Heath Old Boys Association

Kenneth Rex Hodkinson: 17 May 1927–9 January 2018 [Heath 1938–1943]

One of the last surviving member of the successful Halifax RUFC team of the early fifties, Ken Hodkinson, died peacefully in Halifax Royal Hospital on 9^th January, aged 90.

Ken was brought up in Boothtown and attended Heath Grammar School; he then lived his entire adult life in Brighouse.

After leaving school he played briefly for Heath Old Boys before joining Halifax RUFC in 1945 aged 17. Compulsory National Service in the navy interrupted his promising start at the club, but he was able to re-join the club in 1948 and was an integral part of the Yorkshire Cup winning side, which achieved back-to-back wins against Wakefield in 1950 and Morley in 1951.

Ken played full-back and fly-half for Halifax through most of the 1950’s and, despite his diminutive stature, was renowned for his courageous defence and clever distribution of the ball. One of his favourite memories was getting the opportunity to play opposite Cliff Morgan, the then Cardiff, Wales and British Lions fly-half, whilst touring South Wales with Halifax.

A service to celebrate Ken Hodkinson’s life was held at Park Wood Crematorium, Elland on Thursday 1^st February 2018.

Jerry Hodkinson

6 August 2018.