TRIBUTES have been pouring in since the death of Tolchards Devon League chairman Stuart Munday earlier this week.
Team-mates, rivals and committee colleagues have been queuing up to pay tribute to Stuart, who was 72.
Here is a selection of the tributes received – more welcome.
“Stuart was indeed a great man, whose services to Devon cricket cannot be over estimated.
“He became a personal friend while playing over-60s’ cricket with him and his enthusiasm for the game never waned.
“We shared many thoughts on running cricket at club level and he was more than anything, very supportive of all the volunteers, always taking a pragmatic approach to resolving any issues.
“The Devon cricket community have lost one of their finest statesmen.”
Derrick Foan - chairman Bradninch CC
"Stuart Munday was a natural enthusiast with a great drive to accomplish any task he set himself, and he always displayed much commitment and generosity of spirit.
Devon CCC was delighted when he volunteered to help with the setting up of the Devon Lions and he became its treasurer and also that of the David Shepherd Cricket Foundation, on its inception.
His organisational and fund raising skills were invaluable and both bodies thrived because of his input.
When Stuart became chairman of the Devon Cricket League he joined the committee of Devon CCC, much strengthening the links between the two organisations.
He was a lively member of the Devon CCC general committee and he always spoke at length in meetings. When he could not attend, such meetings tended to be rather shorter!
Stuart Munday was a lifelong cricket nut and his flair and dedication were of particular value to the county club and to the Lions development X1."
Neil Gamble - chief executive Devon CCC
Stuart Munday was an incredible man. Before I joined Tavistock Cricket club, I knew who Stuart was, but didn't know him to talk too and certainly didn't know what he was about.
His passion and drive for Tavistock CC was second to none, and always will be.
He always backed me as captain of the club. Regular phone calls of advice, ideas and sometimes abuse, were always the highlight of my day!
But no matter what was said and done, it was all in the best interest of the Tavistock CC.
I speak for myself, and all the lads when I say you will truly missed around the club pal, and will always be a in our thoughts.
Shaun Daymond - captain Tavistock CC 1st XI
Very sad to lose Stuart. The more I got to know him as trustees of the DSCT the more I realised what a genuinely good guy he was. His methods were frequently unusual, but invariably effective He will be hard to replace.
Alan Swift - Devon Cricket legend
A great, funny chap I had good times with through the Tavistock years. A big loss indeed. RIP Stuart Munday.
Tshepo Legodi - Tavistock, Exeter and now Shaldon CC
A true ambassador for cricket and a very special friend. RIP Stuart you will be sorely missed
Mike Cherry - Plymstock CC
Very sad news. Always enjoyed chatting with Stuart over the years.
Mark Tyler - broadcaster and journalist
So sad to lose such a great man. There won't be another person like this who has a positive impact on so many. Will miss the calls ‘Timothy, Stuart here. It's all sorted my boy'. RIP Stuart Munday
Tim Western - Torquay CC and director of coaching Devon Lions
I really got to know Stuart about 15 years ago. I knew him and his involvement in Tavistock CC many years before that.
With my involvement with Devon Seniors I really got to know Stuart better. Always full of fun and enthusiastic about all things cricket wise. Nothing was too much trouble for him and if he took on a task he would always come up with the goods.
In the years that followed, Stuart was a great inspiration to me and helped Bovey Tracey CC. and myself with many things.
He encouraged me to become involved with the Devon Cricket League and suggested some roles for me of which I took up.
Stuart invited me to many cricketing functions and we enjoyed many hours of fun and laughs on the road travelling to cricket matches and events.
Devon Cricket and I have lost a real friend and it will be a difficult task for the cricketing bodies to fill the roles that Stuart had.
RIP Stuart, we all loved you.
Nigel Mountford - chairman Bovey Tracey CC and Devon CCC chief executive designate
It was a privilege to serve as vice-chairman of the Devon Cricket League under Stuart's chairmanship.
A hard taskmaster, but always fair and always willing to work harder than everyone else.
I enjoyed many good discussions in the car on the way to league meetings in Exeter.
Stuart just knew everyone and everyone knew him. Over recent years I took pleasure in 'taking the mick' about his beloved Manchester United.
I didn't play with or against Stuart very often, but knew him to be a very good bowler at the top level of cricket within Devon. However, he did remind me often about the two sixes he hit off my bowling in a President's Day match at Whitchurch in the mid 80s.
Stuart will be sadly missed - the word 'stalwart' is a word probably used too much, but in his case absolutely fits
RIP Stuart.
Phil Bees - Whitchurch, Cornwood & Tavistock CC – vice-chairman Devon Cricket League
