As many of you may know, Gord was one of the founders of the Belleville Board of Approved Basket Ball Officials. I was one of the members of that group. We were honoured to be hosting the first All Ontario Championships at C.S.S. in 1977. Gord was no doubt the best official amoung us and he was slotted to work the championship final along with an equally talented official, Gary Duggan.

As the tournament progressed in became clear that Moira Secondary would be in the final game against a Toronto school. I was all set to sit in the stands and enjoy the game when Gord came to me. He explained that he was moving from Bayside Secondary to become the Principal of Moira in the coming months and felt it would be a conflict of interest to work the game. He asked me to take his place and it became the pinnacle of my officiating career.

Gord was a one of a kind person. Both he, along with Gary Duggan shaped my values in a very positive way. Even as I write this story, more than nine years following his passing, I still think of him from time to time.

Thanks Gord. Many of your values still live on in me.

John Boyle