NWSA
Mourns the Loss of Past Commissioner Jon Speake
October 2005 - The National Wheelchair Softball
Association mourns the loss of past commissioner Jon Speake who
passed away in his home after a brief and painful battle with
terminal lung cancer.
Jon is best remembered for his unyielding commitment to
enhancing the sport of wheelchair softball and acting as NWSA’s
commissioner for an unprecedented three 7-year terms.
Through Jon’s tenure, the sport has grown to include over 30
established softball teams throughout the country, excelled the
level of competition at the national tournament and created
successful relationships with Major League Baseball.
Jon battled a post-polio disability since
early childhood leaving him to utilize a wheelchair for his main
source of mobility. Outside of his commitment toward softball,
Jon was an active organizer and participant in other sports such
as track and field and basketball. Through his lifetime, Jon
mentored countless individuals with disabilities to lead
successful and independent lives through the medium of
competition.
Jon is survived by his wife Lynn, son Jon
Jr., daughter Heather, and his grandson Alex. Many friends, the
St. Paul Saints wheelchair softball team, and the entire
wheelchair softball community also survive Jon.
We send our heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends.
October 2005
-
The NWBA regrets to
announce Southwest Minnesota State University head
coach and recent NWSA
Hall Of Fame recipient Dale Erickson has passed
away yesterday.
Dale passed away yesterday after a long battle with
bladder cancer. Details on funeral arrangements can
be found below.
Thursday night there will be a visitation from 5:00
p.m. -7:00 p.m. and funeral services will be held
Friday at 10:30 a.m.
Hamilton Funeral Home is handling all of the funeral
arrangements.
Hamilton Funeral Home
701 Jewett St.
Marshall, MN 56258
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Dale
Erickson during this time.