Former amateur rugby league stalwart, crown green bowler and Barrow Raiders supporter Terry Fitzsimmons has died at the age of 75.

Mr Fitzsimmons (right) was much loved by everyone and his passing has left the local sporting scene ‘shaken’.

Mr Fitzsimmons played his rugby for the now defunct Corporation Combine before making a name for himself on the administration side.

He was involved for many years with the youth, inter-town and county teams, later to become chairman of the Barrow & District League.

He represented the League with BARLA (British Amateur Rugby League Association) and made quick progress to join the executive committee at youth level.

Mr Fitzsimmons was always very shrewd and his greatest honour was to take the BARLA under-19s side to Australia. Many young lads have progressed to greater heights through his dedication.

He also loved crown green bowling, where he was a member of Roose Cons from the club’s early days in the 1990s.

Barrow and District League secretary Terry Barker said: “Terry was a brilliant bloke who worked hard for rugby league in this area especially at youth level.

“He was a good chairman of the League and I liked everything about him, he also served on the discipline committee.”

Dalton ARLFC chairman John Winward was stunned by the news, saying: “What a shock, he was a great man and worked extremely hard for youth rugby. He was always to the fore and do anything for anyone he went to the top with BARLA.”

Barrow Island stalwart John Jefferson said: “I worked with Terry for many years in the Yard (BAE Systems), where we were both electricians.

“He was a great bloke and was brilliant in his work at youth level. I was at Huddersfield with him two years ago when there was a reunion of the 1990s tour party that went to Australia.

“I have some fond memories of Terry, he was a character. We travelled miles for BARLA meetings - he was so dedicated. My thoughts are with his family.”

Chris Corkill of Roose Cons bowling section said: “I am so shocked, it is a sad day and a great shame. Terry loved his bowls - he joined in 1991 when the bowls took off at Roose and he played in all the leagues in the area. He was such a nice lad a good man.

He was a past chairman of the bowls section until his retirement from the Committee.”

Mr Fitzsimmons was educated at St Marys School on Duke Street and St Aloysius (now St Bernard’s), where he represented the school rugby team.

He worked in the shipyard and for Barrow Corporation before working for Shell and BP, but the work he enjoyed most was as a representative for Thwaites Brewery, where he spent 25 years. He leaves his wife Cath, daughter Claire and son Barry, along with eight grandchildren. Harry plays for Roose Pioneers under-12s and Matthew plays rugby union at Gloucester.