Tributes to Jim Kempin, a 'lovely man' who 'did brill'
Tributes have been paid to former Leicester Tigers and Melton Mowbray RFC forward Jim Kempin, who has died at the age of 60.
Kempin made 109 appearances for the Tigers between 1974-79, and scored 15 tries.
Peter Wheeler, a former Tigers team-mate and now the club's executive director, said he was a good man to have within the team and the club.
"You could see and feel that he enjoyed the company of his mates, just as you could see and feel the pride and love that he had for his wife, Annie, and his family," said Wheeler.
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"As team-mate Garry Adey so aptly put it when he broke the news of Jim's death 'Well done Jim, you did brill'."
His widow, Annie, to whom he was married for 37 years, said he was a really big family man who loved his children, Stuart and Thomas, and grandchildren, Alfie and Elliot.
"Jim was just a lovely man and everyone loved him," she said.
"He had the biggest, heartiest laugh that everyone remembers him for – it was such a happy laugh – and his boys have it too."
Kempin was a renowned member of his home club, Melton Mowbray RFC, where he played for more than 40 years since the age of 15 and captained the side from 1973-74.
Club member Brian Hesford said he was the heart of the club.
"He was simply a joy to be with – he was always willing to speak to people and give them advice," he said.
"Jim was the most honest person you could ever wish to meet."
The funeral will be held at St Mary's Parish Church, Melton Mowbray, at 10.45 next Friday, with cremation following at Loughborough Crematorium, 12.30pm.
The wake will be held at Melton Mowbray Rugby Club and the family have said that everyone is welcome.
The family have also requested that flowers should be from family only and anybody wishing to make a donation should do so to Melton Mowbray Mencap.
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