Hundreds of people packed into a Middlesbrough church to wish one of the town’s most famous referees a fond farewell.
Friends, family and former football acquaintances were among those who gathered at St Alphonsus Church in North Ormesby for Ray Dowle’s funeral.
Well known for his sharp wit and hilarious one-liners, the referee who often drove to games in his icecream van was legendary among local footballing circles.
Father Pat Day who led the service joked: “Today will be the first time he doesn’t get the last word and it will be killing him!”
“This is as big a crowd we have had for a funeral here for a long, long time. He was one of the good guys.
“An honest man who was loved all his life.”
Middlesbrough born and bred Ray was told he had terminal lung cancer last year and his health quickly deteriorated.
He was cared for at Teesside Hospice over Christmas and New Year. His partner Mary McCourt was by his side when he died on January 30 at The Gables Nursing Home aged 74.
Among those attending his funeral was fellow whistler Jeff Winter who previously paid tribute to Ray, describing him as “the best know ref in the Boro” and the “undisputed king off the one-liner.”
Pat Laden, who has been friends with Ray since they were infants, held back tears as his spoke fondly of his dear pal.
He described him as “generous, kind, principled” and “a loyal friend indeed”.
Addressing the congregation, he said: “For anybody who suffered at the hands of Ray as a referee, now is your time to get yoiur own back”. Everyone in church laughed as a sea of red cards were held up above heads.
“I know he wanted me to give his thanks to the person has given him 15 years of happiness and many months of care; his childhood sweetheart and soul mate Mary McCourt,” he added.
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