BOB GRAINGER, who has been heavily involved in the York football scene for over half a century, has passed away.

He was formerly on the committee of the York Minor League, the York Saturday League (now the York Minster Engineering League), the York City & District FA and the North Riding County FA, staying involved up until this year.

He died peacefully at home last Friday.

In 2010, Grainger received a Football Association 50 Years' Services to Football award.

He had qualified as a referee at the age of 16 in 1959, and, after taking up club secretary roles, he became a member of York Minor League in 1979, serving on the committee and as secretary and then league president.

He joined the York Saturday League in 1985, later to become its treasurer, while it was with the York FA, with whom he became honorary secretary, that he ultimately became known to all local clubs.

Barry Casterton, the current York FA secretary, said: "Bob was known throughout York and District as a font of all knowledge. Firm and always fair, he would always try to ensure football was the winner.

"Bob’s knowledge of the local game did not go unnoticed with the North Riding County FA when they appointed him chairman of rules and sanctions."

Grainger had handed over the reins of his two latest roles - as treasurer for the York Minster Engineering League, plus his rules and sanctions position with the North Riding FA - earlier this year.

He leaves behind widow Joyce, sons Martin and Jonathan, daughters-in-law Rachel and Anna-Frances, and seven grandchildren.

His funeral will be at Clifton Methodist Church on Wednesday, October 11, at noon, to be followed by a cremation at York Crematorium at 1.40pm. Donations are asked to be made in lieu to St Leonard’s Hospice and Macmillan Nurses.