Shock death of rugby man Bob

HAPPIER times . . . Bob (right) with his son Daniel, pictured in 2006 when the pair played together in the first XV

OLDHAM Rugby Union Club has been stunned by the sudden death of one of its most popular players.

Prop forward Bob Simpson (40) died at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary yesterday after being admitted only hours earlier.

The father-of-four picked up a chest infection while on holiday in Portugal in August. And when he went to see his family doctor on Monday, he was immediately admitted to hospital.

But his condition deteriorated and the bubbly Manor Park favourite died.

Bob’s wife Cheryl said the cause of her husband’s death has yet to be established. The coroner has been notified.

It was little over two years ago when the Chronicle reported on Bob and his son Daniel playing together in Oldham RUFC’s first team for the first time.

Proud Bob, who spent most of his playing days in Oldham’s second and third teams, was elevated to the senior side for the first time at the age of 38. He was a part of the first team squad again this season. Shocked wife Cheryl had been married to Bob for 21 years. She said: “Bob loved his rugby — he was an active member of the club. Apart from playing, he also coached the under-16s side.”

Bob leaves sons Daniel (20) and Ashley (19) and daughters Chelsea (17) and Chloe (9). He was born in Catterick but lived most of his life in Hollins. It was only last November when the family moved to live in Marsden. He spent many years working as production manager at Shaw firm Plasteknik, but was made redundant a couple of years ago.

The club’s honorary life member and past president, Terry Hurst, said: “Bob was always helpful and willing to do any job including car boot sales we hold. He always had a smile on his face. He will be sadly missed.”

Oldham Rugby Union Club has cancelled all its senior games on Saturday as a mark of respect.