A FORMER K Shoes manager, Netherfield cricket captain, and WWII range finder has died, aged 94.

Harry Walker, of Kendal, has been described by his family as “a lovely gentleman with a great and mischievous sense of humour.”

Born in 1920, Mr Walker attended Central Junior School before winning a scholarship to attend Kendal Grammar School.

An enthusiastic sportsman, he played rugby and won three Victor Ludorum medals during his teenage years.

But cricket was his first love and he joined Netherfield Cricket Club in 1934 at the age of 14, filling in due to a shortage of players during the summer holidays.

Mr Walker’s career spanned 31 years, with a break during the war years, before he retired from playing in 1965.

A skilled spin bowler and batsman, he played for both first and second elevens during his career.

In 1952 he captained the second team to win the Westmorland League Division 2 championship.

Following his retirement from playing he retained a close interest in the club as a spectator and was awarded life membership in 2013.

From school Mr Walker joined K Shoes where he spent his entire working life.

In 1965 he moved to Norwich to manage both K Shoes factories. He returned to Kendal in 1977 shortly before his retirement.

At the outbreak of the Second World War he enlisted in the Royal Artillery and saw service in Italy as a range finder following training in Redcar and Plymouth.

Mr Walker was also a talented singer and was a member of the “K” Shoes Choir, and subsequently The Greenside Choir when they travelled to London to perform in a televised competition.

He celebrated his diamond wedding with his late wife Marjorie in 2001.

Mr Walker is survived by his daughter Valerie, two granddaughters, and three great grandsons.