Heavy Heart

[Raymond]

I'm going on 50 next month and I've only attended 3 funerals in my lifetime. This upcoming week I'll be attending my 4th as the man who put me on the court for my first ever NCAA game died in an accident. He was a good guy who cared about the game and didn't feed you any bullcrap. You officials in VA & NC will start getting details I'm sure over the next few days. My prayers go out to his family and his best friend.

[just another ref]

I'm sure I speak for us all. Sorry about the loss of your friend.

[Adam]

BNR, I'm sorry my friend.

[rockyroad]

Condolences, BNR. And to all the other officials in your area. Losing a mentor and friend is a hard thing.

[Mark Padgett]

Sorry BNR. A few years ago I lost a guy I had worked ref games with for about 7 or 8 years. It's a tough thing to go through. Hope you're able to handle it OK.

[dsqrddgd909]

BNR, my sympathies.

[The_Rookie]

BNR..My condolences to you and the other members of the officiating community in your area on the loss of a friend and mentor. May God watch over all of you.

[Rooster]

I'm sorry to learn of your friend's passing. Clearly he was important in your life, and I'd be willing to bet, in many, many others'. I wish you peace.

[Dexter555]

BNR, I'm a big fan of your posts and always appreciate your wisdom. I'm grateful to the friend you lost for getting you on the court. That act (and his career on the court) has paid forward for so many--players, coaches, fans and us on this forum. I pray for comfort and healing for his family, you and all of his friends.

[Multiple Sports]

BNR -

I was told yesterday whom this was that passed away. I got to know him pretty well myself when I first started going to camps in the south. He was a great influence on guys from Harrisonburg to Richmond to Va. Beach. When I see you next month I'm sure you can share some great memories.

[JRutledge]

It has been a tough year this way as well. One of my best football officiating friends died in January. And before that we lost some great officials that had a huge contribution to the community as well.

I pray for your friends and their families and hope you and others cherish their role in your lives. This is one of the big drawbacks of getting older, you lose people that influenced your growth along the way.

Peace

[Raymond]

Thanks all for the words. I did not realize he was 67 until I read his obituary. Even though he was a D3 supervisor he still officiated HS basketball and was a big influence on the board I joined a couple years ago. I actually worked a HS game with him this past season. He was a family first type of guy and he has a lot of people who are going to miss him.

Originally Posted by JRutledge

... This is one of the big drawbacks of getting older, you lose people that influenced your growth along the way.

Peace

This is why my father sold his house in Florida and moved back up to where he grew up outside of Philly. Family and friends who has known for decades are starting to die off, and he wanted to be around them more.

[BillyMac]

I've belonged to lots of "groups" (sports, business, education, church, politics, etc.) over the years. For some reason, and I certainly don't know why, basketball officials form special bonds. When an official passes, it's almost like an uncle, or a brother passes. I can't tell you the number of times that I've attended the wake of a fellow official and the family always comments, "I can't believe that all these referees showed up".

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by Multiple Sports

BNR -

I was told yesterday whom this was that passed away. I got to know him pretty well myself when I first started going to camps in the south. He was a great influence on guys from Harrisonburg to Richmond to Va. Beach. When I see you next month I'm sure you can share some great memories.

Perhaps others of us know this person but just haven't heard the news. I'm sorry but is it a secret that he's passed away?

[Lcubed48]

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef

I did not realize he was 67 until I read his obituary. Even though he was a D3 supervisor he still officiated HS basketball and was a big influence on the board I joined a couple years ago. I actually worked a HS game with him this past season. He was a family first type of guy and he has a lot of people who are going to miss him.

I shall also miss him. I never had the pleasure of working with him, but I have received the benefit of his wisdom and knowledge over the years. His first message at his camp every year was a simple one - if you're not here to improve , then there's the door. That always hit home with me because given my age and look I was never ever going to be the next great one. I came, had fun, and got better.