Heavy Heart

[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)

[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.

[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?

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

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?

His obit took a few days to get published, so I didn't want put his name out before then.
Wayne Samford, supervisor of the USA South (Dixie Conference). He is also in the local softball HoF as a great softball player.

[JugglingReferee]

Sorry for your loss BNR.

[Lcubed48]

R. I. P., Mr. Wayne!!

It was a beautiful moving Memorial Service.

[Raymond]

USA South Mourns Loss of Wayne Samford - USA South

[JRutledge]

Chicago just lost an officiating and Chicago legend.

He worked D1 football in the Big Ten and D1 Basketball I believe at one time as well. He helped every official in the city of Chicago in some way. He worked several State Finals in both football and basketball as well. Everyone has an LT Bonner story if you worked with him or you ever met the man.

As a board member of the Central Officials Association, this is a huge loss for our association and the officiating community in Illinois and northern Illinois.

Please pray for his family and his friends in this loss.

Peace