HUNDREDS of people have attended a service at York Minster to give thanks for the life of former Rowntree Mackintosh chairman Sir Donald Barron.

Former colleagues, friends and family members paid tribute at Monday's service to Sir Donald's enormous contribution to the confectionery firm and the city, as well as his family.

Sir Donald, a father-of-five from Bishopthorpe, who died last month, aged 94, chaired Rowntree from 1966 to 1981, but also chaired the former Midland Bank, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the trust which built York's Millennium Bridge, and he also played a crucial role in the formation of the University of York in the 1960s.

A subsequent Rowntree chairman, Kenneth Dixon, said Sir Donald had treasured the inheritance of a Quaker culture at the firm and cared for the well-being of his employees and the community, as well as leading the company to international success.

One of Sir Donald’s sons, David, said he had been an extremely busy man but he had always found time for his family.

Sir Ron Cooke, vice-chairman of York Civic Trust and former Vice Chancellor of the University of York, said Sir Donald had used his 'exemplary professional skills' for the benefit of York for more than 50 years.

“Everyone’s confidence in his financial skills led him to be much sought after as treasurer or leader of many local organisations: the Minster Finance Committee, the York Civic Trust, the Merchant Adventurers, the University of York and the 1982 flood relief committee to name but five, and he left his mark on each of them,” he said.

“For example, at the civic trust, he managed the finances for the purchase and restoration of Fairfax House, one of the finest Georgian town houses in England.”

He said Sir Donald had been totally committed to the importance of excellence in education and had, as a member of the York Academic Trust, helped secure a university for York in the 1960s against all the odds and not a little opposition.

"We shall remember his courtesy, compassion, caring and concern, his enthusiasm for people and his unlimited little acts of kindness to others from all stations in life," he said.

"Donald was an extraordinary man who has left York a remarkable and unforgettable legacy. Thank you, Donald. York will remember you."