TRIBUTES have been paid to a community stalwart who was part of Canvey’s cricket scene for 36 years.

Gary Snowdon loved being involved in Canvey Cricket Club, based at Smallgains, off Mitchells Avenue. He was president, bar manager, captain and chairman - and held most of the other positions during his time at the club.

He also played competitively for the club.

Mr Snowdon, who sadly died from cancer at the age of 70, was a keen cyclist and enjoyed living by the seaside.

Neil Casson, chairman of the club, said: “Gary was a friend and team mate of mine for 32 years and in all this time he pretty much run the club single-handedly. “Without Gary I honestly believe there would be no Canvey Cricket Club today.

“He would always put others first especially young players and always gave his time to coach and encourage all of them regardless of ability.

“Gary was the most honest fairest cricketer I have ever played with.

“He was also a fine right arm medium pace bowler, taking nearly 2,000 wickets in his time at the club.

“He won the club bowling trophy on 19 occasions.

“Above all he was our leader, everyone at the club looked up to him and we miss him immensely.”

Mr Snowdon’s family have remained involved in the cricket club since his death, as he told them he was concerned that because he had done everything for the club, it would be lost without him.

Both of his sons also played at the club, making it a real family affair.

More than 350 people turned out to his funeral, which Mr Snowdon’s family said was a bit of a surprise but showed how popular and well-respected he was within the community.

A family statement said: “He got on really, really well with everyone.

“Everyone that met him loved him.

“He would have helped anybody.”

Mr Snowdon married his wife in East London, before the couple moved to Canvey in 1972, a place which he liked very much.

He was married to his wife for 51 years before his death.

He also enjoyed cycling and would ride for ten miles every day along the seafront.

Mr Snowdon also loved football, and played for the CZ81 Football Club Canvey, part of the Southend Sunday Football League

He has left behind his beloved wife and two sons, two grandchildren and one great grandchild.