FIGURES from many walks of life in a city gathered for the cathedral funeral of well-known and much-loved local “gentleman”, Pat Woodward.

The ex-RAF World War Two flier, former Durham Cathedral land agent and regular congregation member, who was also a past chairman of the Durham magistrates’ bench, died peacefully, in hospital, on July 4, aged 90.

The Northern Echo: Pat Woodward in Calcutta, India, in 1946.

Pat Woodward in Calcutta, India, in 1946

He outlived his wife of 55 years, Helen, by ten years, but is survived by daughters Lizzie, Patricia and Philippa, and grand-children Andrew, Simon and Laura, who were at Thursday's funeral at Durham Cathedral.

The service was taken by Vice Dean Canon David Kennedy, with a reading and address by Canon Rosalind Brown.

As sub-receiver for Durham Dean and Chapter, Mr Woodward managed the widespread chapter estates from 1962 until retirement in 1990, while also serving as receiver for Lord Crewe’s Charity.

But he was also a familiar figure at Durham City Cricket Club, as a supporter, fundraiser, executive committee member and vice-president.

Many ex-players joined mourners paying their respects at the funeral, including ten of the Durham Senior League title-winning side of 1970, which featured England rugby international Mike Weston and county captain Brian Lander.

Apart from multiple league and cup honours, the team formed the backbone of the Durham county side, regular Minor Counties’ champions at the time.

Following the service, the ex-players presented a photograph from The Northern Echo’s sister paper, the Durham Advertiser, of the 1970 team, to the Woodward family.

One of them, John Whitfield, said: “You wouldn’t hear a bad word said about him. Just as was said in the service, he was a true gentleman, known in many circles.

“He was very much Mr Durham City.”

A retiring collection was taken following the service in aid of the RAF Benevolent Fund, the British Heart Foundation and the mission and ministry of Durham Cathedral.