The weather couldn't have been more fitting for a cricket legend's farewell.
Rain fell and the light was poor enough that Dickie Bird himself would have called off play, but nothing could dampen the spirits of those gathered in Barnsley on Sunday.
Hundreds packed into St Mary's Church to say goodbye to the 92-year-old umpire who'd become one of sport's most beloved figures.
Sir Geoffrey Boycott and Michael Vaughan led the cricket world's tributes, joined by Yorkshire chairman Colin Graves and former cricket director Martyn Moxon.
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Local dignitaries turned out too, with sports minister Stephanie Peacock and former MP Richard Caborn among the mourners.
Bird's sister Marjorie headed the family members, as the man who famously declared himself "married to cricket" had never taken a wife or had children.
Sir Geoffrey Boycott spoke beautifully at Dickie Bird's funeral
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Sir Geoffrey Boycott took to the pulpit to share memories of a friendship spanning nearly seven decades.
The 84-year-old had known Bird since they were both teenagers, and his voice cracked with emotion as he spoke.
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Dickie Bird became a legend of cricket through his larger-than-life personality
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"He was fair, firm, good and he made them laugh," Boycott told the congregation, describing how brilliantly Bird managed players during matches.
The eulogy brought both laughter and applause as Boycott called his friend "comic and lovable" and "daft as a brush".
His closing words were particularly moving: "He became the most famous and well-known umpire in the world, but most importantly he was the best umpire in the world.
"Harold Dennis Bird was a one-off and very, very special. Rest in peace, my friend."
The coffin bore touching personal touches - Bird's signature white flat cap rested on top, while floral arrangements shaped like a cricket bat and ball adorned it.
Flags from every Test-playing nation decorated the display, honouring his international standing.
Elgar's music accompanied the coffin's entrance, while Frank Sinatra's "My Way" played as mourners said their final goodbyes. Yorkshire club chaplain Chris Edmondson gave readings, and attendees heard a recorded tribute poem by local writer Ian McMillan.
Dickie Bird forged a career in officiating that made him a household name far beyond cricketing circles
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Former England captain Michael Vaughan also made an appearance at the funeral
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Bird's remarkable career saw him officiate 66 Test matches - a record at the time - plus 69 one-day internationals and three World Cup finals.
Known for rarely giving batsmen out and his quirky on-field behaviour, he'd become a celebrity whose autobiography sold over a million copies.
Outside the church, speakers relayed the service to those who couldn't fit inside. Yorkshire chairman Colin Graves shared his own memories, calling Bird "one of the family" who would be "missed greatly but never forgotten".
"A national and a Yorkshire treasure. What you saw is what you got," Graves said.
When asked afterwards whether cricket would ever see another character like Bird, an emotional Boycott replied: "You never know, but I won't be here to see it."
The family requested donations be split between the Dickie Bird Foundation, HOPE South Yorkshire charity, and Barnsley Hospital's special baby care unit - causes close to the umpire's heart.
It was a fitting send-off for a man who brought joy to cricket grounds worldwide.