He was a stalwart of the Huddersfield YMCA.
Michael Brendan Walsh – known to all as Walshy – played more than 300 games as a prop forward for the rugby union club.
And for most of his life he was a regular at club matches and functions.
Mr Walsh, 71, of Dalton, collapsed while in Hong Kong for the International Rugby Sevens with a party of former YMCA players. It was a trip he had made many times.
Friend Brian Cadwell said: “Doing what he loved most, Walshy died suddenly and peacefully in Hong Kong on a YMCA rugby trip to the international sevens,
“He was a man with a close, loving family and uncountable friends and he had lived a full and varied life.
“He possessed a marvellous Yorkshire/Irish dry wit which ensured he was always surrounded by friends.
“He will be sadly missed by everyone”.
Mr Walsh served for 12 years in the RAF before joining the former ICI company in Huddersfield where he worked for many years as a chemical engineer.
He was an avid reader.
He leaves three sisters.
A funeral service was held at St Joseph’s RC Church, Dalton.
