John Keir: Dave Woods pays tribute to rugby league legend

For over 30 years he was a cherished member of the BBC radio and TV commentary team. His knowledge was unparalleled, his sense of humor never diminished.

We gave him the tag ‘Tight Yorkshireman’ – always last to go to the bar to buy a drink, we’d joke and he’d play that role.

But, it was a myth. He was the most generous friend you could ever meet.

And, he was always the last to leave the bar after drinks because he loved the stories, memories and opinions we would all share about our great sport.

“Obviously I love calling games with him because he’s so passionate,” said BBC rugby league commentator Matt Newsom, a former colleague of mine.

“But away from the mic I love listening to his life stories, taking him to his favorite Led Zeppelin songs and introducing him to the joys of Halloumi after his initial skepticism. I can’t reveal what he said at first.

“The biggest compliment I can give is that when my father died last year, John became the next best thing to me – he was much more than a colleague.”

We sat next to each other for many memorable matches – from Paris to Sydney, from Castleford to Catalan. He was such a cherished friend.

JK loved being part of the game, whatever the role. So, it’s a consolation, albeit barely, that being part of the BBC’s Challenge Cup final team was one of his biggest thrills.

It was a role he filled again the day before his unexpected and devastating passing.

He had one passion more than rugby league and that was his family.

Anyone who met JK knows how much his wife Dawn and all their children meant to him. As much as we suffer because he is gone, their pain will be infinite and they are very much in our thoughts.

Good night Kerry, from Paris and Sheffield, and all those other places you left your lasting legacy.

You were our best.