Thomas 'Tommy' Dann

The death has been announced of Tommy Dann (Old Millfieldians), who played in the Cricketer Cup and in the regional match between two Cup teams played at Arundel last summer. Friend and colleague Nick Brothers has posted the message below:

It is with an incredibly heavy heart that I am writing to pay our respects to the Old Millfieldian cricketer Thomas 'Tommy' Dann who suddenly passed away on February 18th. Tommy, an incredibly talented all-round sportsman was a regular for the Old Millfieldian rugby club and a bedrock for the cricket club. A batsman so aesthetically pleasing on the eye that he never looked out of touch, no matter the length of time between appearances and a more than useful finger spinner who could always be relied upon. It's a rather fitting tribute that Tommy's last innings was to be at Arundel Castle in August representing the South West Cricketer Cup Invitational XI, with over a year since his previous innings, where he arrived at the crease batting number seven and hit a swashbuckling match winning half century. Very few could make batting look as easy as Tommy D.

For all of his sporting prowess, anyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting Tommy will without doubt say that his best assets were off the field. The ultimate team man who was the source of joviality with the most infectious laugh and who made everyone smile. As long as Tommy was on the team sheet, the cricket itself would pale into insignificance because we knew that Tommy would be making us laugh throughout the day as he regaled stories from our youth. The pavilion in the sky this time has claimed one of our best players, tourists, break-dancers and most importantly friends.

Our most sincere condolences to Tommy's wife Rachel and his three boys, Oliver, Harry and Wilf, his parents James and Helen, and sister Lucy. He was the best and he touched so many people with his positivity that his legacy will continue.

Sleep well Tommy D, we all loved you so much.

Nick Brothers

p.s There will be a Tommy Dann memorial match between two of his former clubs the Old Millfieldians and Flashmen at Culham Court on Saturday 18th September 2021