Albert Jack Reece was a prominent figure in Christchurch sports during the mid-twentieth century. Born in 1927, he balanced a high level of involvement in both cricket and hockey. He represented New Zealand in hockey in 1948 and played for Canterbury in that sport from 1946 until 1956.
His transition from player to official allowed him to stay deeply involved in the games he loved. He served as a hockey umpire during a 1958 Test match between New Zealand and Pakistan. On the cricket field, he appeared as a player in a single first-class match for Canterbury during the 1947/48 season.
Reece oversaw eight first-class cricket matches between 1959 and 1962. Every one of these assignments took place at Lancaster Park in his home city of Christchurch.
Tragedy struck in the early 1960s when an illness caused Reece to lose his sight. He passed away on 10 September 1966 at the age of 39.