New Zealand cricket has lost a life-long supporter and tireless administrator, with the death of John Heslop, aged 89.
Mr Heslop was an eminent Dunedin surgeon; a former President of the Cancer Society and a founding member of the organisation now known as Sports Medicine New Zealand.
A keen and useful cricketer, he represented Otago University at senior club level before turning his attention to administration, a responsibility he undertook at club, provincial and national level.
Mr Heslop was president of the New Zealand Cricket Council (now NZC) from 1987-89, an NZCC board member for 12 years, and the manager of two New Zealand teams abroad – the 1975 World Cup side in England, and the 1985 tourists to the West Indies.
He was an Otago selector from 1960-66, the president of the Otago Cricket Association from 1966-68, and in 1986 was made a life member of the OCA.
Otago Cricket chief executive Ross Dykes said Mr Heslop's service to cricket had been indefatigable.
"John was an imposing character in all ways and a great friend of cricket," said Mr Dykes. "He was always willing to lend a hand and contribute his time, be it at club level or with Otago and New Zealand.
"John's ready smile and sense of humour have been a constant part of Otago and New Zealand cricket for more than half a century.
He'll be greatly missed."