Gordon Rayner passes away at the age of 81

GORDON Rayner, a former Chair of the Suffolk Association of Cricket Umpires & Scorers, has passed away, aged 81.

He was a quiet, unassuming and extremely genuine person in Suffolk Cricket circles.

Gordon, who lived at Hengrave, near Bury St Edmunds, used to opening the batting for Ampton & Culford during his playing days before donning the white coat.

He umpired in the Suffolk Premier League, the Two Counties and Dairytime Leagues from the 1980s and ended his Two Counties’ service around 2010.

He was highly respected and spent many years as Culford School’s umpire, where his services were much appreciated by coaches and players alike.

He served the Suffolk Association in a variety of capacities including as Chair, a disciplinary panel member for the Two Counties and assisting with county youth fixtures and festivals.

Martin White, who was Chair of the Suffolk Association of Cricket Umpires & Scorers, prior to Gordon taking on the role from 2002-2005, said: “He was a good friend and mentor to many and it was a privilege to have known him.

“He will be sorely missed and our thoughts are with his son, Adrian, and family.”

Fellow umpire and close friend Alan Beazer, who is also a Life Vice President of Worlington CC, remarked: “Was he out? There is always two sides to the story. Gordon always said this.”

Gordon was also heavily involved in local football as a referee and administrator and was awarded The FA Long Service medal to mark his 50 years’ service to the game in July 2014. He is pictured above after receiving his medal.

He completed a unique double when he became Chair of Suffolk Football Association at the same time he was Chair of the Suffolk Association of Cricket Umpires & Scorers.

Tags: Gordon Rayner, Obituary, the Suffolk Association of Cricket Umpires & Scorers

Categorised in: Umpiring & Scoring