We join the Kingston Sports Community in mourning the passing of Neil Neasmith yesterday. I was deeply saddened last evening to learn of the passing of a long time member of the league family and supporter of what we do, with the loss of Neil Neasmith. Neil was an amazing basketball player and referee, a baseball and softball player, and for many years a passionate tennis player at the Kingston Tennis Club. He is also a member of the Kingston and District Sports Hall of Fame.
A long time teacher and principal with the Frontenac County and Limestone boards of education, he influenced countless young lives over the years, and he continued to be an educator within the local basketball referee’s board, teaching the rules and ethics of the sport to aspiring officials like me. I had the pleasure of seeing him play in the border league when I was in high school, and when I joined the referee’s board, Neil became a teacher and mentor for me, and those years calling games together cemented our friendship that we have cherished. Having someone with Neil’s dry whit and sense of humour got us through many games that were a challenge to call.
For the league, Neil and his dear wife Mary were fixtures at all of our fund raising events over the years, and it was not unusual to find an envelope with a donation dropped through our mail slot or delivered in person.
To Mary, and Neil’s children Julie, Jeff, and Leslie , and to their partners and his beloved grandchildren, please accept the condolences of the league family. Know that Neil was a difference maker in the lives of our players and their families, and in the lives of all he taught and worked with over the years. He was a mentor and most of all, a friend, and he will be missed. Roland
