Members of the local  cricketing community will have been sorry to learn of the recent death of Rye Cope, President of the ACA in the seasons 1979 and 1980, and subsequently its Honorary President until the Association’s replacement by the NE Scotland Cricket SCIO earlier this year.

Son of a former Secretary of the Association, Rye will be remembered principally within the Grades as a key batman and bowler and tigerish close fielder for St Ronald, of whom he served as captain over a number of spells, including agreeing to resume the role with the club on the verge of extinction following its rapid fall from Grade 1 to Grade 3 after the loss or retirement of a number of key players at the end of the 1970s.  As Association Vice President he was also responsible for the recruitment at that time of David Jones, the club’s second-team scorer, to succeed Joe Scott as Association Secretary, a role he went on to fulfil for 40 seasons – ignoring Rye’s almost certainly sensible advice that the role was one he might wish to decline. 

As the attached eulogy delivered at his funeral, at which the President, Martin Auld, and Cricket Scotland ACA Board Member, Ian Stephen, formally represented the Association, Rye’s sporting interests and participation went far wider than cricket, including Highland League football, rugby and golf. A sporting polymath – without doubt – who threw himself without reservation into all the activities in which he either participated or supported.

We join in commemorating his long and fruitful life, and join in offering our own condolences to his family and friends at this sad time.

 

On behalf of the NE Scotland Cricket SCIO Trustees

David M Jones

Secretary Emeritus, Aberdeenshire Cricket Association

 

 

Rye Cope 1926 -2019

The term ‘Legend’ has, within ‘Shire, been used somewhat too freely in recent times, however it is with regret that we should acknowledge the passing of a real ‘Shire Legend and true gentleman, Rye Cope. Having lived a long and fulfilling life, Rye passed away earlier today in his sleep having suffered a stroke last Sunday.

In his early sporting career, Rye played Highland League football before turning to rugby in his mid-twenties as he preferred the social side. Rye, ‘The Boot’ Cope played stand-off and centre for ‘Shire with distinction in the late 1950’s and early 60’s and was Vice-Captain for two seasons before captaining the club in Season 1961-62. Rye also played cricket for St. Ronald’s Cricket Club for several seasons. As a member of Murcar Golf Club Rye played regularly with other ‘Shire members, Eddie Foote, Allan Morgan and Jimmy Livingston. Rye was fiercely competitive but keeping track of the score had to be left to Jimmy for the sake of accuracy!

For many recently connected with the club, Rye will be best remembered as part of the formidable touchline trio known as ‘The Last Of The Summer Wine!’ Along with Alastair Davidson and Eddie Foote, Rye would at all the home matches regardless of the weather. They were unfailing in their support and would get enthusiastically involved with every match. One memorable match at Strathmore led to the referee complaining to the SRU about the behaviour of some ‘elderly supporters.’ As Rye was the last surviving member, it would be nice to think that the Rye will now be re-united with Alastair & Eddie to watch over future performances and, inevitably, lose all track of the score!

The sympathies of everyone connected with the club go out to his wife, Libby and the family at this sad time.