Tribute 


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.


 
For Jon Speake's obituary please click here

 

NWSA Mourns the Loss of Dale Erickson
 
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.
Independent - Southwestern Minnesota's Daily Newspaper
 

 
 

 

 
 
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