Michael John Procter 1946-2024
Click here for video tributes and some of his Golden Moments
Lord Peter Hain – Former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Work and Pensions, and Wales
Mike was a great guy, but what struck me most was his generosity. I was denounced as ‘Public Enemy Number One’ by white South Africans for leading the Stop The Seventy Tour campaign which terminated Mike’s international cricket career near its peak. Yet he bore no grudge. Indeed, said publicly it was a price worth paying to help end apartheid and enable selection by merit, not race. To enable Temba Bavuma to captain South Africa’s cricket team and Springbok captain Siya Kolisi twice to lift the Rugby World Cup.
Sir Victor Blank – Former Chairman Lloyds TSB
I cannot add to all that has been written about Mike’s career, save to say that it is all true. He was probably the greatest allrounder ever (certainly one of the greatest) and his contribution to cricket in South Africa and in the United Kingdom was massive. Along with his skill, he bought us joy and enthusiasm that today we rarely feel. He was unquestionably one of the greats of cricket, universally admired but more than that, and I speak of my own experience of Mike, he was the most delightful, thoughtful and kind person who spent so much time thinking about how he could help others.
I first met him when he came to the Wellbeing of Women Cricket Match at Chipping Hurst, introduced by the late David Frost. And he was a regular, as a player, as a spectator, and then as an umpire at the match over so many many years. His support was wonderful. To have Mike Procter along to our annual event was just a delight and a privilege.
I also followed his philanthropic work and have given it some support over the years. His commitment to helping under privileged children was so deep and he has done much good for those who needed some good done for them.
We saw one another only rarely (perhaps once a year) but it was always such a pleasure to be in his company. His passing leaves a massive void.
Rod MacSween – Founder and CEO of International Talent Booking
I heard the news of Mike’s death with deep sadness. He was my very dear friend. We first met in 1991 when I was a young music agent and my pal Allan Lamb, the Northants captain introduced me to Proc. He had just been appointed the Northants coach.
Proc and I became great mates and would spend hours discussing the many similarities between sport and music: the skills, techniques, decision making, commitment, dedication and style. Proc was an expert in all these elements.
I met so many wonderful people through Proc. He introduced me to his great mate, Sir Garfield Sobers, here in Barbados. They had played together for the Rest of the World in 1970. Sir Garry has now become a close friend. We speak of Proc often and Sir Garry held him in great esteem.
On so many occasions it was gratifying to witness the great respect and admiration his fellow professionals had for Proc. They recognised him for the renowned figure he had been in the sport both in the UK, playing for his beloved Gloucestershire and South Africa. Indeed, in 1992, he had the proud task of helping to lead his country out of cricketing isolation as their new coach.
On a personal level I looked forward to Proc’s annual visits. He wore his fame lightly and it was always a joy to be in his easy-going presence.
Through the years Proc would often visit or stay at my house in London. We had numerous dinners and would drink Montrachet together. Nectar he used to call it, wine of the gods. Proc was a god to me! Up there in the pantheon of cricketing legends
I admired the way he was so gracious, friendly and accommodating with his numerous fans. I recall one day at Lords when, hero that he was, he was faced with constant requests for his autograph or a chat or a ‘selfie’. Unfailingly polite and affable, he engaged fully with everyone who approached him. I questioned how he managed to be so pleasant in the face of all this activity. He responded, “Rod, these people will probably only meet me once in their lives. It’s not difficult for me to be friendly and polite with them for a couple of minutes. I want them to have a great memory of having met me”.
Last summer Proc came with me to see The Who perform at the 02 arena in London. We travelled to the show together by boat up the Thames. Afterwards he said it was one of the best evenings of his life. I was delighted to have been able to reciprocate, in some small way, the pleasure that Proc’s friendship had given me over the years.
I was honored and privileged to know him as a dear friend. I will miss Proc so much. He was a lovely man and I will always cherish our friendship and the times we spent together.
Andy Brassington – former Gloucestershire Cricketer and teammate
Everyone connected with Gloucestershire County Cricket Club are totally devastated. Today we lost not only a wonderful cricketer and friend, we lost a true Gloucestershire man. RIP mate.
Nick Bryan – Mike Procter Foundation UK
Mike was and continues to be an inspiration.
His feats on the cricket field were utterly brilliant. They were often decisive in securing victory for his team, which was the thing that mattered most to him. He could be relied on for world class entertainment and above all, excitement. So many youngsters and older lovers of the game were inspired by Mike from the 60s to the 80s on the pitch.
But it did not stop with his retirement as a player. The beginnings and development of the Mike Procter Foundation are another story of inspiration. Mike weathered all challenges thrown at him, whether these were financial, personal or, latterly, health related, in pursuit of the aim of the Foundation. The aim is simple, to better the lives of underprivileged children through sport. Only three months ago Mike could be found giving cricket coaching to kids in the Acornhoek region of South Africa for two hours under an umbrella in torrential rain. The smiles on the kids’ faces were enough incentive for him.
Great achievements like these are often secured through ruthless singlemindedness, sometimes self-centeredness. Not Mike. The word “humility” sits very comfortably with the name Mike Procter. So too does the word “empathy”. The Foundation has experienced many setbacks over the years, some from completely inexplicable decisions and actions. Mike would always be the first to say, “you’ve got to look at this from the other person’s point of view.” This is a good place to start and the mark of a person you want to be with.
Mike, we will miss you so much. What an innings! What a life
John Battersby – Journalist, Advisory Board to SA Chamber of Commerce and Canon Collins Trust
After an illustrious career in cricket Mike became a dedicated contributor to nation building. He engaged in invaluable development work with youth in South Africa and provided opportunities in cricket via the Mike Procter Foundation.
His memorable dialogues with Lord Peter Hain, erstwhile leader of the sports boycott against apartheid South Africa, bore testimony to his courage and sincerity in playing an active role in righting the wrongs of the past.
Mike’s legacy is manifest in the opportunities he has created for young cricket enthusiasts in disadvantaged communities who are being inspired by the power of sport.
Louis Myles – Director – International Sports Press Association Best Documentary Winner
I am very sorry for Mike’s passing. We worked together when he took part in my Stop the Tour documentary, where he had told his experiences of losing his international career. He was a kind and generous man – my thoughts and condolences go to Mike’s family, and to you all.
Jill Ritchie – Founder and Chair – SA-UK Trust Network
We are all so very sorry at this sad loss. 77 is way too young to lose a legend like Mike. I am in SA at the moment and feeling the sadness with the nation. Mike’s legend will live on in the lives of the young people whose lives will be turned around at his instigation, vision and love.
Mike with the Foundation team, Nick, Rodney, Adam, Londi, Thuli and Aseve, Late January 2024
For further information please contact Nick Bryan 07843 593872.