The local cricket fraternity is mourning the death of well-known cricket umpire Luther Wilkin who passed away on Wednesday after a lengthy illness.

Wilkin was considered an enthusiastic cricket lover, who contributed to the sport at various levels - from a player for Berkeley Institute when he returned from school in St. Kitts after World War Two to Western Stars Sports Club and Devonshire Rec.

He later moved on to serve as president of Western Stars, and was an active umpire and executive of the Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association.

He was also one of the first local umpires to become fully qualified with the West Indies Cricket Umpires Association ¿ joining the ranks of George Garrod, George Trott and Anthony (Sonny) Roberts.

At the time of his death, Wilkin was one of the few remaining honorary presidents of the Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association.

Having worked alongside him for more than three decades, another long-serving BCUA official Randy Butler spoke fondly of Wilkin's achievements and contributions to cricket.

"There is no denying that he was well respected for helping to add to the continued development of Bermuda cricket, both at a local and international level," said Butler.

"I recall coming up under him when he was heavily involved at Western Stars where I was to work along with him on various committees after I finished playing, and then his role as an umpire was virtually unmatched given the number of years he remained active both on the field of play as an executive, specifically holding down the position of treasurer for many years.

"He umpired at all levels, doing as many as five Cup Matches and officiating in matches here and abroad involving international teams. He was also a long-serving lecturer, taking us other umpires to his home at nights where he updated us with various changes to the laws of cricket and other updates to the sport.

"Mr. Wilkin also attended various meetings in the Caribbean run by the West Indies Cricket Umpires Association, where he was well respected and was normally asked to open the conferences with a prayer...something which he felt comfortable doing."

According to Butler, Wilkin wasn't just involved in cricket, recalling the time when he even took young football players from Dandy Town on tours abroad.

For his many years of service at various levels of sport, Wilkin received a citation from the Bermuda Government.

He was the uncle of well-known Western Stars' cricketers Arnold, Anthony and Andre Manders.

"There is no doubt that he will be missed after making such huge contributions to sports in general, and he will also be missed because he simply was recognised as being a nice guy," added Butler.