The cricket community is in mourning after the death this week of George Trott, the former Hamilton Parish all-rounder and umpire, on his 90th birthday.

Trott earned a reputation during his playing days at Parish as an early-order batsman and seam bowler, who occasionally took the new ball.

However, his biggest contribution to local cricket is perhaps as an umpire who upheld the principles of the gentleman’s game and maintained high standards that earned him the respect of players and peers alike.

Trott was the first Bermudian to officiate in a World Cup qualifier, having done so at the 1990 ICC Trophy in the Netherlands, and also stood in the middle in an unprecedented 11 successive Cup Match classics.

“George was Bermuda’s best umpire,” said former umpire George Francis. “He always conducted himself as a decent human being on and off the field and brought a lot of professionalism to an organisation [Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association] which wasn’t there before.

“He was always on time for the start of his games and after the game he would leave the area. He never hung around to discuss any decision he made or anything with players or hung around drinking in the bar.

“He was a great ambassador for Bermuda and a big loss that will never be replaced in Bermuda cricket.”

Francis was among many umpires who were taught their craft by Trott.

“George definitely had a big influence on me and many others,” Francis said. “He always had a word of encouragement and never had a bad word.

“He was a man of great integrity, high credibility and a very high standard who was always willing to help.”

Trott was also a mentor of Steven Douglas, the BCUA president.

“I recall my first meeting with George back in 1997 when I started my umpiring,” Douglas said. “Actually, George was the person who took me out to my first game and taught me the craft of the game.

“During those early days when it came to the rules and laws of the game George had the ability to simplify the terms.

“Easily described as a quiet gentleman, he was not one to be underestimated. His commitment and service to the BCUA has been recognised within the cricketing community of Bermuda. He was recently honoured by The Bright Temple AME Church for his service to Cup Match.

“On behalf of the officers and members of the Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association we extend our sincere condolences to the family of Mr George Trott.”

Ralph Hill, father of former Bailey’s Bay and Somerset Cup Match players Ricky and Corey Hill, recalls playing with and against Trott, who was his uncle.

“I played a good bit of cricket with him at Hamilton Parish in the 1960s and we got along quite well on and off the field,” Hill said. “He was a very dependable early order batsman and a good bowler but I really recognised him more as a bowler. Sometimes he opened the bowling attack or was first change.

“I kept behind the wicket for him a lot of times and he was straight on the button. If you missed, he hit.

“He was very strict and reminded me of guys like ‘Bummy’ Symonds.

“He was mentor to me and I also played against him when he went to play for Warwick in his later years.”

Speaking on behalf of the Bermuda Cricket Board, Neil Speight, the chief executive, said: “The BCB extends its sympathies and condolences to the family of the highly respected umpire George Trott who recently passed away. A full tribute will be delivered at his funeral next week.”

A funeral service will be held at Bright Temple AME on Tuesday, beginning at noon.