GRIMSBY'S Mr Cricket, Colin Kennedy, has passed away, aged 90.
The former primary school headmaster was in his 47th year as chairman of the John Pettit Grimsby And District Cricket League, having been first elected to the role in December 1968.
An Old Wingham, he endured a horrendous Second World War as a very young man, having been taken prisoner by the Italians while serving with the Duke Of Wellington Regiment. On his return to the town he became a primary school teacher and then headmaster, with Yarborough Boys', Macaulay and Littlecoates – the latter for 24 years – benefiting from his academic and sporting passion. He also pioneered a holiday scheme, taking young children from the town schools for coastal breaks. Colin retired in 1989, then aged 65.
Friend of 30 years Lorraine Christensen was with him to the end, following a period of hospitalisation after a fall. Describing him as a "charming man, full of wisdom," she said: "I feel really, really blessed to have had a friend like him. He was a wonderful man."
A lifelong Grimsby Town fan, Mr Kennedy was born in Legsby Avenue, and lived just off Bargate for many years, often patronising Millfields. He married a fellow teacher, but had long since separated. Until very late in his life he would be seen cycling around the area. He was also a member of the St Augustine's Church congregation.
A significant role in the successful return of cricket and football to the former Ross Sports site off Peaks Lane was a particular personal triumph following the demise of the club and resulting housing development. He worked with the local authority, developers and other organisations, and was also a key figure within the North East Lincolnshire Sports Association. He was honoured for his dedication to local amateur sport in 1995 and 2009.
Colin's involvement with the committee of the Grimsby And District Cricket League came, like many, through playing. A captain and then chairman of Crusaders' Club, the team was a force to be reckoned with in their time.
Steve Metham, president of the Grimsby And District Cricket League, said: "He was Mr Cricket as far as the Grimsby League is concerned. He was a wonderful person, who also did a lot for charity and for the church. Colin was a smashing person who will really be missed."
Barry Brown, who served on the committee alongside Colin for many of those years, said: "He was an all round great man, a thoroughly remarkable guy, and a stalwart in everything he has done, the church, sport, his career.
"He was the instigator of Ross Sports, ensuring sport is still played there. When we were getting nowhere, others involved were dropping out, but he kept going."
Ann Boulton, who took over Colin's role as secretary of Lincolnshire Cricket Lovers' Society eight years ago, after he had completed 42 years in the post, said: "It is cricket's loss. A loss to everyone involved.
"He was totally dedicated, he worked so hard for Ross's and was involved in the sport for all his life."
He also served the North East Lincolnshire branch of the RSPCA, having set up an Animal Defenders' Club at Littlecoates, serving as chair for 17 years from 1977.
Funeral details are yet to be confirmed.
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