Randy DeWael. (Photo courtesy of the Chatham Maroons via www.chathammaroons.com)Randy DeWael. (Photo courtesy of the Chatham Maroons via www.chathammaroons.com)
Chatham

Maroons equipment manager remembered for "unmatched commitment"

The Chatham Maroons are mourning the loss of a dedicated member of their staff who served in various roles with the organization for more than 35 years.

Randy DeWael passed away suddenly on Saturday at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance at age 56.

A fixture of the local sports community, DeWael was a longtime member of the Chatham Maroons, serving as the team's equipment manager for the last 12 seasons. He was also involved in various roles with the team as a goal judge, penalty box attendant, scorekeeper, score clock operator, and trainer since 1985.

Since DeWael's passing, tributes have been pouring in from the team and former Maroons staff.

"Randy is the heartbeat of our team," said current Chatham Maroons Head Coach and GM Tyler Roeszler on Facebook. "He has told me on several occasions that the players were like his sons and I know our players felt the same bond towards him."

Roeszler said the team will be dedicating every game to DeWael moving forward, adding they "will bring the same energy, passion, and commitment that Randy has brought to our team for the past 37 years."

Former Maroons coach Mark Davis called DeWael "the best equipment manager I have ever had in my 43 years of coaching" on the Alexander & Houle Funeral home's tribute wall.

DeWael's obituary also noted that he was always found at a local ball diamond or racetrack.

Friends and family are asked to wear their favourite sports attire and gather casually for visitation at Alexander & Houle Funeral Home at 245 Wellington St. W. on Sunday, April 24, from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

A memorial service will follow.

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