The death has been announced of the long serving Cornwall cricket umpire John Ford, who was 93.

Formerly of Beacon, he passed away peacefully at the Beeches Nursing Home, Hayle, ten days ago.

John enjoyed a lifetime of involvement in Cornish Cricket having made his playing debut for Troon seconds against Falmouth Docks in 1935. A tall seam bowler, he played club cricket for Troon and Redruth.

He went on to become Redruth’s groundsman at Trewirgie.

He began umpiring in 1971. He was appointed to the Minor Counties panel and officiated championship games for five seasons between 1981 and 1985.

He became the CCUA Treasurer in 1986 and the following year was elected as its secretary, a post he was to hold for 17 years until 2004.

He succeeded Gerald Penberthy as the Association President in 2001.

He retired in 2012 and in recognition of his long service, the ECBACO awarded him a special 40 years commemorative tie, which was presented by the regional chairman Tony Hemmings (pictured).

John represented the Umpires on the Cornwall Cricket League’s Western Sectional Committee from 1990 to its amalgamation with the East in 2000.

He had joined the full countywide League Management Committee when it first included a CCUA Rep in 1995 and served until 2004.

He was made a League Vice-President on stepping down from the LMC.

John spent his working life in insurance and away from cricket was a keen golfer.

His wife Loveday passed away in January 2015 aged 91 years. He is survived by sons Philip, Peter and Stephen.

The Funeral service is at Troon Methodist Church on Thursday at 2.30pm followed by burial at Troon Cemetery.

Family flowers only, donations if so desired for staff at St Clair House and The Beeches by retiring collection or c/o David Hendy Funeral Services, Treswithian, Camborne TR14 7NW or on 01209 612025.