Martin Crowe's widow, Lorraine Downes, shares heartfelt message ahead of funeral service

Lorraine Downes has posted a heartfelt message on her Facebook page ahead of her husband Martin Crowe's funeral this afternoon.

The former beauty queen wrote of the cricketing legend: "Marty, you truly loved me well. Forever grateful to you, my beautiful man. It all will never be forgotten. Until we meet again."

She shared a picture of the couple's hands, with their wedding rings prominent.

Crowe will be farewelled at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell from 1pm today. He died last Thursday after a battle with cancer, aged 53.

Dean of the cathedral, Jo Kelly-Moore, told the Herald she was expecting a full house of family, friends, former Black Caps and members of the public to send off the cricketing great.

"He was well-loved by many people - his friends, his family, New Zealanders - I imagine there will be many people who want to pay their respects to him."

The ceremony, which begins at 1pm, will be led by Crowe's wife, Lorraine Downes, brother Jeff Crowe and former international teammate Ian Smith.

The Dean said Crowe and his wife had chosen together to have his send-off at the cathedral.

"The Crowe family has come to the cathedral over the years.

"He was a Christian man so it was very important for him to have a Christian service."

There will be a homage to Crowe's cricketing career and cricketers Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor will also make tributes.

David Lyle Morris, who was described as Crowe's best friend, will make the final tribute - a song composed and sung by him. Mr Morris met Crowe at Auckland Grammar. Mr Morris went on to be head prefect with Crowe as his deputy.

Current students and staff from Auckland Grammar will form a guard of honour as the casket is carried from the cathedral in Parnell after the service.

The school's kapa haka group will then perform.

The cathedral can hold up to 1000 mourners.