Category: News

Peter Goodwin Melbourne Obituary, Death: The community of Denis Morris High School, as well as the many members of the rowing teams who knew Peter Goodwin, gather to mourn the loss of an extraordinary individual. Peter, who touched so many lives with his kindness, generosity, and passion, passed away, leaving behind a legacy that will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

As we process this heart-wrenching news, we turn to memories of Peter—a man who made an impact in every arena of his life, whether it was on the water, in the halls of Denis Morris, or in the lives of his friends and loved ones. Andrew Boggs’ words resonate deeply with all of us who knew Peter, especially those from the late ‘80s and early ‘90s graduating classes. Andrew shared, “Some terrible news for those around the late ‘80s and early ‘90s graduating years: word has been shared that Peter Goodwin has passed away. Peter had moved to Australia a few years ago. Peter was a big part of DM rowing and went on to UWO after graduating, and he made a point of staying in touch with so many of us across the decades.

Saying a prayer for Peter and his family today.” These words bring us comfort, as they remind us of the relationships Peter cultivated and maintained throughout his life—relationships that were built on trust, respect, and genuine affection. Peter Goodwin was not just a member of the Denis Morris High School community; he was a part of its heart. He was a key figure in the rowing teams, where he showed leadership, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. Rowing, often described as a sport of both individual perseverance and team cohesion, was a perfect match for Peter’s character. He embodied both the discipline required to succeed as an athlete and the camaraderie that defined the sport.

His contributions to the DM rowing teams were felt both on and off the water. He helped lay the foundation for a spirit of teamwork that continues to define the school’s rowing program to this day. Peter was not just a talented athlete, but also someone who understood the importance of nurturing relationships. He was a friend, mentor, and constant source of support to many of his peers. After graduation, Peter went on to attend the University of Western Ontario, but he never lost his connection to those who had shared important moments of his life. He made it a priority to stay in touch, whether through letters, phone calls, or visits, keeping the bonds strong despite the physical distance that came with time and relocation.

In a world that often becomes disconnected as people move in different directions, Peter remained a constant in the lives of so many, always reaching out, always showing up, and always caring. As a community, we are reminded of how important those relationships were to Peter. He believed in the value of friendships that lasted beyond school, beyond graduation, and even beyond geographic distance. Peter’s legacy is not just in the places he went or the accomplishments he achieved; it is in the people he left behind—the friends, family, and teammates who were fortunate enough to know him. His kindness, thoughtfulness, and dedication to others are qualities that will never be forgotten.

The impact of Peter’s life extended far beyond Denis Morris High School and the rowing team. His decision to move to Australia was one of many steps in a life that was marked by adventure, growth, and a thirst for new experiences. But even as he explored new horizons, Peter never forgot where he came from or the people who had been part of his journey. His ability to maintain those connections over the years speaks volumes about the type of person he was—someone who valued the relationships he had formed and who made an active effort to keep them strong, no matter the distance.

The news of his passing has left us with a profound sense of loss, but also with a deep sense of gratitude for having had Peter in our lives. For those who knew him, the memory of his infectious enthusiasm, his sense of humor, and his genuine care for others will continue to bring comfort in the days and months ahead. It is a testament to his character that even in his absence, the stories of his kindness, his laughter, and his ability to make everyone feel important will live on.

In this time of mourning, we can take solace in knowing that Peter’s impact is far-reaching and enduring. His legacy is woven into the fabric of Denis Morris High School, into the history of the rowing teams, and into the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to call him a friend. While we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the life he led and the positive difference he made in the world. His spirit lives on in the stories we tell, in the lessons he imparted, and in the love he gave so freely to those around him.

For those who were part of the DM rowing teams, Peter’s memory will forever be linked to the shared experiences on the water. Rowing is not just a sport; it is a bond that unites individuals in a unique way. Peter’s dedication to the team, his unwavering focus on the goal, and his ability to inspire others will always be remembered by his teammates. Whether in victory or defeat, Peter showed what it meant to work together, to support one another, and to push through challenges with resilience and grace. His spirit will forever echo in the rhythm of the oars, in the camaraderie of the crew, and in the heart of the sport itself.

As we reflect on Peter’s life, let us hold on to the lessons he taught us: the importance of staying connected, the value of friendship, and the power of kindness. Let us honor his memory by carrying forward the same sense of community and care that he exemplified so effortlessly. Let us be there for one another, just as Peter was always there for us. Let us cherish the relationships that enrich our lives and remind ourselves that, even as time moves forward, the bonds we share with others remain eternal.

Though Peter is no longer physically with us, his legacy lives on. We will continue to remember him with love, admiration, and gratitude. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this incredibly difficult time. May they find comfort in knowing that Peter’s impact was far-reaching and that his memory will never fade. Peter Goodwin was more than just a friend, teammate, and alum of Denis Morris High School—he was a beacon of warmth, kindness, and loyalty, and he will forever remain in our hearts.

