Softball lost a good friend but more importantly a real gentleman yesterday when Lloyd Poirier of Truro, Nova Scotia died while working at his job with Air Canada. Lloyd was a member of the Softball Canada Umpire family having umpire at a high level for over 20 years. With his job he was able to umpire all over North America and made many friends in the ISC, College and ASA Umpire family. Lloyd is survived by his wife Miriam and two daughters

Lloyds Softball Umpiring career is impressive. I can say he was at the top of his game these past few years. The sad part of this is Lloyd was selected to umpire the ISC World Tournament this year and was so excited for the opportunity.

Lloyd’s Softball Canadian Championship career started in 1995 at the Sr. Women Championship. He umpired in 8 more championships including 4 Sr. Men’s Championship. In 2004 his persistence and improvement paid off gaining his Level 5 status. He successfully passed the ISF Certification School in 2005. His first International experience started in 2007 at the Canada Cup International Women’s event and last year Lloyd had a successful tournament working the ISF World Jr. Men event in Whitehorse, Yukon. Lloyd umpired in several AAU Umpire events in Florida and was always willing to head south to work College and high school games. When you talked to Lloyd you could hear his passion for umpiring and softball.

Lloyd did not like the clinic work but he loved to umpire and the past few years loved to help other to improve on field. At last year’s Sr. Men’s in Saskatoon Lloyd was a mentor to the umpire crew and took charge on the field to help others through stressful times. When I asked him to set the tone for our Level 4s he responded and did so in an obtrusive way. He was one of the leaders of the 2008 Sr. Men’s FP crew. Lloyd personally told me he felt comfortable being a leader unlike never before.

When we talk about a person in the umpiring family the most important thing is not can he umpire but is he a good person. Without a doubt everyone can say Lloyd was a great person. Lloyd has not called his last game because he is going where all good people go. It is never a great thing to lose one of the umpire and softball family but his family can take solace that Lloyd was respected and loved by the entire Softball community around the world not just in his home country. Lloyd made a difference and I know that each of you who touched his path will have a great memory of Lloyd. In Saskatoon I am going to raise a glass for Lloyd because I know he will be watching the action from the Lord’s seats.

Respectfully submitted Brian Van Os

National Director of Umpires

Softball Canada.

Canadian Championships

1995 - Senior Women’s FP

1997 – Junior Men’s FP

1999 – Senior Men’s FP

2001 – Senior Men’s FP

2002 - Senior Women’s FP