John Barrett

He played his last game with the club when he was 60.

In the years between, cricket was central to his life, and he would seek out games to participate in whenever work commitments allowed and sometimes instead of.

He inherited his passion for cricket and everything to do with the sport from his father, Wilfrid Barrett, an executive director of the insurance brokers, Bartlett & Co.

A fine, patient batsman who never gave his wicket away cheaply, John had one enduring regret: he never managed to score a league century, but was able to take comfort in the knowledge that both his sons achieved this feat.

In addition to his playing role at Pannal, he was a committee member and former secretary and chairman. He was also groundsman of the club until this summer.

The club could have collapsed but for John's efforts in the 1970s, but it is now one of the largest amateur village clubs in Yorkshire, with four Saturday teams and over 150 junior members. It is presently top of the Nidderdale League of which it is champion.

The last match he was able to watch was an impressive 347-1, on a glorious day at Goldsborough cricket club.

Brought up in Pannal, John was educated at Ashville College and Durham school. During his career he worked for a number of publishing companies as a field sales executive including Ackrills, United News, Benn Bothers and Morgan Grampian.

In addition to cricket, he was a keen hockey and rugby player and became a highly-respected league umpire.

He served on the Nidderdale League management committee for over 15 years; he ran the Evening League; and under his direction the Nidderdale Junior League flourished.

His services to the League were recognised last month when the President, Sir Thomas Ingilby presented him with life membership and the first ever Nidderdale League lapel badge.

John lived and breathed cricket, his smile and obvious enjoyment illuminating many a cricketing discussion.

He married first Jennifer Simpson and secondly Daphne Eynon, both surviving him. He is also survived by his sons Jonathan and James and a grandson, Archie.

The funeral will be held at St Roberts Church, Pannal, on Thursday, July 8 at 2.30pm.