WPCA and clubs mourn passing of ‘umpiring legend’ Ronnie Pilowski

File image: Ronnie Pilowski.

The Western Province Cricket Association and affiliated clubs are in mourning after the death of veteran umpire Ronnie Pilowski.

Pilowski was a member of the Western Province Cricket Umpires’ Association for six decades.

What Milnerton Cricket Club said

“It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the passing of Ronnie Pilowski. Ronnie was chairman of Milnerton Cricket Club during the early years of the 2000s and was a WPCA umpire for more than 60 years.

“A very sad loss to cricket in Cape Town. Our thoughts are with the Pilowski family.”

What Northerns Goodwood Cricket Club said

“As the Northerns Goodwood Cricket Club, we would like to send our heartfelt condolences to the friends, family and loved ones of the late Ronnie Pilowski.

“As a cricketing community, we know that he will be greatly missed – and we will remain forever grateful for all his contributions. May his spirit live forevermore. Rest in power.”

What Rylands Cricket Club said

“With a saddened heart, the executive committee wishes the family of Ronnie Pilowski our most heartfelt condolences and pray that the Almighty grants him the most beautiful of cricket fields in the skies.

“Uncle Ronnie was an umpiring legend and was well-loved by all, and especially fond of our club. The WPCA and all its affiliates will surely be at a loss of a great gentleman, who brought all of us endless hours of entertainment with his quirky chirps as an umpire.”

What Pinelands Cricket Club said

“Our deepest condolences to the family of Mr Ronnie Pilowski. A true gentleman and always a pleasure to have at the club. May he rest in peace.”

What Belhar Cricket Club said

“We’d like to extend our sincere condolences to the family of this great legend. May his soul rest in peace.”

What Cape Town Cricket Club said

“We have a lot of respect for Ronnie and his countless contributions to the game over an extensive period. He was a genuine servant of club cricket and should be remembered, among many other values, for that.

“Ronnie was excellent and thorough in his umpiring. We know he mentored hundreds, if not thousands, of other umpires over several years. He will be missed. Our sincerest condolences to his family.”

What Bellville Cricket Club said

“Rest in peace, Ronnie. You served the game of cricket with all your heart. Thank you for all your years of dedication to the game and development of umpires.”

What Mitchells Plain Cricket Club said

“We convey our sincere condolences to the family of Ronnie Pilowski. What a legend. His wisdom and knowledge of the cricket game was phenomenal. Gone but not forgotten. For as long as cricket will be played in the Western Province, your legacy will continue to be alive. Rest well.”

What Glamorgan Cricket Club said

“Rest in peace, Ronnie. A great servant of the game.”

What Cravenby Cricket Club said

“On behalf CCC, we would like to convey our condolences to the family of Ronnie Pilowski. May the Almighty make it easy on the family and friends.”

What Western Province Cricket Association said

“His unselfish contribution and dedication to the WPCA, spanning many years, will be sorely missed. On behalf of the board, management and staff of the WPCA, we extend our condolences to his family and wish them a long life. Together as a cricket family, we all mourn a wonderful man.”