Sebringville, ON - - Rick Rogers Passes
Well-known Ontario Umpire Rick Rogers passed away on Sunday, July 21st, 2024. He was announced dead by Softball Ontario in a social media statement that read “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Umpire Rick Rogers on Sunday, July 21, 2024. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Rick’s family, friends, and the entire umpire community as we all mourn this tragic loss.”
Throughout the province of Ontario, Rick Rogers, who lived in Sebringville, was a well-known and well-liked umpire. Always willing to engage in a stimulating talk about fastball or to make you laugh, he was always willing to do either. Kitchener Minor Girls Softball Klassics U17 Black team is comprised of his daughter Julia, who plays for them. Rick was certainly a one-of-a-kind individual. While greeting athletes with high-fives both on and off the diamond, this man always had a smile on his face. He seemed to be smiling all the time.
“The D1 Nationals Softball Association is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Rick Rogers. A long time friend, our biggest supporter, and one of our favourite umpires to see approaching the field. Rick truly was a one-of-a-kind. Greeting our athletes with high-fives both on and off of the diamond, this man permanently wore a smile on his face.
Rick, thank you for making the game of softball better. Our athletes have developed into better softball players, but also gained great life skills through your leadership behind the plate and on the field. We will continue to play hard, and dedicate the remainder of our season to you. The softball community will never be the same without you. Thanks, Blue.”
A great man, loved by many, has become our forever guardian. It is with the heaviest of hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Rick Rogers, 61, of Sebringville, Ontario. Rick got his wings after doing what he loved to do, umpiring and inspiring young ball players on the field. He was proud of his whole family, his friends that he called family and his indigenous background. He will be forever missed by his one true love, his wife Kim (nee Ingram), his two children, his best bud Joshua (Gracie) and his “buggy” Julia. He is also survived by his loving brother Rob and wife Leslie, his Uncle Bruce Joyce and wife Jill. He was a loved son in law to Rodger and Cathy Ingram and Carol Rogers. Loving brother-in-law to Sherrie, Rob (Sherri) & Lorrie (Nick). Funny Uncle Rick to Cassandra (Dylan), Jaydon, Abbey, Katie, Dylan, Sawyer, Genna, Allida & Amyah. He will forever be remembered by his many cousins and extended family.
Rick was a Brother from another mother to Ray Brown (Natalie) and Tim and Suzie McLaughlin. We find peace in knowing he was welcomed by his parents Al & Julia Anne, brother Daniel, his best buddy Perry and his pup Reggie.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be greatly appreciated to a Memorial Fund set up in Rick’s name by his fellow umpires, Rick Rogers Memorial Fund. Donations will go towards helping new youth umpires with the seasonal costs. rrmemorialfund@softballontario.ca
Visitation for family and friends will be held at the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford on Thursday, July 25, from 2-4 pm and 6-9 pm. Friday viewing from 12-1 pm then a Celebration of Life at 1 pm. A reception will follow at the Sebringville Community Centre. www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com