It is with extremely heavy hearts and great sadness that we mourn the passing of current Hamilton Wildcats AFC player Jeff Fish, as he lost his courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, only a mere 7 weeks after his diagnosis, surrounded by his loving family at the Norfolk General Hospital, Simcoe on Wednesday, March 28th, 2012 in his 40th year. Cherished husband of Dr. Angela Van De Walle of Simcoe. Loving father of Julia & Ryan, still at home. Cherished son of Elizabeth & Grant Fish of Strathroy. Dear brother of Kimberly Dawn (Mark McKay) of Ottawa, children Teagan, Avery & Madeline. Lovingly remembered by Angela’s family, her parents Gaye & Oscar Van De Walle of Delhi; her siblings Tamara Crocker (Brent) of Mississauga, children Vivienne & Matthew; Sonia Mumma (Mark) of Tottenham, children Morgan & Lilith; and Medard Van De Walle (Jenny) of Delhi. Jeff will be sadly missed by his Godmother Lesley Penwill (Mike Hawkins) of Beachville and by his Godfather Joey Knechtel (Anna) of Whitefish. Jeff will be sadly missed by many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, teammates at the Hamilton Wildcats Australian Football Club and co-workers at Desire 2 Learn. Visitations were held this past Friday and Jeff's funeral service was held at the Immanuel Christian Reformed Church, in Simcoe on Saturday morning. Pastor Jeff Vandermeer officiated a touching service, which lovingly highlighted the amazing life that Jeff led, as well as the truly incredible person he was.
Jeff joined the Wildcats about half way through the 1998 season, and from the second he stepped foot on to the oval, we knew that he would be a mainstay in the ruck for the "yellow & black". The "gentle giant" became one of the most respected big men in the OAFL for several years; mainly due to his pure athleticism for a guy his size (standing 6'6"), strong marks up forward, great tapping ability in the ruck and desire to win. He not only was a huge part of our Club's success on the field, but was also a massive contributor to the Wildcats behind the scenes as well. Jeff was an extremely active member of the Club, boasting a number of glowing achievements over his 14 year career, namely Hamilton Wildcats Club President (2002-2003), Head Coach (2004), Treasurer (2002-2005), 2-time "Heart & Soul Award" winner (Player's Choice Award), as well as taking over the original 'Cats website duties in 1999 and held that responsibility until only a couple seasons ago. Jeff was also named to the Canadian National Team (Northwind) on several occasions, representing Canada in 2001 when the team traveled to London, England for the Atlantic Alliance Cup, as well as vs the US Revolution in Toronto in 2003 & again in 2004 vs the Revolution in Pittsburgh. Jeff's greatness as a player/person definitely did not stop once he crossed the white lines, as off the field he would be one of the first people teammates & opponents alike would flock to in hopes of sharing a few laughs and a cold beverage. A true champion in ever sense of the word, his loss not only leaves a huge whole on our roster and around the Club, but in the hearts of all who have ever spent more than one second with him over the years. He will truly be missed by many but definitely never forgotten. His true spirit, overwhleming kindness and enthusiasm for life as well as for his beautiful family has surely imprinted on everyone he's ever met, and in my opinion, anyone who had the chance to spend any time with him at all is definitely a better person for knowing him.
The Hamilton Wildcats AFC, Van De Walle family & the Fish family would like to thank all who showed their support during such a trying time this past weekend; especially the many past/current opponents, Northwind teammates, etc from around the OAFL who were in attendance. Those wishing to donate in Jeff’s memory are asked to consider the educational trust fund established for his children, Julia (4) & Ryan (1). Donations payable to the “Royal Bank – Acc# 04662-5050026” (account under the name: Oscar Van De Walle) may be made through any local RBC branch or directly at the RBC Bank, 55 Norfolk St. South Simcoe. The Hamilton Wildcats AFC will also be hosting a Fundraising Dinner, in conjunction with the Ontario Australian Football League (OAFL) on Saturday, April 28th/2012 in Toronto in memory of Jeff and to assist the Fish family. Further details on this event will be announced within the next few days, so please stay tuned, or you can contact Charles Thompson for further information. cthompson1977@telus.blackberry.net
"Always in our hearts & thoughts."
Last Modified on 05/04/2012 01:58