Jacky Ewbank loved football and lived his life for the game. But there was only one club that really interested him and that was Carlisle City FC.

It was this club that he supported and worked for during his lifetime.

The 76-year-old – who was bubbly and sociable – had been involved with the club since its formation in 1975.

During that time he was secretary and then chairman of the club.

He travelled to games home and away and made many friends during this time.

He liked the banter of the football field, and as well as playing the game in his younger days he also refereed matches.

Several people described him as a “true club legend”.

Tributes, following his death, were sent to Carlisle City FC from clubs in the north east, such as Shankhouse and Blyth Town, where he is fondly remembered.

Mr Ewbank, who was educated at the former St Patrick’s School in Carlisle, also had sporting interests that stretched to the running track. In his younger days he was amateur north west champion for long-distance running and he participated in the first ever Great North Run in Newcastle.

He met his wife, Joan, at a dance in the County Ballroom in Carlisle. Love blossomed and the pair married and went on to have two children, Samantha and Oliver.

Mr Ewbank lived on Briar Bank in St Ann’s, Carlisle, and later Beaconsfield Street.

But home for the last 40 years had been on Lansdowne Crescent in Stanwix.

A painter and decorator by trade, he was in partnership for a time with John Long. He then ran the business on his own until his retirement.

As well as this, he also delivered Sunblest bread.

Mr Ewbank’s funeral was held at Carlisle Crematorium followed by a celebration of his life in the Ex-Services Men’s club, where he was president and a member.

As well as his wife, son and daughter, Mr Ewbank also leaves his son-in-law Danny, daughter-in-law Donna, five grandchildren, three sisters and a brother.

At his funeral, donations were collected for the Maple Ward Amenities Fund at the Cumberland Infirmary.

Ken Patton Funeral Directors on Warwick Road made the arrangements.