Tributes are paid as Aireborough rugby chief dies at 59 (From Ilkley Gazette)

Tributes are paid as Aireborough rugby chief dies at 59

2:46pm Thursday 3rd January 2013 in News By Annette McIntyre

Tributes have been paid to the chairman of Aireborough Rugby Club who was found dead at the weekend.

Jack Osborn was discovered after a night out to celebrate the New Year.

His death has shocked friends, who described him as an “inspirational man.”

Mr Osborn, 59, was a leading figure at the rugby club, which he joined more than 20 years ago.

An announcement on the club website says: “We are deeply saddened to announce that our chairman Jack Osborn has passed away this morning and the whole club’s thoughts are with his family.”

Former chairman Ted Lester said Mr Osborn had been out celebrating with friends from the club on Friday night and was found dead the next morning.

He said Mr Osborn’s death had shocked everyone.

“He was a huge figure within the rugby club. There was nobody he didn’t know or didn’t talk to. There was nobody who had a bad word to say about him,” he said.

“He was a really nice guy and one of those chaps you could rely on. If he said he was going to do something he would do it. You couldn’t wish for a better chap.”

The successful businessman leaves a widow, Barbara, and a son, Matthew, who is in his 20s and plays for the club’s first team.

Mr Osborn had made his money through tele-communications and was keen to help young people succeed.

He had set up a company called Wood for the Trees to give inspirational talks to young people at schools and colleges, telling them how to set up in business.

Mr Lester said Mr Osborn had taken over as serving chairman a year ago.

He had previously been the club’s commercial director and had been instrumental in setting up the annual pantomime – which is now an established tradition.

“He was an inspirational man,” he said.

“He had been commercial manager for probably in excess of 10 years and during that time he raised well over £50,000. He was a tremendous worker for the club in that respect.

“He was instrumental in setting up the pantomime. It will be held in February this year in memory of Jack.”