'Cricket was part of dad's whole life' - Tribute paid to former Three Bridges cricketer Chris Berry

Chris, who lived in Horley, played for Bridges well into his 70s and was a popular member of the club.

His son Luke Cooper-Berry said: “He as a part of Three Bridges Cricket Club for many years and I know it has always had a special place in his heart.”

Luke added: “Cricket was part of dad's whole life. Literally.

“Right from prep school at eight- years-old, through Bryanston School, Cambridge University and of course Three Bridges cricket club right into his late 70’s, cricket was always in his life.

“Whether it would be Sunday league, indoor cricket, socials, committee, umpiring or watching a test series on TV, he always had his hand and his heart in the game.”

And when describing was Chris was like, Luke said: “In a word, unique!

“My sister Emma ends the eulogy with this paragraph and I couldn’t put it better myself, ‘Chris had a great sense of humour, always had his own way of doing things, flying in the face of convention and conformity, always resourceful, cheerfully plotting and planning his various schemes and up for whatever challenges came along’.”

A spokesman for Three Bridges CC said: “Chris was a wonderful man both on and off the pitch.”

Skiing was also a large part in his life over the years. Luke said: "For obvious reasons it is less regular, but having a lot of family in Switzerland gave him a lot of time on the slopes over the years. He also enjoyed squash, particularly in the last 20 years or so, in particular with members of Three Bridges Cricket Club. He was also an excellent piano player, with particular skills in Jazz piano."

Luke added: "Dad celebrated his 80th birthday in lockdown on the 11th of November 2020. Despite the lack of ability to have a proper party, we made sure he had a slap up meal of British ribeye beef steak!"

Chris was married to Charlie and had three daughters and one son, and five grandchildren.