RENOWNED cricket umpire Stan Orange has died at the age of 90.

York-based Orange, who passed away last weekend, played for York Cricket Club and York Tennis Club and enjoyed a long sporting association supporting youngsters at Copmanthorpe and Fulford football clubs along with Heworth and York Acorn rugby league clubs.

But it was as a man in white that he will be most remembered – officiating in the York & District Senior League and the Yorkshire League for many years. He also served as an umpire’s assessor and as a trainer of umpires after his own days in the middle came to an end.

Orange, pictured right, was born in Rothwell, Leeds, but grew up in Copmanthorpe.

He was a pilot in the RAF, getting his commission in 1944 following training in Canada.

After he left the service in 1947 as a flying officer, he became a manager of a potato merchants before, in 1968, becoming one of the first employees at the new McCain factory in Scarborough.

He stayed there until his retirement in 1988 and remained a consultant afterwards.

Orange was married to May for 62 years, until her death five years ago, and the couple had three children – John, Graham, the well-known voice of Yorkshire horseracing, and Sue.

Among his grandchildren is Sam Orange, the former Acorn and Castleford Tigers youngster who now plays rugby league for York City Knights.

Graham said: “There will be many umpires around today who were trained by my dad. He always encouraged us to play sport.

“He was well-known in both tennis and badminton circles, playing to a high standard.

“As well as being well-known in local sport in his own right in his younger days, he was also an avid supporter of youngsters at Copmanthorpe and Fulford football clubs as well as Heworth and Acorn and so was respected by many younger generations.”

The funeral will be held at York Crematorium on February 7 at 2.20pm with a reception afterwards at York Racecourse.

Donations are welcomed for the Dickie Bird Foundation.