Stan York was known throughout South East Wales for his contribution to cricket, especially Usk Cricket Club. For 78 years he was active in Monmouthshire cricket, Wales Minor Counties Cricket and from junior player through captaincy, chairmanship and finally President of Usk Cricket Club.

He was born in 1917 in Usk, the youngest of nine children. After enrolling at Monmouth School aged 11, it was quickly discovered that he had a natural talent for cricket. Even at the age of 15, he was playing for the school first eleven as opening batsman and wicket keeper.  At the same age he joined Usk Cricket Club where his talent was nurtured. From 1935 onwards he was part of the triumvirate of high class cricketers produced by the club. He played alongside Alan Watkins, who went on to play for Glamorgan and England and another Glamorgan player Phil Clift.

Unfortunately Stan had to make do with occasional games for Glamorgan’s second eleven and was never able to become a contracted county player.  Glamorgan preference at that time was for Haydyn Davies as batsman/wicket keeper although many of Stan's contemporaries believed him to be both a better batsman and wicket keeper.

As with all sportsmen, his career was interrupted by the 1939-45 war. Usk Club closed but Stan played occasional games for Pontnewynydd Cricket Club whilst on home leave. After the war he concentrated his efforts at Usk. He became a prodigious run scorer and for the next 20 years was at the heart of Usk's very strong club side alongside his regular opening partner J.E. (Ted) Kerby, Selwyn Watkins, Gerald Kear, Jim Britten, Toby Charles, George Gibbon and Albert Powell. He was, during this time, active also in Monmouthshire cricket and was well known throughout the sporting community.

In addition to his cricketing activities he also played on the left wing for Pontypool RFC and for United Services but his rugby playing was curtailed again by the war and injury. He switched codes to soccer and played for Abergavenny Thursdays, Panteg and Usk Town. But it is for cricket that he is mainly remembered.

After retiring from playing, he became an umpire but this was not to his liking. Instead he preferred to watch his beloved club. He acted as fixture secretary for many years before becoming chairman and finally President of the club. His contribution to the development of club cricket in South Wales was immense and he is well respected by all with whom he came into contact both on and off the field.

He died on April 16 aged 92 years after a long battle with cancer, still President of Usk Cricket Club, a club he served with great distinction for 78 years.  His wife Freda predeceased him. He is survived by his son Ray and daughter Carol

The funeral took place at St. Mary’s Church Usk, at 1pm on Tuesday April 27.