Johnny Bujan, a Toronto & District Cricket Association board member and former Canadian national cricket team manager, died last Saturday in Trinidad.

Johnny was also sports director of Masters Cricket Club, formerly known as Brampton Masters Cricket Club, one of the most successful clubs in the T&DCA league, which produced many Canadian national players over the years.

Cricket Canada said in a release that “Cricket Canada family and friends were saddened to hear about the loss of Johnny Bujan (former Team Canada manager). Johnny was an integral part of Cricket Canada national tours who kept the team together after going beyond his duties and will be remembered as a great team player.

“Johnny worked tirelessly for cricket in Toronto and was not only a passionate cricket fan but was a good friend to all. With our deepest and heartfelt condolences to his family. RIP Johnny.”

Mohammed Shaikh, president of Toronto & District Cricket Association, said, “Johnny brought cricket in Toronto to a new level. He built a team that everyone wanted to beat, forcing the competition to better themselves.

“Johnny played an important role as a board member; he could be used wherever we needed. He dedicated the time to make the league better.

“Johnny will be missed by many on and off the field. I doubt another Johnny will ever come by.” Shaikh said.

“I will not only miss him on a professional level but also on a personal level as he was a dear friend. His motto was Life Goes On.

“Life will go on but will never be the same,” said the president.

Canadian national opening batsman Ruvindu Gunasekera who also plays for Masters Cricket Club said, “I’m truly saddened to see a great man start his second inning without us. You’ve been a great human being to everyone.

“I’ll always cherish all the great moments throughout the years. You’re the face of Canadian cricket and a fatherly figure to many! Definitely won’t be forgotten by many. Thoughts are with Joshua Bujan and the family.”

On a personal note, I knew Johnny for many years and would call him on numerous occasions during the cricket season for updates about the league and his club.

He was at all times willing to assist me with the information I needed or would arrange for me to get it for this newspaper.

Johnny had a great passion for this wonderful sport of cricket and a great supporter of the game and to many players and cricket organizations.