PLYMPTON CC are planning to honour the late John Yeoman by naming their pavilion after him.

Yeoman – know affectionately as ‘JY’ – died recently aged 69. He had been suffering from an industrial disease.

John Yeoman picking up an award on behalf of PlymptonDevon-born and proud of it – he hailed from Moretonhampstead on the edge of Dartmoor – Yeoman had a long and varied working life.

Twenty-five years in the Royal Navy was followed by working time as cobbler, financial advisor and military medal maker.

Cricket was Yeoman’s passion – that and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC – and for 40 years or more he served Plympton CC in one capacity or another.

Keith Alexander, who succeeded Yeoman as chairman in 2010, said his predecessor was a man of many cricketing parts.

“For more than 40 years he was either a player, umpire or official,” said Alexander.

“John was chairman for 10 years and then president for a further five before ill health got the better of him.

“Even then John continued to support the club from the pavilion balcony with a cider in his hand and many a word of encouragement.”

Alexander said numerous tributes to Yeoman have been received, many of them through social media.

“The words ‘club legend’, ‘gentleman’ and ‘stalwart’ are a common theme,” said Alexander.

“John was so much a part of Plympton CC. I have known him for 35 years and cannot find the words to describe what he has done for our club.

“We are planning a memorial game as well as naming the pavilion after him.

But that does not do justice to how much he has given our club on and off the field.”

John and wife Gill celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary this year. The couple had two children: Katie and Daniel.

John Yeoman’s funeral will take place on Thursday, October 26 (11.30am) at St Mary’s Church in Plympton, followed by a wake at the Conservative Club.