Canada board vice-president Clifford Cox dies

Cricket Canada vice-president Clifford Cox died on February 4 in Vancouver. He was 79.

Cox was widely recognised as one of the pillars of Canadian cricket. He took a keen interest in the game since migrating to Canada from Lancashire in 1956. In his playing days, he captained British Columbia and then the national side. Cox was a member of the British Columbia mainland cricket league, which introduced the Cliff Cox medal, an award given to the most outstanding player who also demonstrated good sportsmanship during the season. After retirement, he joined Cricket Canada's executive panel and became the board's most ardent supporter of women's cricket.

Cox was also a successful businessman, and a talented singer who started up many opera companies across the country.

"Cliff Cox was a foundation of Canadian Cricket and a dedicated volunteer," board president Ranjit Saini said in Toronto. "He was a dear friend and close advisor. In all times of difficulties and severe stress I would phone him and seek advice. Cliff brought peace and laughter to my life and was a person that could share my sorrows and excitement. While Cliff will live forever in our hearts, I will miss him every day of my life."

Vimal Hardat, Cricket British Columbia's president, said: "Cliff will be one of the few who will make it in the history books of Canadian Cricket and cricket overall. With his passing, a legend has departed from the world of cricket and gone on to put his name into the history books. I salute the legend and God may need to have a cricket pitch in heaven as Cliff will need one and if there is none, then be sure that Cliff will make one there."