Photo Credit: Western Province Cricket Association
The Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) and its affiliate association, the Western Province Cricket Umpires Association (WPCUA), have paid tribute to Mr Ronnie Pilowski who passed away in Cape Town on Monday.
WPCA President Ashraf Burns: “His unselfish contribution and dedication to WPCA spanning many years will be sorely missed. On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of 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.”
WPCUA President Clifford Isaacs: “It’s indeed a sad moment for Ronnie’s family as well as WPCUA. What a great loss and leaves such a void in our association. Ronnie’s name was synonymous with WPCUA. He served our association with unequivocal distinction and utmost loyalty. His passion for umpiring was only exceeded by his commitment to train and develop umpires.”
“Ronnie had a hand in the development of all umpires affiliated to WPCUA. He has done these interventions unconditionally and it would be amiss not to note the time that he sacrificed to ensure the successful development and growth of our umpires.”
“Showtime” as he became so fondly known after being programme director for numerous annual awards dinners, Ronnie will surely be missed on and off the field. Always willing to support any endeavours undertaken by WPCUA and expecting nothing in return. A true legend and unfaltering member of our association.”
“He dedicated more than 60 years of his life serving WPCUA. I’m not sure that this can be paralleled by any long-serving umpire provincially, nationally and even globally. I have just learned that the Guinness Book of Records has recorded the longest serving umpire as 55 years. Indeed, a remarkable achievement by our own Ronnie “Showtime” Pilowski.”
“Time” was called on Ronnie’s life, something that he was never prepared to do till his last days and his last breath. Big shoes to be filled without a doubt, but we have been honoured and humbled to be served by such an amazing person. He has an absolute wealth of cricket knowledge and has never hesitated to share this with his colleagues; thorough and well-read.”
“Ronnie’s contributions and insights will surely be missed, but we can only treasure the memories of such an extraordinary team player and Life member of WPCUA. May Ronnie’s beautiful soul rest in peace. Thanks for the legacy, Ronnie,” Isaacs concluded.
