Jamberoo Cricket Club is mourning the loss of one of its most influential and respected figures, Greg Harris, whose dedication to the sport and the wider community spanned more than five decades.

Club president Kyle Ferguson, who has known Harris for around 22 years, said Greg’s impact was felt across every part of the club.

“He held various positions including president, secretary and curator,” Ferguson said.

“He’s a life member of our club and even up until last season he would still fill in and play in second and fourth grade.”

Harris’ commitment to cricket was recognised nationally three years ago when he received the prestigious Cricket Australia 50-Year Service Award.

Over his lifetime, he played more than 500 games, a milestone few in South Coast cricket have ever reached.

“There wouldn’t be many players who’ve played that many games,” Ferguson said. “He was the lifeblood of our club.”

Beyond the field, Harris held a deep passion for developing young players.

His push to rebuild the junior program resulted in the club fielding two junior teams this season, which Ferguson credits almost entirely to Greg’s influence.

“His main thing was getting people playing cricket and loving the sport,” he said.

Harris was also heavily involved in the Jamberoo community through organisations such as the Jamberoo Combined Sports Association.

His passing has prompted an outpouring of grief across Jamberoo, Kiama and the South Coast cricket community.

“It’s been a massive loss,” Ferguson said.

“He was known everywhere.”

When asked to describe him in three words, Ferguson said just one was enough: “Legend.”