York are the current Yorkshire League champions

The 70-year-old was involved in nearly every aspect of sport at Clifton Park until his death on 30 January.

He played cricket and rugby for York and eventually became club chairman.

York secretary and all-rounder Nick Kay said: "He was the most generous, most humble human being I've ever had the privilege of knowing."

Born in York, Chris Houseman was a familiar figure at Clifton Park until 1965 when he moved to the London suburbs with his wife Judy.

You listened to him because he was always talking sense Nick Kay

On returning to York he rose to become chairman of York cricket club, and president of the ECB Yorkshire Premier League. He was a regular voice on BBC Radio York for more than 15 years, with his weekly previews of York, Harrogate and Scarborough games.

Nick Kay added: "He did everything. He sat on goodness knows how many committees almost on a daily basis. He cleared the bins, he tidied up the changing rooms."

"He could be a little bit prickly (in committee) but if he was making a point you made sure you listened to him because he was always talking sense. His main passion was to improve junior cricket in Yorkshire."

In a touching move, Chris Houseman's coffin began its journey to York crematorium with a complete circuit of his beloved Clifton Park cricket ground. Club volunteers catered for around 300 people at the reception. A photo of Chris was placed between the Yorkshire League Trophy (York are the champions) and a pint of his favourite ale.

As for the funeral itself, the York crematorium at Bishopthorpe struggled to cope with the crowds. Committee member Marcus Bellerby said: "There were people left outside. We held up two other funerals."