Hundreds of mourners packed Middlesbrough’s Holy Name of Mary Church for the funeral of Brian McGowran, while many more listened to the service on speakers set up outside.

Brian, who died at the age of 65 on January 3, was a former head brancardier of the Middlesbrough Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes and also a former Grand Knight of Knights of St Columba Council 29. He was known to many as the popular owner of the town’s Knights Club, which he continued to run with what he called a “Catholic ethos” after buying it from the KSC. Brian – whose late stepfather was one of the famous Charlton footballing family from Ashington – also ran building firm Bemac Site Services, which carried out building work at parishes and schools throughout the diocese. Although he had held a Boro season ticket since the 1970s, he was brought up in St Vincent’s children’s home in Newcastle and was also a passionate supporter of the Magpies. Scarves from both clubs were brought up during the offertory procession, along with a Lourdes tie and Knights medal.

Brian, who leaves a widow, Cath, grown up son and daughter, Paul and Julie, as well as five grandchildren, was well known for his charity work and a collection taken at the funeral was divided between the Lourdes Sick Fund and baby hospice Zoe’s Place. “Because he had been brought up in an orphanage, he always wanted to give something back to other people,” said Cath.

Fr Paul Farrer, who was with Brian at a Middlesbrough match along with several other priests when he collapsed and died, said he was “devastated” to lose a man he was privileged to call a friend. “Although I am desperately sad I take comfort from the knowledge that Brian was not alone,” said Fr Paul, who was principal celebrant at the service. “He had brilliant support from his son, Paul. The St John Ambulance people, paramedic crew and football club staff were also wonderful.”

Cath said: “He was the kind of man who if anyone wanted anything doing they knew who to phone and he’d be there like a shot – especially if he was a priest!”

Fr Paul added: “Look back at all the good that has been done by the Catholic Church in Middlesbrough over recent years and you will find Brian was at play somewhere in it all. I know from personal experience how much he did to help individual priests and his efforts on behalf of many parishes and for so many different charities were massive.”

Brian went down Ashington pit at the age of 15 and once fought in a national miner’s boxing final. He loved to visit Ireland regularly and was in Carlingford for a stag weekend shortly before Christmas.

“Dad was a larger-than-life character who loved to chat and laugh with anyone,” said his son, Paul. “He had friends of all ages, the young lads liked having a pint with him in the club and trying to keep up with him. I remember him celebrating when we scored at a Sunderland v Boro game and getting abuse from the home fans. So he turned round and told them it was all right, he wasn’t from Middlesbrough, he was a Geordie – and they nearly ran him out of the ground! That was typical of him. I feel I’ve lost one of my best friends as well as my dad.”

The family, who live in Acklam, have been deluged with cards and letters since news of Brian’s death swept round Middlesbrough on Saturday evening.

“We’ve been deeply touched, he was so well regarded by so many people,” said Brian’s daughter, Julie. We’d like to thank the football club for their quick response. They couldn’t have looked after him any better and we’re very grateful for everything they’ve done.”

Boro spokesman Dave Allan said everyone at the club was saddened by Brian’s death. “Middlesbrough Football Club would like to offer our sincere condolences to Brian’s family,” he said. “He was a personal friend and I know how much both Boro and Newcastle United meant to him. He will be sadly missed.”

Our Lady of Lourdes pray for him.