It is with deep sadness that the Committee announces the death of Rupert Bairamian in Sydney, Australia after a short illness. Rupert was a long standing member of the club and a regular player during the 1980s and 1990s as well as an active member of the club’s Committee during some of that time.
A true wandering cricketer and exponent of the ethos that comes with it, in addition to the Stragglers of Asia, Rupert was a stalwart of several other wandering clubs but none more so than the Bluemantles whose tribute to him on its website is re-produced below with the kind permission of Ed Atkinson.
“Rupert, it is fair to say, was the heartbeat of the Bluemantle’s Cricket Club. He played for many others, including Band of Brothers, Stragglers of Asia, The Grannies, IZ, Highclere, Moose CC, Yellowhammers, Old Eastbournians and Scorpions. But it was the Bluemantle’s, and the week in particular, that would give him most joy. Great friendships were made. Deep bonds that went beyond cricket were forged on the Nevill. His laughter, wise-cracks, hilarious (and sometimes wise) observations illuminated our days playing cricket with him. He was someone everyone wanted to be around and was the first name on any match manager’s list, as an excellent opening batsman, comedian and in-house wine merchant. With his late father, Bob, and step-mother, Roz, the Bairamians kept the club going, providing endless days of fun, competitive spirit, side splitting laughter, lunch and lashings of wine.
Rupert’s gift was his ability to mix with anyone. He was as popular with the groundman or scorer as he was with Test or county players, old friends from Eastbourne College or London. Whilst we were constantly reminded of his family’s aristocratic connections with Kent CCC, Rupert’s deep passion was for the game itself and all those involved, at whatever level. The Summer brought him out of Pimlico hibernation and back to life, injecting a buoyancy and sense of fun as the cricket season approached. Nearly every fixture card received had Rupie’s name on it, either as match manager, committee member, social secretary or, following his move to Australia, self-styled Foreign Secretary!
Happy memories are plentiful. From Eastbourne College 1stXI to Mosman Over 50’s, the game of cricket was more fun when he played. His familiar gait, ever-present smile, club tie and green towel, Rupie provided the fun. More often than not, he provided the runs as well, an accumulator rather than big hitter. The less said about his bowling, “the whippies”, the better.
The club has lost some great people in recent years…..James Wesson, Rex Roberts, Tom Simpson, Bob and Roz and now Rupert. If one thing has shone through, it is the light of their humour, character and sense of fun that they brought to us all.
There will never be another like Rupert. We, and thousands of others across the cricketing firmament, will miss him acutely.
Thank you Pertus. Take care.”
Ed Atkinson 1/12/2020