Michael Gunn: 1941-2021

Everyone at Sussex Cricket is deeply saddened to learn of the death of hugely popular former club steward, Michael Gunn. 'Gunny' died peacefully on Wednesday 3rd March after a long illness, six days short of his 80th birthday.

Michael worked for Sussex Cricket for 11 years until poor health forced him to stop working two years ago. He joined the club on the advice of his son Paul, one of his two children, who was Sussex's head chef at the time, and he never regretted becoming a member of the 'Sussex family'.

During his time at the club, Michael was an ever-present at the main gate and, together with his close friend Sam Wheeler, was instrumental in putting the Sussex stewards on the map for being the most friendly and welcoming among the first-class counties.

In his role meeting and greeting our members and their guests, his relaxed manner and cheerful smile always made visitors to Hove feel welcome. He was particularly helpful to our visually impaired visitors, showing them to their seats and making sure that their assistance dogs were well fed and watered during the day.

Michael would participate fully in all the club’s activities and would often be seen bringing in boxes of cakes for the staff, not to gain favour, but because he loved seeing others enjoying themselves and if he could assist in that, then he would.

The Dream Team. Gunny (right) on the front gate with his colleague and friend Sam Wheeler

Once (and only once!), Gunny volunteered to fetch a brand-new player's car from Eastbourne and had it not been for the bollard up near the north east gate, he would have been asked again!! The car had 24 miles on the clock and the same number of dents down the side. His phone call to the insurance company became the stuff of legend! It went a little bit like this:

Insurance company: How long have you had the car, sir ? 

Gunny: About 45 mins.

Insurance company: How old is the car, sir ? 

Gunny: About 45 mins

Insurance company: Are you the owner, sir?

Gunny: No

Insurance company: Who is the owner of the car, sir ?

Gunny: No idea. Somebody in Eastbourne, I think.

He loved his music and would volunteer to work at each of the concerts that we held and was often seen dancing with the crowd during his breaks. He was also a huge football fan. He was an avid Portsmouth supporter, following them around the country as a boy. In his youth, he had been on West Ham's books alongside Bobby Moore and shortly before his retirement, Mike Yardy and club sponsor Gary Peters very kindly took him up to watch a home game.

He was undoubtedly one of the faces of Sussex Cricket in recent years. He was a true gentleman and will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.

Everyone at Sussex Cricket thought's are with Gunny's family and friends at this sad time. 

With thanks to Don Semmons for compiling this tribute and Sam Wheeler for photos