Flamboyant Wicketkeeper Batsman Russell Hamer Passes Away – By Lawrence Machado
Dashing wicketkeeper-batsman Russell Hamer, who played for Ceylon (later Sri Lanka) for many years, passed away in Colombo on Wednesday, March 27. He was 76. The former Wesley College star, who had his share of health issues, was always a treat to watch on the field. He loved to entertain and had a loyal following wherever he played.
A former Ceylon Schools representative, Hamer represented the country at the annual Gopalan Trophy against Tamil Nadu, with a highest score of 52 in the 1970-71 series. These matches were among the highlights for Ceylon and later Sri Lanka in the days before the country attained Test status in 1982.
During a time when Ceylon produced crack wicketkeeper batsmen, Hamer was at the top of his game, playing a few limited over matches for the national team. This was a time when official international games were unfortunately few and far between for Sri Lanka.
He turned out for premier division clubs, SSC and Nomads, while also representing Maharajas, for many years. Maharajahs were one of the most formidable sides in the Mercantile cricket competitions.
Fearless and ready to take on the opposition, Hamer was slick and flamboyant behind the sticks. Also, as a batsman, he never took a backward step. When Hamer suffered a stroke, he was helped financially by the then newly-formed Sri Lanka Cricketers Association Benevolent Fund which helped former cricketers who had medical issues. Hamer and AJ Samarasekera, another first class cricketer who had a stroke, were the first two beneficiaries of the Trust in 2017.
In 2018, Hamer and 48 other ex-Lankan cricketers were felicitated by Sri Lanka Cricket for their services to the game before the country was accorded Test status by the International Cricket Council.
Russell’s two brothers, Mervyn and Granville, were also good cricketers, who played for Wesley College and Division I clubs for many years. They predeceased him. Russell’s son, Peter, also played cricket at a high level before migrating to Australia.
Russell is survived by wife Mallika, Peter and Briony (Australia), Sandra and Sherman De Silva and grandchildren Tiffany and Steffany. The funeral will be held on Good Friday, March 29.
May the turf lie gently on him.
OBITUARY
HAMER – RUSSELL PERCIVAL PETER. Beloved husband of Mallika, loving father of Peter and Sandra; father-in-law of Sherman and Briony; darling grandfather of Tiffany and Steffany; Brother of Granville and Mervyn (both deceased), passed away on Wednesday, March 27. Cortege leaves A.F. Raymonds Funeral Parlour, Borella, at 2.30pm on Friday, March 29, 2024, for burial at 3pm at the Borella General Cemetery.
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