GOLF COURSE boss and former Crystal Palace chairman Ron Noades was laid to rest by a host of his ex-players and managers at his funeral yesterday.
The service for Mr Noades, who passed away aged 76 on December 23 after a battle with lung cancer, took place at Surrey and Sussex Crematorium in Crawley.
After selling Crystal Palace FC in 1998 Mr Noades opened six golf courses, including ones in Godstone, Chaldon and Woldingham.
But yesterday it was standing room-only in the crematorium as the Palace faithful turned up in their droves to pay their last respects to the club's most successful chairman.
Among those who attended included former Palace legends Geoff Thomas, Mark Bright, Ian Wright, John Salako and Dougie Freedman, as well as current chairman Steve Parish and former chairman Mark Goldberg.
Famous strike duo Wright and Bright stood up to talk about their old boss at the service but Wright became emotional and had to be comforted by his old strike partner.
Steve Coppell, who had formed such a successful working relationship with Mr Noades, was one of the pallbearers.
Mr Noades' daughter Kelly-Jane gave a eulogy telling the story of his journey in life from humble beginnings to the millionaire lifestyle he acquired.
And the service, which took place 36 years to the day Mr Noades met his wife Novello, was ended fittingly with the familiar strains of Glad All Over by The Dave Clark Five.
Mourners at the service also included former TV weather presenter Sian Lloyd and legendary comedian Ronnie Corbett.
Many other mourners paid tribute to Mr Noades on Twitter after the funeral.
Crystal Palace communications manager Terry Byfield, an employee of Mr Noades for many years, said: "An emotional and fitting send off to Ron Noades today."
Labour MP Chuka Umunna said: "Very touching and moving send off for Ron Noades today. RIP Ron #cpfc."
A reception took place at Westerham Golf Club, one of the courses he owned.
Novello Noades, Mr Noades' wife, gave the Mirror permission to use Hy Money's photo of the service because she said it tells the story of the grief felt at his funeral.
Mr Noades leaves behind his wife and five children.
