Kingsley Downs inducted into RRDFL hall of fame

Ken Johnston
Editor

I addition to the usual excitement and anticipation that accompanies the annual Rainy River District Fastball League awards banquet, this year’s event had a very emotional tone to it as the late umpire Kingsley Downs was inducted into the league’s hall of fame.
Don Gall delivered a very impassioned speech highlighting Downs’ commitment to the game and his cheerful demeanor that touched so many people’s lives. Gall had a very tough time getting through the speech, shedding a few tears. “I had the privilege of being a catcher for 8 years with King behind the plate,” said Gall. “He was always very complimentary of players and after the game he always socialized with them.” Gall said that the ball players really appreciated King’s commitment and thanked his family for sharing him with them. “He was a true friend and will be sadly be missed.”
Gall presented Downs’ wife Maureen, son Scott and brother Howie with a plaque commemorating King’s induction.
Scott thanked everyone for the honour and noted that truthfully the family hated all the time away from them King spent umping games. “We loathed the time dad spent away from us, with you guys, but I see it was worth it because of you appreciated him as much as we did.” He then read a prayer for an umpire.
Maureen thanked everyone for the honour and said, “He would be very proud and I am proud.” She also thanked everyone for all the acts of kindness bestowed upon her family since he passed away July 1st in an accident following umping fastball in Barwick.
Downs joins John Larson, George Olson, Gerry Harasymyk, Rod Rone, Cecil Wilson, Stan Peterson and Art Bonot in the RRDFL Hall of Fame.
Awards Presentations
Ed Vold and Don “Kimbi” Copenace of Sight and Sound were presented with the league and playoff trophies. Vold said, “This was a big year for us. In the 25 years Sight and Sound has sponsored the team, I don’t think we have ever had as big a year as this!”
All Star Awards
Homerun King: Don Copenace (S & S) with 10 hrs.
Best Utility Player: Don Copenace (S & S)
Best Short Stop: Don Copenace (S & S)
Best Manager: George Olster (Barwick)
Best fielders: Kevin Gemmell (Bar.), Ed Vold (S & S), and Jim Chorney (RR)
Best Third Baseman: Kyle Langlais (Pinewood)
Best Second Baseman: Rick Tymkin (RR)
Best First Baseman: Derek McKinnon (S & S)
Best Catcher: Justin Wagner (Pine.)
Best Pitcher: Warren Voth (S & S)
Rookie of the Year: Jessie Tom (Big Island)
Special Awards
The Shane Jarvis Memorial Sportsmanship Award: Ed Vold (S & S)
The Gerry Harasymyk Memorial League M.V.P. Award: Don Copenace.
In Memory Of
A toast was raised to friends, former players and family of league members who have passe away in the past year. They included John Gall, Lise Langlais, Wes Felix, Al Aikenhead, Tom Kreger, Linda Landry, King Downs, Art Bonot, Earl Hanson, Blaine Ivall and Carol Bourre.
Missing winners
League president George Olster said that three of the engraved plates on the league trophy which dates back to 1963 are missing. He is hoping that someone might remember who won in 1964, 66 and 68 so that they can replace the plates. Anyone who might know can call him at 487-2244.