A POPULAR cricketing figure has died.
Walter Edge, 95, of Outlane, passed away peacefully at home on May 16.
Mr Edge, was an ardent sports enthusiast with rugby union and cricket as his particular interests.
Originally from Blackrod, near Bolton, he moved to Huddersfield in April 1940 to work at ICI, Leeds Road, as a draughtsman and work study officer.
He became actively involved, on and off the field, at Huddersfield Old Boys RUFC, where he was vice-captain for three years, and at Lascelles Hall Cricket Club, where he was captain in 1943 and 1944.
The current Huddersfield League Hopkinson Trophy originated from a suggestion by Edge, brought from the Bolton League, where he played for several years.
Mr Edge also a played a large part in the multi-sport programme enjoyed by the ICI workforce, which had a number successes in cricket, tennis and putting.
After marrying Dorothy in 1948, Walter switched his playing allegiance to Outlane Cricket Club of the Association League, where he played until he was 62.
He officiated at many different levels and coached junior sides for many years, eventually umpiring in the Halifax League for the club.
He remained involved with the Huddersfield League as their toastmaster at their annual dinner for many years, meeting many illustrious cricketers of the time and umpiring for seven years until he was 76.
Mr Edge’s son John said: “Walter was a staunch Lancastrian, supporting Lancashire CCC, Bolton Wanderers and Wigan RLFC, never missing an opportunity to put forward a view concerning ‘battles of the Roses’.”
Walter leaves a son, John, daughter, Janet, and five grandchildren.
A funeral service for Mr Edge was held at Huddersfield Crematorium on May 24 with donations to the Forget Me Not Trust.
