Tributes have been paid to a former Blackburn Rovers director and local businessman who has died after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

David Brown died on Friday, May 10, aged 82.

He joined Rovers as a director in the early 1970s and is thought to have been the youngest director in the football league at the time.

He played a key role in the formation and growth of the Blackburn Rovers 100 Club, and would later become Rovers’ chairman, a position he held from 1979 to 1982.

David was also the former managing director of wallpaper business Graham and Brown, which has factory shops in Blackburn and Padiham.

His son Ian Brown, who worked with him at the family business, said his dad will be missed by many.

He said: “He spent a lifetime working at the family business, Graham and Brown, only resigning in 2018.

“He was very fondly thought of at Graham and Brown and was very well thought of at the company. Staff enjoyed meeting him and seeing him on the shop floor.

“He was also director of Rovers and it’s been lovely to see the comments that fans have been making about him.”

Ian said his dad was a “really likeable guy” with a great sense of humour.

He said: “We travelled the world together and played a lot of sport, including golf, together. He was great company.

“He was a great dad and I couldn’t have asked for any more in a father. He is going to be missed by a lot of people.

“I think there will be a lot of people at the funeral. There will be a few tears shed, as well as a few laughs, as Dad was a great comedian and great fun to be with.

“At the funeral, we are celebrating a life well lived and well respected.

“I am going to miss him, he was a wonderful guy who made me the man I am today.”

David’s daughter, Elizabeth Talbot, said her dad was a “reliable and generous” man.

She said: “He was the sort of person that everybody liked. He had time for everybody. It didn’t matter where we were, he would always stop and chat.

“He wanted people to feel like they were cared for. We couldn’t go anywhere without someone recognising him.

“He loved the people that worked for him and he loved Blackburn Rovers. He remembered Rovers more or less until the end."

Elizabeth said there has been "a real outpouring of support for a man who was Blackburn through and through".

“It’s been overwhelming to read all of the lovely words and kind tributes. He would be so chuffed to know he is so well thought of.

“He had a brilliant sense of humour and cracking laugh, which people keep talking about. He was one of those guys that you would remember if you met.”

Rovers fans have also been leaving messages of condolences.

One person said: “A sad day for all who had the privilege of knowing David Brown. A family man and, a true gentleman.”

Another said: “Rest in peace, David. David was a great chairman and someone who cared about the Rovers.”

A spokesperson for Blackburn Rovers said: “During [David’s time as chariman] the club secured promotion from the Third Division in 1979-80, under Howard Kendall, before narrowly missing out on promotion to the top flight the following season on goal difference.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with David’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

David leaves behind his wife, Sylvia Brown.

David Brown’s funeral will be held at 11am on Friday, June 7, at Blackburn Cathedral.

Anyone who would like to pay their respects to David has been asked to attend.