When Brian Jackson first wandered to Arden Street as a youngster, it marked the beginning of a lifelong companionship in more ways than one.

A member of 72 years, Brian devoted his life to supporting North and attended every game and function he could over the journey, both locally and interstate.

Brian lost his long battle with cancer a fortnight ago, aged 81, but will be fondly remembered for his fierce loyalty to the Roos.

He began his association with North as a 13-year-old courtesy of his father, Edmund, who served as chairman of selectors in the late 1930s and was a Roos life member.

A wide-eyed Brian assumed the role of roving snack vendor at Arden Street as a teenager, selling a range of foods, drinks and confectionery on match days.

The suburban footy oval was a hive of activity come game day and Brian's part-time job helped ignite his lifelong passion for North.

Brian's son, Anthony, said his dad often watched the Roos as a teen with best friend Brian Caulfield.

"Brian Caulfield had polio and his sister used to bring Brian to the football, and they'd sit up in the stand at Arden Street," Anthony told NMFC.com.au.

"Dad would then come and sit in the stand with his friend and they'd watch the main game."

Caulfield's sister, Betty, accompanied her ill brother to the matches and the trio cheered on the royal blue and white.

Jackson formed an unbreakable bond with Betty and he soon realised he had found his soulmate.

"They became friends at Arden Street and Dad then ended up marrying her," Anthony said, citing his parents' love for each other and for the Roos.

"You could say that he met his wife at Arden Street when they were 13."

The pair were happily married for 56 years and had three children, Anthony, Anne and Matthew.

Anthony said the family had always been fanatical North supporters.

"We've always had all of Dad's two brothers and two sisters barrack for North Melbourne and my mother grew up in Kensington, so North was the local club for her as well," Anthony said.

"We have five generations of North supporters and we have three generations of Jacksons still go to the football now."

About 20 family members will attend Sunday's clash against Fremantle at Etihad Stadium to celebrate Brian's life and watch his beloved Roos – just the way he would have wanted it.

Anthony said the day would give Brian's closest family and friends a chance to reflect and continue his inspiring legacy.

"We're part of a community and the community brings the family together every football match," he said.

"The significance of the football is that it connected everyone, so the three generations would continue to see each other at the football."

Not surprisingly, Brian never gave up on his team, no matter what situation they were in.

"In 72 years of following North, he never once left a game before it finished," Anthony said.

"He always stuck by North and he'd never be able to say a bad word about any players."

His loyalty was perhaps best demonstrated when he attended a match at Kardinia Park in Geelong with his elderly mother some 25 years ago.

"It'd been pouring rain, it was freezing cold and his mother wanted to go home but Dad said, 'You're not going home'. So at half-time he took her out into the car, put the heater on and left her there until after the game," Anthony said with a laugh.

"She had to wait until after the game because he would never leave the game before it finished.

"That's loyalty for you – your poor mother comes second to the football."

It is stories like these the Jackson family will cherish most as they unite as one this weekend to see the Roos battle the Dockers.

"It's really a celebration, it's not going to be a sad thing," Anthony said.

"Football was such a big part of Dad's life, we wanted to recognise that and get as many as we could to the game.

"Mum will still go to the football, she's in her 80s and she'll continue the legacy as well."

The North Melbourne Football Club extends its deepest condolences to the Jackson family.