Among the many great talents we lost in 2024 were actor Donald Sutherland, record producer Quincy Jones, footballer Franz Beckenbauer and tragically, One Direction singer Liam Payne.
And similarly, Yorkshire lost some of its number one sons and daughters in 2024. Of the Yorkshiremen and Yorkshirewoman who died this year there was a bestselling author, a professional wrestler, a rugby player and campaigner, two actors, a British Army general and a political colossus.
Some lived in Yorkshire for most of their lives. Others had the privilege of being born in God’s Own Country only to leave shortly afterwards. Some weren’t born in the White Rose County but they made their careers here which means they will always be associated with Yorkshire.
Here are – in alphabetical order – the Yorkshiremen, Yorkshirewomen and honorary Yorkshire people who passed away this year.
Barbara Taylor Bradford
Novelist Barbara Taylor Bradford
Taylor Bradford was born in Armley, Leeds, in 1933. Alongside fellow future writer Alan Bennett, she attended Christ Church Upper Armley CE Primary School. Taylor Bradford began her writing career as a journalist for the Yorkshire Evening Post before becoming fashion editor of Woman’s Own in London.
In 1979, she released her debut novel Women of Substance which sold more than 30m copies worldwide. Taylor Bradford wrote 40 novels, mostly about woman from humble backgrounds succeeding in business. Her 1986 novel An Act of Will was a fictionalised account of her parents’ marriage.
Taylor Bradford remained married to husband Robert from 1963 until his death in 2019. The author, who became a US citizen in 1992, died in her New York home on November 24, aged 91.
‘Jamaica’ George Burgess
George Burgess
(Image: creativemarmalade)
Best known by his wrestling name ‘ Jamaica George ’, Burgess blazed a trail for black-British wrestlers. Although he was born in Barbados (not Jamaica), Burgess made Leeds his home.
Burgess began to make a name for himself at wrestling summer shows in Blackpool in the 1960s. His showmanship, strength and agility, including his signature dropkick, took Burgess to international stardom in the 1970s. On Saturdays in the 1980s, ‘face’ George could be seen taking on legendary ‘heels’ such as Giant Haystacks on ITV’s World of Sport .
Burgess, who wrestled under monikers including Jamaica Kid, Coolcat Jackson, and Zulu Warrior, died peacefully at his Leeds home on October 5, aged 88.
Rob Burrow
(Image: (Image: PA Wire/PA Images))
Already a hero to Leeds Rhino fans, Burrow become a national hero during his campaign to raise awareness of motor neurone disease (MND).
Burrow, born in Pontefract, played scrum-half and hooker for the Rhinos for his entire 17-year playing career. Despite his diminutive size (5ft 5in and 11st) ‘the Mighty Atom’ helped Rhinos win eight Super League titles, two Challenge Cups and three World Club Championships. Burrows scored 196 tries, 157 goals and five drop-goals.
The former England international was diagnosed with MND in 2019. With his former teammate Kevin Sinfield, Burrow raised £15m for MND charities. The pair, whose selfless friendship touched the nation, appeared on the 2022 BBC documentary Rob Burrow: Living with MND and in three books.
Burrow, who was awarded an MBE, later upgraded to a CBE, died from MND complications at Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield, on July 2. He was 41. Burrow leaves his wife Lindsey, their children Maya, Macy and Jackson, his parents and two sisters.
Geoffrey Hinsliff
Coronation Street Wedding: 1988 Don Brennan (Geoffrey Hinsliff) marries Ivy Tilsley (Lynne Perrie).
(Image: Granada Television)
Best known as Coronation Street cabbie Don Brennan, Leeds-born Hinsliff was a well established actor when he took to the cobbles for a third time in 1987.
Hinsliff began acting as a pupil at Middleton Secondary Modern School and as an amateur performer at the Leeds Service of Youth Players. After his national service, Hinsliff graduated from Rada having won a scholarship to the elite drama academy.
Hinsliff played numerous roles on screen, including minor roles in Coronation Street in 1963 and 1979, as well as classical roles at the Old Vic and with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
In 1983, Hinsliff became a famous face as doltish underling George Fairchild in the 1983 ITV comedy Brass . The series, starring Timothy West (see below) as ruthless mine and mill owner Bradley Hardacre, lampooned earlier TV dramas that were built on northern working-class stereotypes.
