Herbert 'Harry' Ball - one of Bradford Bulls' oldest fans - has died aged 91.
Mr Ball, of Wrose, Shipley, had followed the club since he was a toddler, introducing three generations of his family to Bradford Northern, which was renamed Bulls.
Today his family said he was 'one of a kind' who would be terribly missed.
He used to watch the Bulls until 18 months ago when ill health forced him to stop, but since he has kept in touch via the radio and the TV.
His son Raymond said: "He was a real character. His proudest moments were when the Bulls became Super League champions last year and took the World Club Championship in January at the beginning of the year. Then you could not speak to him because his chest was stuck out so far."
Family friend Graham Waite said everyone would miss him. "Even up to his death on Sunday he was smiling and waving. He was a real character and everyone who met him was struck by his nature. He got all our family into rugby."
Stuart Duffy, media and public relations manager at Bradford Bulls, said: "Harry was one of the most fanatical supporters and our deepest condolences go to his family.
"I understand Harry wanted to be buried in his Bradford Bull's shirt. He was a regular here until ill-health forced him to stop at home and he was definitely one of the oldest supporters."
His funeral is at Nab Wood Crematorium on Monday.
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