Jurassic Referee

[JugglingReferee]

It is with tears and a very heavy heart for me to announce the passing of Jurassic Referee.

JR died at 4:30am this morning with family at his side.


JR was a personal friend of mine - he was my first mentor. He was also the first mentor of other officials that came up through the ranks. His dedication was obvious to our officiating community. He was working for our local group right up until earlier this week.

Like a good teacher, he encouraged students to reach levels beyond what others (himself included) had earned. Numerous officials trained by JR have been successful at all levels: including college, university, local and provincial championships (and soon nationally), and provincial camps, including officials that have ranked #1 provincially. His support for officials was unmatched.

He, along with friends, have been recognized by our provincial board, for their leadership and commitment. He was in great company. There is a small group of men that trace their local basketball roots for over 55 years. JR was one of them, and set the standard in so many ways.

Basketball is only half the story; football is the other half.

We have lost a dear friend today. Woody, may you rest in peace and know the mercy of the Lord.

[26 Year Gap]

He will be greatly missed. I was able to discuss with him a situation in my officiating life whereby he offered a great perspective which helped me to not second-guess myself and to look forward.

[BktBallRef]

Very sad to hear. I'll have to take some time before I can say more.

[Dan_ref]

Damn. Still one Woody left limping along, Woody :tear:

[M&M Guy]

I don't care how old he was, it was still way too early for him to leave.

Woody, you will be missed by probably many more people than you realize.

[Texas Aggie]

Sorry to hear that. Prayers for his family and friends.

[Andy]

Always sad to lose a member of the crew....RIP, JR.

[walt]

RIP Jurassic! I never met you but I enjoyed trading barbs with you here in cyberland. I also learned from you. May he rest in peace.

[Hugh Refner]

Although I haven't been on the board that long, I really came to admire JR's posts. It's a sad, sad thing that he won't be around any longer, although he will always live through his posts. RIP fella.

[Bad Zebra]

Anybody know if his obit was in the local paper? Juggling? Any chance of posting a link?

[Daryl H. Long]

It is a testament to his character and reverence we all had for Jurassic and his knowledge that we all can write with tears in our eyes about a man most of us never met.

Bringing to remembrance some of his posts I am left to muse...if I ever get a chance to go ref in Italy, to whom do I go to learn how to call baschettiball.

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by Bad Zebra

Anybody know if his obit was in the local paper? Juggling? Any chance of posting a link?

Here ya go.

Brantford Loses a Basketball Great

[Bad Zebra]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

Here ya go.

Brantford Loses a Basketball Great

Nice piece. Thanks for posting.

[refiator]

That is very sad....RIP Woody. I have followed his posts for many, many years.

[canuckrefguy]

A legend, certainly in this community - and, I would imagine, in his own.

Rest in peace, sir.