Hinsliff left Coronation Street in 1997; his character died in fireball after attempting to mow down Mike Baldwin (Johnny Briggs) in his car.
The actor died on September 15, aged 86. His wife Judy Seal (married 1967), their daughters Gaby and Sophie, four grandchildren and brother Ken survive him.
Sir Mike Jackson
General Sir Michael Jackson was the highest profile British Army general since World War Two. Jackson was born in Sheffield to George, a soldier who later rose to the rank of major, and Ivy, a museum curator in the city.
After school, Jackson graduated from Sandhurst in 1963 and joined the Intelligence Corps. After obtaining a degree in Russian Language, he served with the Parachute Regiment in Malaysia, Hong Kong and Anguilla. The then Captain Jackson served in Northern Ireland during The Troubles as an administrator with the regiment. He became a divisive figure in Ireland for his role in the 1971 Ballymurphy and 1972 Bloody Sunday massacres in which civilians were shot dead.
As Jackson continued to rise through the ranks he served in the Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan. Nicknamed ‘the Prince of Darkness’ for his imposing height, ‘cadaverous’ appearance and gravely voice, Jackson gained a reputation for facing down enemies.
He cowed notorious Serbian commander Ratko Mladic by ordering armoured vehicles to park outside his meetings with Mladic. Also in the Balkans, Jackson famously refused a command by his US superior General Wesley Clark to block a runway stating: “Sir, I’m not going to start World War Three for you.”
Jackson retired in 2006 having received honours including the top Grand Cross. He died from prostate cancer on March 21, aged 80. His wife Sarah, their son Tom, and Amanda and Mark from Jackson’s first marriage survive him.
John Prescott
John Prescott
Politician Lord Prescott was born in Wales but part-raised in Rotherham. He was elected MP for Hull in 1970 – a position he held for 40 years – rising to government minister, deputy Labour leader and Lord.
As a trainee chef and steward on Cunard passenger ships, Prescott became a left-wing union activist. After obtaining a diploma in economics and politics, he graduated with a degree in economics and economic history from the University of Hull, in 1968.
Prescott’s plain manner of speaking, delivered in a strong northern accent, made him the frequent subject of satire. Often combative in interviews, the former amateur boxer hit the headlines for punching a protestor who pelted him with an egg in 2001. The public were surprisingly sympathetic to Prescott who had been attacked at point-blank range.
Prescott died, aged 86, at a care home after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.
Timothy West
(Image: (Image: Getty))
Actor West was born in Bradford to actors Lockwood West and Olive Carleton-Grove, although the family soon settled in Bristol. After taking A-levels in London, West made his professional acting debut as a farmer at Wimbledon Theatre. He made his West End debut at Piccadilly Theatre in the farce Caught Napping in 1959, before taking roles with BBC radio and the Royal Shakespeare Company.
West gained roles in films including Hedda (1975), The 39 Steps (1978), Cry Freedom (1987), Disney’s 102 Dalmatians (2000) and Dreamworks’ Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (2003). Among his numerous TV roles were those in Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) , Brass (see above), Midsomer Murders , Last Tango in Halifax , Gentleman Jack and Dad’s Army: The Lost Episodes .
He received a CBE for his services to drama in 1984 followed by eight honorary doctorates, including his first from the University of Bradford in 1993.
West died on November 12, aged 90. He leaves actor wife Prunella Scales, their sons Samuel and Joseph, daughter Juliet from his first marriage, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Also:
Willie Carlin, 83, Halifax Town footballer
John Etty, 97, rugby league player for Yorkshire, Batley and Wakefield Trinity
Peter Glover, 78, England rugby union player
Tony Green, 85, sports commentator and Bullseye announcer
Keith Hepworth, 82, rugby league player for Castleford, Leeds, Hull FC and Bramley
Bobby Hoy, 73, Huddersfield Town and Halifax Town footballer
Brian Lockwood, 78, rugby league player for Castleford, Wakefield Trinity, Hull KR
Phil Lowe, 74 rugby league player for Hull KR, Yorkshire, England and Great Britain
Brian Makepeace, 92, Doncaster Rovers footballer
Doug Padgett, 89, England and Yorkshire cricketer
Steve Smith, 77, Huddersfield Town player and manager, Halifax Town player
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