A FORMER postmaster and newsagent has died. Ralph Beaumont, 85, of Netherton, died after a long illness.
He was best remembered for his 21-year stint as the newsagent in Waingate, Berry Brow.
He and his late wife Nancy ran the shop from 1970 until 1991 and also incorporated the village post office for 16 years.
Mr Beaumont had previously worked as a chemist at John Crowther’s textile mill in Milnsbridge.
He is also well-known in sporting circles, especially Huddersfield cricket.
He played at Broad Oak but had a long association with Armitage Bridge Cricket Club and over the years had held many positions, including committee man and president.
He was closely involved with the club’s juniors set-up and was also a part-time groundsman until his illness last summer.
Mr Beaumont was also a keen supporter of local football and was an honorary vice-president at Berry Brow, following the club’s games each week no matter what the weather.
He and his wife, who died 16 years ago, were also among the founder members of the local branch of the charity that became Mencap, and helped with much of its work for many years.
He leaves two sons and a daughter, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A funeral service is planned for noon on March 16 at Huddersfield Crematorium.
