TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved York man who was a former teacher and a leading figure on the city’s music and sporting scenes.

Clive Marshall, president of City of York Hockey Club and chairman of York Railway Institute Band, died peacefully on March 11th at St Leonard’s Hospice in York following a short illness, aged 88.

Born on October 12th, 1936, Clive did his National Service in the RAF which included a posting to Singapore, before attending the then St. John’s Teacher Training College in York, where he began his acting career.

Clive Marshall lived a full and busy life (Image: Submitted)The English and drama teacher taught at Derwent and Knavesmire Secondary Modern schools before becoming head of drama at Hemsworth High School in West Yorkshire. Following his early retirement from Hemsworth, he enjoyed some part-time teaching at Northfield School in Acomb and as a drama teacher at Bootham School until the age of 70.

He was married to Pauline and had two children, Roger and Frances, and was also a doting grandfather to two young grandsons.

Pauline said he would be remembered for his sense of humour, intelligence, enthusiasm for life and being ‘a fabulous’ father to his children who adored him.

Away from the classroom, Clive led a busy life enjoying his lifelong love of music and sport.

Having been a musician in the RAF, Clive joined the York Railway Institute Band and was a member for more than 60 years, leading the trombone section for many years and serving as chairman.

In 1968 he was recruited by the director of York Opera - then known as City Opera Group - to take part in their first fully-staged production of Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld, playing the part of Mercury, messenger of the gods – with wings on his running shoes.

Clive Marshall in a performance for York Opera as Coppelius in an extract of Tales of Hoffman in 2016 at the age of 80. (Image: Submitted)This was the beginning of a life-long association with opera, specialising in character roles, and including many productions as stage director.

In 1985 Clive studied for and was awarded an MA in Theatre and Media Production by the University of Hull.

Between the band and the opera group Clive kept fit by running daily before breakfast and taking on half-marathons as well as playing hockey for York Civil Service Trojans which later became City of York Hockey Club.

Clive was a talented player and longstanding president of York Hockey Club, and continued to play into his 70s, regularly turning out to support teams from the sidelines on match days.

A club spokesman said: “A true clubman and gentleman with a warm sense of humour, his passion and dedication to the club will never be forgotten.”

The York RI Band also paid tribute: “As chairman of the York Railway Institute Band Section, comprising of York Railway Institute Band, York RI Golden Rail Band and York RI Development Band, he was our figurehead and rock, respected and loved by all for his dedication, wisdom and good humour.

“Clive was a truly remarkable, talented and generous man who thankfully lived a long and joyous life. His memory will be cherished by all of us who were lucky enough to be part of his banding life.”

Clive leaves his wife Pauline, children Frances and Roger, and two grandchildren.