Passing of Barrie Whittaker
A foundation member of South Canterbury Softball, Barrie Whitaker, passed away at his home in Darfield on 8 September, aged 80.
Barrie shifted from Christchurch to Timaru in the late 1960's bringing with him a passion for softball and a great knowledge of the game.
Along with two other work colleagues, Allan Boulton and Ron Loomes, they founded the Rangers Softball Club joining local senior clubs, Celtic and Royals, in a competition with an American team, Baker Nunn. These men were from the American Airforce working at Mt John Observatory in Tekapo. Barrie was pitcher/coach for Rangers and there was great rivalry when they competed for the Baker Nunn trophy.
He was instrumental in the development of junior softball in South Canterbury, visiting schools and introducing teachers and students to the sport.
He was one of the first South Canterbury Mens pitchers and was coach of the rep team for many years. The team was always a strong contender at National level and Jefferies Cup.
Barrie was always interested in what was happening with softball in South Canterbury. We will always be grateful for the assistance he provided to our U15 Boys rep team when we returned to compete in the South Island tournaments in 2016 after a 10 year hiatus.
A funeral service for Barrie will be held in Academy Funeral Service Chapel, 65 Main South Rd, Riccarton on Thursday September 15 at 11.00am
Barrie shifted from Christchurch to Timaru in the late 1960's bringing with him a passion for softball and a great knowledge of the game.
Along with two other work colleagues, Allan Boulton and Ron Loomes, they founded the Rangers Softball Club joining local senior clubs, Celtic and Royals, in a competition with an American team, Baker Nunn. These men were from the American Airforce working at Mt John Observatory in Tekapo. Barrie was pitcher/coach for Rangers and there was great rivalry when they competed for the Baker Nunn trophy.
He was instrumental in the development of junior softball in South Canterbury, visiting schools and introducing teachers and students to the sport.
He was one of the first South Canterbury Mens pitchers and was coach of the rep team for many years. The team was always a strong contender at National level and Jefferies Cup.
Barrie was always interested in what was happening with softball in South Canterbury. We will always be grateful for the assistance he provided to our U15 Boys rep team when we returned to compete in the South Island tournaments in 2016 after a 10 year hiatus.
A funeral service for Barrie will be held in Academy Funeral Service Chapel, 65 Main South Rd, Riccarton on Thursday September 15 at 11.00am