Lives in Cricket No 32 - Eric Rowan

101 chance to know the person Eric really was. One of his few pleasures was to attend matches at the Wanderers, where he remained capable of delivering a strong opinion. While the cricket community was immensely supportive, the situation put such a strain on Di’s marriage that it broke down and her divorce came through just a few weeks before her father’s death. Eric Rowan died of heart failure at Edenvale Hospital in Transvaal on 30 April 1993, aged 83. The Anglican Church in Bedfordview was filled to overflowing for his funeral service, where younger brother Athol delivered the main address. The general feeling was that South African cricket was a lesser entity without his presence. Perhaps the last word should go to Dr Ali Bacher, who has contributed more than most to the success of South African cricket. When learning of Eric’s death he said, ‘He was one of our greatest cricketers and one of the great characters of cricket.’ Eric would have been pleased with that. A Life Beyond Play Proudly reflecting on the past. Eric displays two trophies from his long career. [Bassano Collection]