TRIBUTES are being paid to a former dentist and prominent all-round sportsman who has died at the age of 82.

David Barker had a passion for rugby, and served Tynedale RFC with distinction as a player, team manager, selector, assistant treasurer, and committee member.

Although he was keenly competitive on the sportsfield, he was widely regarded as a gentleman with a strong dedication to sport and the wider community.

Following his death, suddenly at home in Hexham on October 16, David’s family and friends will join together at Hexham Abbey, for a service of thanksgiving on Monday, November 4 at 2pm.

David grew up at Bywell Avenue in the east end of Hexham, along with his sister Pauline and his brother Christopher. The house adjoined Dene Park, which was the home of Tynedale RFC in those days.

He attended Hexham’s Sele School, before moving on to Barnard Castle School in Durham, where he played squash and cricket to a good standard. He held the school high jump record for many years, but excelled particularly at rugby.

On leaving school, David trained as a dentist at King’s College in Newcastle, which later became part of Newcastle University.

He played for Medicals RFC as a student, before graduating as a qualified dentist in 1960, the year in which National Service was abolished.

However, the armed forces required medics, so doctors and dentists were still conscripted. David joined the Army as an officer, serving mainly in Northern Ireland.

This was in the years before the Troubles, and the opportunity enabled David to play rugby both in the North of the country, and in the Republic. While in Ireland, David met Mary, an Irish nurse, and the pair were married in 1963. They went on to have three daughters, Angela, Lorraine, and Lucy.

David’s family always had close links with the rugby club. His father Joe served as president from 1968 to 1970. After concluding a playing career as a scrum half or flanker with an excellent kick, David went on to serve the club himself in various capacities. David was a regular attended at home games alongside his friends Tom Jobson, and the late Jeffrey Hunter. They were also season ticket holders at Kingston Park, home of Newcastle Falcons. A keen golfer, David was also a member of Hexham Golf Club, and played bowls at Hexham House Bowling Club, and at Wentworth Leisure Centre.