With the recent passing (June 11, 2014) of Donald “Pete” McIlwraith, a tireless softball volunteer in Kitchener Ontario, a 9th honoree is being added to the “Angels in the Outfield” initiative.
The “Angels in the Outfield” project is creating and will place a memorial tribute stone recognizing the Kitchener community’s valued volunteers who have helped to develop, foster and advance the great game of fastball, and who have, sadly, passed away. It’s emblematic and ironic that the project includes nine devoted individuals who could be “the starting nine” to ensure success for any softball undertaking.
Donald “Pete” McIlwraith spent decades in leadership roles with minor girls softball, and was a founder of Civitan Sports Waterloo Region where he displayed a long-standing passion for many sports. He was the beloved husband of Jean (Robertson) for 55 years and the adored father of three and grandfather to nine.
“Pete” helped started both the Guelph Boys and Girls Minor Softball Associations and on moving to Kitchener, was the driving force behind establishing Civitan Sports Waterloo Region and founding director of the annual Civitan Sports Fastball Jamboree for female players across North America.
At previous Kitchener-hosted ISC tournaments, Pete volunteered with enthusiasm and was the creative leader of the innovative “Bridge to the Future” Fastball Skills Clinics that debuted at the 2002 ISC Tournament..
Other Honorees – Other “gone but not forgotten” honorees include Bernie Daly, Doug Davies, Peter Hallman, Paul Hutcheson, John MacTavish, Laverne Reichert, Sue Sherry and Donna Weber.
Unveiling – The “Angels in the Outfield” unveiling is scheduled for Friday evening August 8 at the advent of Kitchener’s 4th hosting of the 2014 International Softball Congress World Championship Tournament at Kitchener’s Peter Hallman Ball Yard.