We are sorry to report the passing of Roy Stout this morning. More info when available.
The funeral service for Roy is Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 1:00 PM, at:
Lancaster Presbyterian Church
1661 W. Lancaster Boulevard
Lancaster, California 93534-2124
(661) 948 1661If you would care to send an E-note please address them to Roy’ son, (Mac), at:
sean.t.mccarthy (at) comcast.netComments can also be posted at Fastpitchwest (below)
Les N.
From friend and fellow umpire, Les Novak:
Roy passed away this morning at 4:00 a.m. Pacific time at Good Samaritan hospital in LA. Arrangements are pending. It looks as though there will be a service Friday or this weekend. His son, Mack will be notifying all.
Editor’s note: My memories of Roy Stout around the game of fastpitch go back as far as I can recall playing the game in Southern California. Roy was a fixture around the diamonds, serving as umpire, umpire in chief, tournament organizer, and at heart, a fan of the game. Roy played a big part in the Red Rock tournament held for a number of years in St. George, Utah (where the above photo of him was taken in 2007), and countless other fastpitch events. He enjoyed giving a good ribbing — or a bit of grief – just to get your attention — something I would get from Roy if I didn’t stop and chat a while when I saw him.
My most enduring memories of Roy will be those with his first/late wife Betty Stout, who wrote for Ray Anderson’s long running “Fastpitch Bulletin”, published during the 1980’s. (much of which is now archived on this site) Betty’s pen was complimented by Roy’s knowledge of the game, and penchant for picking up the latest news or gossip around the diamonds where he spent so much of his life.
The last email I received from him was after the Best of the West tournament this past summer, where he was conspicuous by his absence. I emailed to tell him that people had been asking about him. He wrote to say that he was still following the game from afar, even when he couldn’t be there in person.
His distinctive voice – you know the one — is engrained in my memory. I hear him calling out to me….never “Jim”, but rather, “Mister” and my last name, drawn out for effect. It was his way of inviting me to some over and chat. I miss him already.
-JF
Bob Otto says
One of the really great California, ISC and ASA fastpitch’ stawarts. And an umpire who brought personality and some humor into the game when he was on the field or behind the plate.
Many old timers may remember his first and late wife Betty. She was one of the finest fastpitch writers the sport has ever known. When she passed away, oh how I missed her game and tournament coverage. And now we lose Roy.
I can still see Betty sitting close behind home plate, scoring and keeping tabs of the game, while husband Roy was umpiring on the field. And they always had time to talk and visit with anyone – whether it be an elite or average player…If there is a Heaven, may it be filled with fastpitch games and passed friends for these two wonderful people.
Ferdi Nelissen says
I am very sad to hear of the passing of long time friend within the ISC Roy Stout. My greatest memories of Roy were as the Game Controller for the ISC World Tournament, a position Roy did with great PASSION! I truly believed Roy loved it so much because he had a fresh set of ears to talk to, rib or tell stories to an hour prior to each ISC WT game. I enjoyed every conversation with Roy, he kept you on your toes and his distinctive voice became a trademark within the ISC for the controllers position. Roy was a people person and it showed as he went about his business at the WT. Roy was a true fastpitch softball or as us Canucks say it fastball guy and he has left his mark on the game especially out West and in the ISC for me. My condolences go out to his entire family and obvious his Umpiring Crews throughout his career. Roy will be missed by many!! The greatest thing about our sport is meeting so many unique and wonderful people who become friends and Roy was a wonderful friend and definitely unique, Rest in Peace Roy.
Benjie Hedgecock says
Roy, was a treat always. I really enjoyed him and his whole family…
I loved his voice and his work on the red rock tourney was really well done.
He helped us at the nafa masters in carson city as well.
He will be missed.
We will do something at the Boatnik next year over memorial day weekend to honor him.
His kids help us run that event every year and keep people happy there.
Call a strike in the sky for us roy….he hated calling any pitch a ball…
Tony Peeples says
It makes me sad to hear this news tonight. My prayers goes out to his family. Being a cali boy Roy and I go back a long ways and God I will miss him.
Steve Betts says
First umpire from CA that I liked. Our AZ teams in the 80’s would go over 3-4 times a year and always ran into Roy and his wife. After I read his “Bulletin” I was hooked. A genuine gentleman and great for the game and I know he touched many a players lives. Rest in Peace with the Softball Gods.
Ralph Trejo Jr. says
My father (Ralph Sr.) and I are both are very saddened by the passing of Roy Stout. Roy’s Red Rock Tournament was one of the only out of state tournament’s that we ever truly looked forward to playing in. Roy was one of the few Softball guys that could put up with my fathers constant banter, and he gave it right back ! Having been out of softball for awhile Roy was one of the few Softball guy’s I missed seeing and talking ball with. Our prayers and love are with the Stout family……..We will miss you Roy….
Ralph Trejo Jr.
Tony Coppin says
So sorry to hear about Roy. A good man who was truly devoted to this game. The only redeeming part of his passing is that Roy and Betty will be together again.
Vicki Stout Stalter says
Roy is my Grampa Stout. Thank you for posting your fond memeories of him and my gramma. I did not get to spend alot of time with him so reading about him warms my heart.
Terry M. Smith says
Sorry to hear about the passing of Roy. He was a dear friend and will be missed immensely by the fastball fans that have known him for years. The family and I would like to share our prayers, sympathy and condolences with his family. He is at peace and at home with his wife Betty and may their spirits and contributions to the game of fastball be remembered forever.
JOE EDWARDS says
ROY was a good one,
i’ve argued with countless umps
though can’t remember the last time with ROY
Paul Rubin says
Good Guy. I remember a lot of things about him, but recall most the 1992 ISC Worlds in Salt Lake City where my team (Willcox AZ) was in a 17-inning marathon against Happy Chef out of Mankato. It started at about midnight, and by the end of the thing no one was watching except the guys on the bench–and Roy and Betty Stout. They were rooting for us because we had played some tournaments out in So-Cal that year and had won them over. Scrappy bunch of cowboys that year. They stayed until the last out, which unfortunately was ours. I told them several times during the game to go back to their motel and get some rest, but they didn’t. Roy told me something like, “This is what it’s all about. We can catch up on our sleep after the tournament.” Like I say, really good guy…