Softball Canada is saddened to learn of the passing of Stan Hay, who was inducted to the Softball Canada Hall of Fame as an Official in 2012, at the age of 83.
Robert Stanley (Stan) Hay (Official, Alberta), born on December 11th, 1936, was widely respected by all umpires, players, coaches and administrators who had the pleasure to know him. He was an umpire who always went above the call of duty and contributed as much as he possibly could to the sport of softball.
After umpiring in three Canadian Championships (Senior Women’s in 1975, and Senior Men’s in 1980 and 1982), Stan began a stretch of nine years in which he supervised an astounding 13 Canadian Championships, including two per year from 1986 to 1989. He was one of the first umpires to receive his Level V Fastpitch designation in1980, and was later grandfathered in with the equivalency of Level V in Slo-Pitch due to his great knowledge of both disciplines.
In addition to his tremendous involvement on the field, Stan also contributed to the national umpiring program as a member of the Officiating Development Committee from 1986 to 1991. He was also a member of the executive of the Calgary Umpire’s Association from 1980 to 1990, and also a member of the executive of the Alberta Umpire’s Association from 1981 to 1987. In addition, he has attended most Softball Canada Blue Conventions.
Softball Canada and the Canadian softball community wish Stan Hay's family and friends our most sincere condolences.
