he rose from constable to chief inspector and was described as a dedicated and committed policeman.
He retired in 1984.
In his retirement he enjoyed holidays abroad, trips in his touring caravan and walks in the countryside, as well as cars and motoring.
He was also a keen sports fan, especially rugby league, and was a lifelong follower of Fartown, later the Huddersfield Giants.
He was married to Betty for almost 60 years and leaves two children, Robert and Hazel, five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
A funeral service was held at Huddersfield Crematorium.
