Castleford RUFC would like to honour a man whose name is woven into the very fabric of this club—Keith “Titch” Thompson.

Many will know he served as Club Captain for ten seasons between 1962 and 1974. But those dates barely scratch the surface of his contribution.

Keith was far more than a captain. He was a driving force, a motivator, and a leader who lifted everyone around him. Players like John Bennett, Johnny Ball and Alan Wandless will tell you how much he shaped their success.Keith relished the toughest contests—Yorkshire Cup battles against the likes of Wakefield, Morley, Bradford and Headingley. He was never intimidated, never overawed, and that confidence spread through every teammate who stood beside him. And yet, off the field, he was warm, sociable and respected by opponents and referees alike. Even now, former players from other clubs still ask first about Titch Thompson.

His achievements came despite the pressures of family life, business commitments, and the demands of an era when players raced from work after a 6am start just to make the coach on time. He never complained—he simply got on with it.

In the second half of his association with the club, Keith turned his energy to improving our Whitwood home ground. He led the installation of drainage, pumping systems, floodlights, and the major works needed for the second pitch. He inspired others to join in, and countless smaller improvements followed. One project especially close to his heart was the extension to the covered standing area—built to the highest standard, at minimal cost, and vital to our progress, and when the club faced its darkest financial days in the mid‑1980s, Keith was one of the few who stepped forward with generosity and quiet determination to help secure our future.

Keith Thompson was a leader, a worker, a supporter, and above all, a man utterly devoted to this club. His legacy is not just in what he built or the games he played, but in the spirit he passed on to all of us.

Keith’s funeral service will be held at Pontefract Crematorium on Monday, 16th February at 1.40 pm. Refreshments will be served at the Roundhill Working Men’s Club, WF10 5AE.