Michael Gray

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Richard Michael (Michael) Gray on 9th August after a short illness.

Michael, a Vice-president of Chelmsford HC, was a player for both CHC and Chelmsford Cricket Club for many years, the instigator of the Weymouth and Thanet tours, and a prime mover in the relocation of the clubs’ headquarters from the County Cricket ground to Chelmer Park in 1971. Despite retiring from competitive sport due to injury soon after the move he maintained a keen interest in the activities and fortunes of the hockey club, especially when his two daughters, Nicola and Liz, started playing in the late 1980s and, more recently, as his grandchildren, Jack, Antonia, Rebecca and Connie, became the fifth generation of the family to represent the club. Indeed, he made his last visit to Chelmer Park in March this year when he saw three of his grandchildren and one son-in-law in action! Although his recent visits to Chelmer Park have been rare he has continued to support many of the club’s development initiatives from afar.

Michael is one of the people to whom today’s members owe so much. He will be missed and our thoughts are with Nicola, Liz and the rest of his family.

A private cremation will be held. A Thanksgiving Service will take place at Chelmsford Cathedral on Wednesday, 4th October at 2pm when everyone will be welcome. At Michael’s request, donations please to Farleigh Hospice or Essex & Herts Air Ambulance c/o T Pennack & Sons, Funeral Directors, 1/3 Maldon Road, Great Baddow, Chelmsford CM2 7DW. Tel: 01245 471157