The Dubbo cricket community is in mourning after the tragic death of Tony Beauchamp at the weekend.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mr Beauchamp was umpiring a 14As match between St John's and RSL Colts at Lady Cutler Oval on Saturday morning, when he began to suffer problems with his heart.
According to Dubbo District Cricket Association president Mick Davis, Mr Beauchamp decided to move away from the game after his pacemaker alarm went off.
"He had an irregular heartbeat for a number of years and had a pacemaker installed and being an ambulance officer, he knew what was happening and what he needed to do," Mr Davis said.
"His son Rhys was playing in the game so Tony moved away from the field."
Mr Beauchamp was taken by ambulance to Dubbo Hospital but was unable to be revived.
Mr Davis, also a member of RSL Colts, was a friend of Mr Beauchamp's and said his death would leave a big hole at the club, the sport and the community.
"Tony was incredibly funny and always a fierce competitor.
"He loved his boys and was very proud of their sporting achievements," he said.
"He coached the under-14s Colts and he knew everyone in the team by name.
"He always made the effort to get to know everyone and the players really appreciated it."
Dubbo District Junior Cricket Association president Lindsay Wood expressed his condolences to Mr Beauchamp's family.
"It's terrible for his family and friends. It's a loss for the cricket community but that's nothing compared to the loss his family would be experiencing. His wife Kerry-Lee and children Rhys and Preston would be going through a terrible situation," Mr Wood said.
"Tony was very well known through junior cricket and also soccer. Both Rhys and Preston played for Colts and Rhys played representative soccer.
"I extend my sympathies to his family on behalf of the Dubbo District Junior Cricket Association."
Both Mr Wood and Mr Davis said their associations would do everything they could to support Mr Beauchamp's family.
They are also expecting black armbands to be worn for this week's matches.
Davis also said Colts games will include a minute's silence. He said it would be up to other clubs to decide whether they will do the same.
Mr Davis is also calling on the cricket community to rally around Rhys and Preston.
"The cricket community in Dubbo needs to be vigilant as we help these two young boys continue in the sport they and their father so enjoyed together," he said.
"We need to wrap our collective arms around them and nurture their skills, competitiveness and passion and try and fill the huge void left by such a great man."
