I am very sad to report to the League that Wayne Statham one of our long time members has passed away. He was only 62 years old. You may remember that Wayne was nearly always present during our annual rules meeting – he was our Umpire-In-Chief for many years. He formerly held the position of LSL Regional Umpire-In-Chief. However above all that he was my friend.
Wayne and I first crossed paths in 1994 when our sons(mine Jason his Chris) played Pee Wee hockey for Pt-Claire. For several years we were just hockey and lacrosse Dads sharing arena seats together. We shared stories and a few laughs.
Fast forward through the years until 2005 when I became President of the Baseball West Island minor program, falling asleep at an AGM is never ever a good idea.
Wayne came with me and became responsible for our Intercity programs. We negotiated our way into the Lakeshore AA program thanks to his deft handling of the situation.
In 2008 we left the program and started with the help of many others along the way started what we call BWI –Senior Leagues today.
My friend never ever wavered he in his belief in the mission nor his support for me. He was a magnificent friend throughout my life, I will miss him.
We shared many experiences, my surgeries – he visited and brought sweets both times, his travails with the rebuilding of the Statham family home, my travels to exciting places like Cleveland, Pittsburg and Youngstown, his travels to Asia and Europe. We have had many a Discplinary Committee meeting via conference call to Sweden or other exotic port of call. His stories of summer vacations in Maine were the best.
We dealt with the all the sticky baseball situations together.
We dealt with our friend Geoff’s passing together.
Wayne has touched many many lives in many ways. I thank God in heaven that he touched mine.
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields.
Until we meet again,
Vaya con Dios old chum, save a spot for me at the bar!..................GBP
