For half a century, Terry lived and breathed the game he loved.
An avid cricket fan and a dedicated player, he spent 50 remarkable years representing Fields, Wibsey Park Chapel, Buttershaw St Paul’s, Woodlands and Jer Lane.
His commitment to the sport was matched only by the joy and camaraderie he brought to every team he played for.
One of the defining moments of Terry’s long career came in July 1967, when he delivered an extraordinary performance: 10 wickets for just 11 runs.
Though he retired at 64, the game never truly let him go. His heart kept pulling him back to the field he adored, and he continued to play into his 70s.
For a man whose devotion to cricket never faltered, it could not have been any other way.
Terry McGill with his team-mates ahead of what was meant to be his planned retirement at the age of 64. (Image: Paul Bentley)
His family said: “Beyond the statistics and scorecards, Terry will be remembered for his warmth, his humour, and the steady presence he brought to every dressing room and boundary rope.
“He was a mentor, a teammate, and a friend, someone who made the game better simply by being part of it.
“His legacy lives on in the stories shared, the players he inspired, and the countless Saturdays spent under open skies doing what he loved most.
The family added: “Following his retirement, Terry took the opportunity to travel the world, visiting the likes of India, Australia and Cuba.
“These adventures never left him short of a story and Terry loved sharing those tales with family and friends.
“He also found deep joy in the great outdoors. Much of his retirement was spent walking with his beloved dogs and with “the grumpies”, a group he was a proud and loyal member of.
“At home, Terry’s garden was his sanctuary. He poured countless hours into nurturing it and it was a place that reflected him perfectly — steady, vibrant, full of life.”
Terry McGill loved gardening and it was a happy place for him. (Image: Jen Mason)
The family also said: “For all his achievements, travels, and stories, Terry’s greatest pride was always his family.
“Nothing mattered more to him.
“He and Gill brought Tracey and Andrew into the world, and he cherished every moment of being their dad.
“His role as Grandad (“Gramps”) to Jenna, Kirstie, and Nathan brought him endless joy, and that joy only grew when he became Great‑Grandad to Caden, Leo, and Kyren.
“The memories made will be held close by his family forever.”
The family finished off by saying: “In 2021, Terry was diagnosed with dementia and faced a long, difficult battle with immense courage.
“As the disease progressed, it slowly took away his ability to enjoy the hobbies he loved.
“But it never took away his humour, his spark, or his gift for storytelling.
“He could crack a joke, deliver a one‑liner, or recount a tale from decades ago in his strongest Yorkshire dialect.
“Rest in eternal peace, Terry. Your legacy will live on in every life you touched.”
Terry’s funeral is on Friday, July 10 at 10am at Holy Trinity Church in Low Moor followed by a committal at Elland Crematorium at 11:15am.