R A Gale
1933 to 2018
Bob Gale died peacefully on 20th April 2018.
He had been in retirement in Pevensey Bay for some years, but was hindered by being in a wheelchair in later life, which had limited his long and close involvement with Middlesex.
He was born in Old Warden, Bedfordshire in 1933 where his cricketing ability was soon recognised by Old Warden Cricket Club and Bedford Modern School, where he had an unprecedented 5 years in the First XI.
In his time with Middlesex he became a reliable opening batsman, forging a solid partnership with his good friend Eric Russell. He was also a useful change slow bowler, often brought on by the captain to break a stubborn stand. Whilst he never obtained international recognition he must been under consideration throughout large parts of his career.
He was a popular character in a Middlesex playing career which spanned the years 1956 to 1966, in which he played 219 first-class matched for the club, scoring 11,234 runs. He also played 9 List-A matches for the county in the latter stages of his career, between 1963 and 1966.
After his playing career ended, he accepted a job as a gilt-edge broker in the City - just a year before he was due for a Benefit.
Here he forged another successful career, this time in the City, and could regularly be seen with his ex-captain, John Warr, in their top-hats (de-riigueur of gilt-edge market) somewhere between the Bank of England and a well frequented watering hole!
Later in life he once again returned to Middlesex, to take responsibility for team selection, and later became the club’s President between the years of 2001 and 2003.
The deepest condolences of all at Middlesex Cricket go to Bob’s family and many friends.
