David Lihou Hamilton
(16 June 1922- 18 May 2016)
Final innings completed - retired to the pavilion on 93
A very special family man. Service at the Chapel, Tonbridge Cemetery at eleven o'clock Friday 17th June 2016
It was with great sadness to have been informed that David Hamilton passed away in his sleep on the 18th May 2016. He was 93.
David was born in 1922 in Hampshire, and at the age of 21 was subsequently granted an Emergency Commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Artillery on 11th Dec 1943. This was later converted into a substantive commission as a Lieutenant on 24th May 1947 after the end of the WWII; and David then continued a career in the Army.
Many of Tonbridge CC’s new and younger members will not have known of David, one of the Club’s vice-Presidents. Affectionately known as 'Hammers', David was a fearless left hand opening bat representing the Tonbridge Cricket Club from the 1960's for over 5 decades and well known in local cricketing circles. He was at various times the Captain, Secretary, Fixture Secretary, groundsman and Tonbridge's 'Mr Cricket' who encouraged many generations of younger players to become as absorbed and as enthusiastic in the game as he was. A true gentleman from the old school who will long be remembered and sadly missed by all associated with Tonbridge Cricket Club.
David had also joined the Forty Club in August 1972 as a Life Member, listing the Clubs he played for asCryptics and Tonbridge CC. For The Forty Club he was first appointed as aMatch Manager 1977 and soon rose to the dizzy ranks of the Club’sHon. Match Secretary for 3 years from 1979 – 1982. He was elected as Hon. General and Cricket Secretary from 1983 – 1988 and then as theHon. General Secretary alone from 1989-1991. After stepping down from that role, he was appointed as the Club’s onlyHon. Life Vice-President in 1993. Cricket was a passion for David, and the Forty Club a particular passion to which he devoted much of his life. On behalf of The Forty Club, David was also the curator of WG Grace's grave for many years.
Tributes
Hamilton & Hansell: always the first two names in the book .....
A huge part of our club. He would be very proud if he could see his legacy today
John Simmons
Very sad to hear of this, but Hammers certainly has had “a good innings”
Hammers and I always had a lot of fun batting together, winding up the opposition, targeting the especially horrible John Telfer from Croydon MO, with quick singles, which Hammers always announced with a loud - “Yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyesjohn !”
John Hansell
A true gentleman, greatrole model, fearless in the face of quick bowling (in fact, the faster the better) and an astonishing runner between the wickets.
Sad news, but as Simmo said, leaving a wonderful legacy.
Nick Davey
Very sad news, a real gentleman & cricketing character & always kept you on your toes when batting with him! A true Clubman, the Club has a lot to thank him for.
Hugh Topham
Sad news...... but 93 will be seen as an average knock for David to those that played with him
When I first joined the club he "had the gloves" and I thought I had identified a good opportunity given his approach to middle age. Got that wrong!! I think it was three or four years loitering in the outfield before David moved to fine leg to let me in!
All clubs could do with members with David's commitment, honesty, integrity, social graces and of course ability.
Raise the bat David......
John Cook
Very sorry to hear that, but a great knock by a thoroughly nice man, and an old fashioned gentleman and cricketer.
David Roberts
Very sad news – David was the source of great encouragement from the moment I met him – to picking up my pencil and scoring, then exactly the same when I started playing.
I’ll be thinking of him when I strap on the pads on Saturday.
Ian Sargeant
A very sad day. David was one of the nicest people you could meet on or off the cricket field. A Tonbridge legend.
Tony Cairns
He was such a role model. As I said on our ‘Whats App’ page he would give me 50p every time I bowled him in the indoor nets and I think I made a quid over a twenty odd year period. Such a lovely caring man who would always find time for not only you but everyone around you.
The epitome of a gentleman.
Nick Helyar
So very sad to learn of the passing of an old friend. I had the privilege to spend many hours out in the middle with David, always offering encouragement and pearls of wisdom from his vast knowledge of the game. I can offer no new words that haven't been said already, suffice to say that he was a true gentleman of the game.
He will be fondly remembered.
Nick Gower
Interesting that most of the comments I have seen about Hammers come from the younger generation that joined TCC in the early seventies. Says a great deal about the respect that they had for someone who, in spite of the age difference, went out of his way to encourage them to progress in the great game.
John Hansell
I joined TCC in 1970 as a 16 year old and have only just realised David was already 47. His energy to continue playing both days at the weekend and encouraging all us youngsters was amazing. He was still playing when I stopped 20 years later.
A fantastic club man who encouraged so many of us. I will miss him.
Kevin Ingram
We learnt so much from him in our early days and he really did shape us in the way we played (or in my case tried to!) the game.
Glyn Parham
David was quite unique and a sterling servant of the club.
David Allen
Rolling at Tonbridge CC’s old ground Bath Fields as it used to be with the old water filled roller which we recently disposed of.
David, with the dark cap, the middle one cannot be identified, and Brian Gaywood nearest (a great spin bowler who used to get a 100 wickets in a season)