Sad passing of Lexie Miller

The North West Cricket Union lost one of its most respected patrons on Monday night with the passing of a true gentleman in Lexie Miller.

An instantly recognisable figure all over the region, Lexie was involved in the sport here for more than 60 years. He had close ties with several clubs, most notably Brigade and Glendermott and of course the now defunct YMCA- a club he himself had set up.

And while the local Union benefitted immensely from his involvement and friendship, it was within the Derry Midweek League that his heart lay.

He held every post in the DML, some of them more than once, and his influence and determination helped cultivate their grass roots structure.

Lexie also played a huge part in the DML’s magnificent charity work and just the night before his passing was discussing all things cricket with his good friend John Bratton.

Speaking tonight, Union Chairman Brian Dougherty paid tribute to the stalwart who would have been 91 years old this weekend.

“The news of Lexie’s passing is met with great sadness.”

“I had known Lexie since his days as the driver of YMCA cricket club and he became a very welcome fixture in NW and mid-week cricketing circles since.”

“It is hard to think of a more popular and well-liked figure in cricketing circles around these parts. Always affable, always  welcoming, and always smiling. He simply loved cricket and regardless of the time of the year he would always stop to chat about local or international cricket.

“He received many well deserved accolades and awards during his lifetime but perhaps his most impressive legacy is that it will be impossible to ever find anyone who has a single bad word to say about him.”

Lexie is survived by son Adrian and daughter Vanessa and we extend our deepest sympathies to them.

May his gentle soul Rest In Peace.