Barrie McDermott leads tributes to the late Harry Jepson
Tuesday 30 August 2016 18:14, UK
Barrie McDermott paid tribute to Harry Jepson OBE after the Leeds Rhinos president passed away at the age of 96.
Jepson's lifelong association with rugby league started in 1920 after taking up the sport as a fan of local side Hunslet Parkside.
The former RFL director took up various administrative roles in the game before becoming president of the Rhinos, where he made a big impression on McDermott.
"I felt extremely sad when I heard the news that Harry Jepson had passed away on Monday morning," the Sky Sports pundit said. "I just assumed he would outlast us all.
"Harry was one of the most passionate, engaging, knowledgeable and good-humoured men in the game.
"Despite him being the grand old age of 96 his energy and enthusiasm never slowed down, even if his walking pace did. He had a razor-sharp understanding of the modern game.
"We've lost a good man who was always good company and a man who dedicated his life to the sport he loved."
"He used to take great pride in watching the young players at Leeds coming through and when I was Head of Youth Development at the Rhinos he wanted to know which club or which schools each player came from.
"He also loved watching the kids on the pitch at half-time, always remarking 'What a wonderful sight, Barrie, that's what it's all about.'"
The former Leeds prop said Jepson's time in rugby league gave him great perspective on the sport, but his life outside the game was equally fulfilling.
"It was always an immense pleasure to sit and talk with him, whether discussing his time in the army, as a teacher, his various roles and responsibilities at Hunslet, or the Leeds club.
"I loved every second, it didn't matter how many times I sat with him I rarely heard the same tale twice.
"The club and indeed the game has lost a man with several encyclopedias of rugby league knowledge. However, those who had the honour to get to know him also knew the other side of his character; his youthful fun side.
"We've lost a good man who was always good company and a man who dedicated his life to the sport he loved. He will be very sadly missed by all."
RFL chief executive Nigel Wood added: "Harry Jepson was one of rugby league's national treasures.
"He had a lifelong passion for the sport and wonderful and vivid recollection of the great players and deeds of the past. He was a friend to everyone."
Former Leeds and Great Britain captain Jamie Peacock tweeted: "RIP Harry Jepson. A wonderful gentleman who was kind, polite, humble, respectful and articulate. A giant of the Leeds Rhinos and the game."
