Obituary: Stanley Hepton

Stanley Hepton (back rown, second from left) - Rochdale AFC

Former Rochdale footballer Stanley Hepton died peacefully at his home in Leeds on 15 April 2017 at the age of 84 after battling cancer. He was surrounded by family and remained positive until the very end of his life.

Mr Hepton, born in Leeds on 3 December 1932, was the beloved husband of Pauline, loving dad of Kim and Russell, father-in-law of Steve and Vikki, much-loved grandfather of Sophie, Anna and Ben, and the dear brother of Joe, Charlie and the late Joyce. He was very proud of his family and friends.

A family man, he returned to live in Leeds upon his retirement and always remained active. He had fond memories of Rochdale, and his son, Russell, a Great Britain junior cyclist, was born there in June 1962.

Mr Hepton was content with his life and his real passion later in life was golf. He actively supported both his son and daughter as they advanced in their careers. He never lost his competitive edge and athletic coordination and always relished keeping a ‘few youngsters’ in their place, be it football, golf or even latterly a family game of table tennis.

Mr Hepton played in the Football League Cup runner-up team as Rochdale made their spectacular way to the cup final during the 1961/62 season. A forward, he scored several goals against York City and Blackburn Rovers that enabled the team to make the final but, due to injury, could not play the final against Norwich.

During his four years at Rochdale, he scored 21 goals in 149 appearances. Prior to his transfer to Rochdale in July 1960, he also played for Leeds Ashley Road, Blackpool, Huddersfield and Bury. He later transferred to Southport in 1964.

The funeral service and cremation will take place on Friday 19 May at Lawnswood Crematorium in Leeds at 1pm. Family and friends will meet afterwards at Temple Newsam Golf Club from 3pm.

Family flowers only please, donations if desired, in memory of Stanley, will be forwarded to the Alzheimer’s Society.

All enquiries to Co-op Funeralcare, Garforth. Tel: 0113 286 8114.