Tributes have poured in for former Gloucestershire Club President, Roger Gibbons.
The club reported the passing of Roger with ‘profound sadness’ describing him as a “true gentleman”.
Born in Stroud, Roger has had an association with the Club for close to 75 years, having watched Gloucestershire for the first time in the summer of 1950. He has been a Life Member of the Club since 1982.
An advocate for all things Gloucestershire, Roger was a member of the Club’s Executive Board from 2013 until 2016 and elected a Vice-President of the Club at the conclusion of his term. As part of his GCCC Board responsibilities, he also served as a Director, which brought him into contact with recreational cricket across the county. Roger would also go on to become Club President, a position he held between 2019-2022.
A true gentleman and devotee to the game of Cricket, Roger has more recently been known for his involvement with the GCCC Heritage Trust. As a trustee for the charity, he was the driving force that has kept the lesser-known stories of the Club alive and his ability to research and tell those forgotten stories was infectious.
Wendy Body, Chair of the GCCC Heritage Trust said: “I’ve known Roger for many years, but we became good friends when he, Rex and I, worked to set-up the Museum and Learning Centre and the Heritage Trust.
“Like many, I regarded him as a fount of all knowledge with a phenomenal memory. Although he was a private man, he would make the time to talk and share with everyone his boundless passion for cricket and for our Club.”
It was this passion that made Roger an incredibly well-loved and respected Member of the Club as well as the wider Gloucestershire Cricket family.
Neil Priscott, Chief Executive of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club added: “Roger’s contribution to the life and running of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club was immense and his love for the Club shone through in all his interactions.
“His work in helping to create the GCCC Heritage Trust and documenting the rich history of our Club is something all Members and supporters will value greatly, both now and in the years to come.
“I enjoyed our many conversations over the years and appreciated his help on so many occasions to add some detail and colour to bring a story to life.
“The Club has lost a gentleman and a friend and we mourn his passing.”
In recognition of Roger’s enormous contribution, the Club flag will be placed at half-mast.
Details relating to Roger’s funeral will be published in due course.