Shawn Jackson Obituary, St. Thomas ON Death: It is with heavy hearts that we gather together in spirit to mourn the loss of a remarkable individual who touched so many lives with his warmth, his dedication, and his unwavering commitment to the Annan Co-Ed Slo-Pitch League: Shawn Jackson. The news of his unexpected passing has sent ripples of sadness throughout our community, leaving us in disbelief, yet ever grateful for the time we had with him.

Shawn’s untimely death has left a void that will be impossible to fill. His presence was one that carried not just the weight of his role as an umpire but the lightness of a friend, a mentor, and a person who made every moment better simply by being there. As we try to come to terms with this loss, we are reminded of the countless memories, shared laughs, and moments of pure sportsmanship that Shawn brought to our league. He was far more than just an umpire; he was an integral part of the fabric that held us together, making every game an experience that transcended the field.

The heart-wrenching news of his passing has left us all with a deep sense of loss, but we know that Shawn’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. Amanda Morrison’s words resonate deeply in this time of sorrow: “For those that haven’t heard yet, one of our umpires, and friend, passed away unexpectedly yesterday after suffering a heart attack. He will be dearly missed and never forgotten. RIP Shawn Jackson, may you continue to call those strikes in the big ball diamond above.”

Shawn Jackson was a man who gave everything to the Annan Co-Ed Slo-Pitch League. He was more than a mere officiator of the game. He brought a sense of fairness, integrity, and humor to every match he was part of. His calm demeanor, even during the most intense moments of a game, was something that players, coaches, and fellow umpires alike admired. He had a special gift for making even the most high-stakes moments feel manageable, always able to diffuse tension with a kind word or a well-timed smile.

Shawn’s love for the game was evident in every call he made, every pitch he watched carefully, and every decision he rendered. But it wasn’t just his skills as an umpire that endeared him to all who knew him—it was his deep understanding of the importance of sportsmanship, respect, and camaraderie. Shawn always encouraged everyone, from the youngest players to the seasoned veterans, to play hard, play fair, and respect one another. He believed in the power of sports to bring people together, to create bonds that could not be broken, and to build a community of people who shared a love for the game.

Shawn was the type of person who made you feel seen. Whether you were a seasoned player or someone just starting out, he made sure everyone felt valued, respected, and included. His kindness and genuine care for others were evident in his actions, whether it was lending a hand to a player in need or offering a word of encouragement after a tough game. He had a remarkable ability to make everyone around him feel important, and that quality is what made him so beloved.

One of Shawn’s greatest gifts was his sense of humor. He had the rare ability to make a tense situation lighter, to bring a laugh at just the right moment, and to connect with people on a personal level. His jokes were never mean-spirited but always lighthearted and inclusive, reminding us that, in the end, the game was about having fun and enjoying each other’s company. His laughter was contagious, and even on the most challenging days, he found a way to bring joy to those around him.

But beyond his humorous side, Shawn was a man of immense character. He carried himself with a quiet dignity, always leading by example. His commitment to fairness and integrity in every decision he made spoke volumes about his values and his dedication to doing the right thing, no matter how difficult. He understood the responsibility he held in his role as an umpire, knowing that his actions could impact the game and the players. But he also knew that the most important thing was to ensure everyone left the field with their heads held high, regardless of the outcome of the game.

In the days since his passing, it has become clear just how much of an impact Shawn had on the Annan Co-Ed Slo-Pitch League and the wider community. The tributes pouring in from players, fellow umpires, coaches, and friends reflect the deep respect and admiration that so many had for him. It is a testament to his character and the way he touched lives in such a meaningful and profound way.

We will all miss Shawn in ways that words can hardly express. We will miss his presence at the games, his steady hand on the field, his laughter, and his unwavering commitment to the league. But most of all, we will miss his friendship. Shawn was someone who could be relied upon, someone you could turn to in times of need, someone who never hesitated to offer a listening ear or a helping hand. He was a friend in the truest sense of the word, and we were all lucky to have known him.

As we remember Shawn, let us hold onto the lessons he taught us. Let us honor his memory by living with the same sense of integrity, fairness, and kindness that he showed us every day. Let us continue to play the game with the same love, respect, and joy that he brought to the field. And let us support one another, just as Shawn always supported us, in times of grief and in times of celebration.

Though Shawn is no longer with us physically, his spirit will remain a part of every game, every pitch, and every call made on that diamond. We take comfort in knowing that Shawn will continue to watch over us, calling those strikes in the great ball diamond above. And though we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the incredible person he was, the friend he was to all of us, and the lasting impact he had on our lives. Rest in peace, Shawn Jackson. You will never be forgotten. Your legacy lives on in every game, every player, and every umpire whose life you touched. Thank you for everything you gave us.