Gerry Wilson

Keith Allum I met Gerry in 1952 when I joined the scouts and he was my first Patrol Leader. Whilst in the scouts Bucks (via Gerry)recruited a number of us to play lacrosse. 35 years later I gave up playing but Gerry continued. During my career i scored an amazing number of goals, nearly all of which were a result of Gerry`s incredible skill at passing a lacrosse ball at speed to a marked player. He was a splendid lacrosse player, a very good friend and a true gentleman. He was a good family man and adored Jean. He was a much respected man, and in turn respected all others. There have been very few like Gerry, and I suspect will be a lot fewer in the future.

I first met Gerry when my children started playing lacrosse at Hitchin Lacrosse Club. When I took over as junior coach at Hitchin I always received my Friday night phone call to check that our junior games/tournaments were on and that we both had enough players. At one point junior numbers dwindled for both teams,so we would combined our players to create a team, so that the juniors could still compete in junior tournaments. My fondest memories are when Gerry, myself and Mike Black (the LDO) took a team to Brussels IBS Tournament, along with several parents. We all had a fantastic time thanks to Gerry.............although we did lose our LDO,Mike, for a few hours when he went out sightseeing one evening and got lost. However, none of us realised he was lost until the next morning as all the adults may have been enjoying a beer or two. Thanks to Gerry for he everything he has done for lacrosse over many years, he will be dearly missed My condolences to the Wilson family and to all at Buckhurst Hill LC on the loss of your dear friend Gerry. Keep on laxing Gerry

I was one of Gerry’s juniors over 42 years ago. In fact, I had the pleasure of playing with him in the 4th and 3rds when Buckhurst Hill had more than one team! I remember when I scored my first goal, he was more ecstatic and pleased over it than I was to the extent that he gave me a whole running commentary gushing over how well I did it and how the ball hit the post ... then hit the other one ... then went in !!! I never had a father figure in my life and Gerry was the male role model myself and so many other juniors across the years had the pleasure to meet. He was a wonderful man I will miss him with all my heart.

I had got to know Gerry over the years since I joined the club in 1987. A true clubman and gentleman. Whenever we met we would chat about club matters cricket or lacrosse but before that he would always ask how the family are doing. Wendy recalled when she ran the Bar and opened it for a family celebration for Gerry, she remarked what a lovely man Gerry was and how lovely all the family were. He will be sadly missed by all Lacrosse and Cricket members.

I first met Gerald in July '74 when he led a group of Buckhurst Hill lacrosse players in a short demonstration at my school, West Hatch. His infectious enthusiasm caught instant hold of eight of my classmates, and most of us dropped other sports to commit to lacrosse summer training and winter Saturdays for a league season with the BHLC "B" team. We lost heavily several times in the winter of '74/'75, but even as a senior player, Gerald made sure to welcome us as friends to the Clubhouse after games. His positive but modest attitude and vision for the future created the environment for big changes over the following few seasons; some excellent players transferred to the Club and a spirit of ambition and growth flourished. Nigel and Jeremy have mentioned that Gerald always wanted to plan for the long future and made every effort to build on strong foundations for every aspect of his life, prioritising family, career, and sports in that order. He never failed to enquire about my family, and he clearly rated this as the most important factor in a life. To say that Gerald was proud of Nigel and Jeremy and their wives and children would be an under-statement, but most of all he always said how lucky and privileged he was to have met and married Jean. Gerald built a life around Jean, and he lived it well. He is missed by all, and as BHC&LC members, we must carry on to build for the future as he exemplified. Commiserations to the family, and we look forward to gathering to raise a glass in celebration of his life at the earliest opportunity.

Like many others I first met Gerry at Staples Road coaching Lacrosse. He inspired me so much in my early life to take up and play the game he was so passionate about, I looked up to him a lot. He helped boost my confidence, resilience and instilled dedication in me to continue playing lacrosse. His passion for the club and the game is the reason I have given everything to Bucks. His support and encouragement during my years as Captain were invaluable and I will always have fond memories of spending time with him at the club. My condolences to all of the Wilson family, we have lost a truly wonderful man and the beating heart or Bucks. Rest in peace Gerry we will miss you dearly

I first met Gerry at Staples Road when I joined the after school Lacrosse club which he ran. I really enjoyed the fast paced nature of the game and I was the inspired by how passionate Gerry was for the sport. He was also a great teacher and very patient with all abilities. I remember he talked me into playing a field Lacrosse game for Bucks youth team and kindly picked me up to take me to the game. After Staples Road, I wouldn't play Lacrosse again until university. On my return from university I played a number of matches for Bucks, it was great to see Gerry again and still supporting the team. I will remember Gerrys passion on the sideline and welcoming personality in the clubhouse. My thoughts are with the whole Wilson family

Gerry was Mr Lacrosse to me! I first met Gerry when he did coaching at Staples Rd and got so many new members to play at Buckhurst Hill, including Chris. At the Club Gerry was always there to set up and rally the troops and offer excellent advice and encouragement. Gerry was the first ever Lacrosse member to be President of the Club showing how he united lacrosse and cricket members alike. Gerry was the ultimate Club and family man and with Jean, Jem, Nigel and families were instrumental creating in the Club we have today. We have very fond memories of our times together. Phil and Carole