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In Memoriam

The U.S. Backgammon Federation has reserved this space to honor the memory of significant loved ones in our backgammon community who have passed on.   If you know of someone who has passed, or who has lost a loved one and wish to announce such passing, contact rochelle@usbgf.org with “IN MEMORIAM” in the subject line.  Including complete details will ensure that an appropriate posting can be made.

The following list of past Memorial tributes published on the USBGF website is provided here to keep our community abreast of those persons who have passed, or persons who have suffered the lost of a loved one, in case the original posting was missed.

candle flameThe Board of Directors and staff of the USBGF would like to express their sincere condolences to Joe Russell and his family on the passing of his wife, Cathy, on Monday, January 23, 2012. Cathy, who for several years had suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, developed a severe blood infection following a medical procedure intended to treat her condition, and died a few days later with her family at her side. She is survived by her daughter, Katie, her son, Josh, her husband Joe, and her brother, Mike Odenwalder.

If you had the good fortune to know Cathy, you know she was one of the most joyful and funny people you could hope to meet. In lieu of sending flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to The Rheumatoid Patient Foundation. It also has a Facebook page.

 

Heartfelt condolences are sent to John O’Hagan and family by the Board of Directors and staff of the United Backgammon Federation,along with the entire backgammon community, on the passing of the  O’Hagan family matriarch, Margaret M. O’Hagan.  Mrs. O’Hagan  lost her battle with cancer on February 25, 2011.  While she was born in Lansing, Michigan, she spent most of her life in the South Bend, Indiana area.  During Margaret and Bazil O’Hagan’s 56-year marriage,  they were blessed with 5 daughters and one son,  who collectively expanded the O’Hagan clan with 17 beautiful grandchildren.

Although Margaret O. never played backgammon, she was a fine bridge player and golfer, and for many decades attended Notre Dame football and basketball games.  She loved to shop, and had an excellent sense of fashion and interior design.  Personally, she maintained a strong Catholic faith and was active in her local church for many years.  Mrs. O’Hagan will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.  Personal expressions of sympathy may be sent to John O’Hagan at johvalp@comcast.net .  Donations can be made in Margaret O’Hagan’s memory by contacting the Center for Hospice at:   http://centerforhospice.org/

The backgammon community, together with the Board of Directors and staff of the USBGF, extend their heartfelt condolences to the First Lady of Backgammon Carol Joy Cole, on the passing of her mother Masako “Amy” Mitoma, on December 29, 2010.  At the age of 89, Amy quietly departed the earth while in hospice care after suffering from a torn coronary artery.  During her lifetime, Mrs. Mitoma attended the University of California-Berkeley, and later graduated from the University of Michigan.  She acted as Assistant Director to Carol Joy Cole, in founding the Flint Area Backgammon Club in 1978, and designed drawsheets for the club’s modified double-elimination tournaments.  Mr. Mitoma would appreciate contributions in memory of his wife of almost 70 years to be made to the Japanese American Citizens League at www.jacl.org or the American Heart Association, at www.heart.org.  Donation acknowlegements should go to: Carol Joy Cole, 3719 Greenbrook Lane, Flint, Michigan 48507. 

The Board of Directors and staff of the USBGF extend their sincerest condolences to Karen Davis and family, on the untimely passing of her daughter Kelly Davis Collins, on December 7, 2010. Karen, a key member of our Board, has been working tirelessly and effectively in making the USBGF a thriving organization.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Maumee Valley Country Day School toward the Collins Family Endowment Fund, 1715 South Reynolds Road, Toledo, OH 43614, or Garden Park Christian Church, 8605 Salisbury Rd., Monclova, OH, or the American Cancer Society.