A Bucks cricket club is mourning the loss of a prominent figure it dubs “exceptional”.
John Fleming, joint president of Beaconsfield Cricket Club, sadly died on Monday aged 94.
The son of a Scot, he was born and brought up in Lincoln.
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In his youth, he was a notable rower and competed the first Head of the River Race from Mortlake to Putney after the Second World War, before attending Cambridge University.
He joined Beaconsfield Cricket Club in 1955 and was an opening batsman for the Sunday 2nd XI for the next 15 years.
Mr Fleming featured in one century opening stand, of which his contribution was seven runs, and he always wore a distinctive black and white hooped cap, which were his rowing colours.
He served the club for more than 50 years, serving as secretary from 1964-1980, club captain from 1980-2006 and president since 2007.
During his time as secretary and club captain, the club bought an extra seven acres, known as the Christmas Tree field, and later seven acres of woodland including Latchmere Pond, home of Beaconsfield Angling Club.
The cricket club paid tribute to the “quiet, polite” man who gave “exceptional service” for more than 50 years, saying: “A partner in a London firm of solicitors, he was known for his attention to detail and wise decision-making at one of the leading clubs in the county.
“A quiet, polite man, with a self-deprecating sense of humour, Mr Fleming will be sadly missed.”
Current chairman Graham Daniel added: “Personally, John has been an invaluable mentor to me during my time at the club, with his wise words and fantastic knowledge, and memory of all matters relating to the club.”
He leaves behind his wife Margaret, two daughters, Nicola and Amanda, and four grandchildren.
His only son, Alistair, sadly died a few years ago.
The cricket club said his funeral date has not yet been decided, but it will take place in Woodlands Park, Pot Kiln Lane Beaconsfield, where Alistair is buried.
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