A tribute has been paid to former secretary and chairman of Macclesfield Town FC Ron Sutton who has died, aged 86.

Ron, of Thornton Avenue, Macclesfield, was involved in the football club during the club's most successful period.

But the great-grandfather led an interesting and varied life as a successful businessman and later as a vicar.

He lost his battle with cancer on November 13. In tribute his wife of 62 years, Maureen, 84, said: "Ron was a lovely, quiet, man who was very proud of his family and their achievements. We will all miss him."

Born in Hurdsfield in 1927 he went to Daybrook, Hurdsfield and Central schools.

A talented academic Rob passed his exams a year early and started an accountancy apprenticeship at 15.

After 10 years he set up his own accountancy firm which he ran successfully for 25 years during which time he helped found the Macclesfield Chamber of Commerce.

Ron was a talented singer and sung in choirs where he met his wife Maureen. The couple married in 1951 and set up a home in South Park Road. They also lived in Brynton Avenue and Chester Road where they raised their four children.

In 1959 Ron was invited to become the secretary of Macclesfield Town Football Club. During his 15 year association with the club he went on to become a director and chairman.

The period saw the Silkmen get its first set of floodlights and joint the Northern Premier League which the club won in its first two years. He was also there for the club's FA trophy success.

A committed Christian through his life, Ron was ordained as a Church of England vicar in 1979. He left the town to lead parish churches in Helsby and Church Lawton for 11 years before retiring and returning to Macclesfield.

In his last years he enjoyed reading biographies and spending time with his growing family of 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

He remained a keen supporter of Macclesfield Town throughout his life and was made Honorary Life Vice President attending many home games until recently.

His funeral is on November 26 at St John's Church on the Weston.