Devon Cricket Board - Church packed to say farewell to Mike Janes

Church packed to say farewell to Mike Janes

COCKINGTON church was full to overflowing for the funeral of sporting stalwart Mike Janes.

Mike, who died two weeks ago aged 78, had a local sporting career that spanned 65 years.
He was a 14-year-old soccer sensation who played for Torquay United Reserves while still at Torquay Boys’ Grammar School.
Cricket became Mike’s real passion and he served Cockington CC from the age of 13 right up to his death.
One of the last things he did before he died was complete the cricket club’s fixture list for 2016.
Mike had been secretary of the club for 51 years as well as a player, 1st XI captain and finally umpire.
The church, which overlooks the cricket ground in the village, was the same one Mike married sweetheart Sandra in 57 years ago.
Children Nigel and Karen were both christened there.
Mike and his wife were regular attendees at churches in the parish.

Sporting friends, rivals and former workmates from the Herald Express, where Mike rose to head of production during a 45-year career, were out in force to pay their tributes.

Mike’s coffin was carried into church by son Nigel, who came home from New Zealand for the service, and former Cockington players Neil Stanlake, John Mather, Roland Scott, Michael Macey and Martin Gladwin.
The service was taken by family friend Preb Tony Macey, the former priest in charge of the church.
Stanlake delivered the eulogy to his old friend. He praised Mike for his work keeping the club going during hard times in recent years.
“Sadly Mike's innings is over, but it was an innings that was up there with the very best,” said Stanlake.
Brian Burrows, another former team-mate, processed out of the church in front of the coffin after the service carrying Mike’s umpire’s coat and hat.
A guard of honour comprising more former players and cricket opponents from from Torquay, Barton, Babbacombe, Abbotskerswell & Chelston were all represented held cricket bats aloft as the procession came out of the church after the service.
Sandra & her family were greatly touched by this gesture.
A retiring collection was made on behalf of the Torbay Hospital League of Friends Critical Care Unit and the Ricky Grant Unit at the hospital.
The funeral was followed by a cremation service.

DCB Ltd, University of Exeter Sports Hall, Stocker Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QN Company Registration Number: 7024773