Donald Kenneth Cline

My heartfelt condolences to Don’s family. May he rest in peace. Don was a very nice man and I looked up to him as a fellow referee in the 80’s. I moved away from London in 1989.

(Donated to Heart and Stroke Foundation)

(Donated to Canadian Cancer Society)

(Donated to Canadian Cancer Society)

(Donated to Heart and Stroke Foundation)

(Donated to Heart and Stroke Foundation)

Don was a very special person. As a young, aspiring basketball official who got cut by Don McCrae at the University of Waterloo, I took on the position of "Business Manager", which was a classy name for "Gopher". I loved it though. In addition to gumshoeing McCrae, I worked the score clock back in the days (mid '80's) when the Warriors played consistently in front of packed houses of four or five thousand fans. I told Don, an icon to me in the field of referreeing like Michael Jordan would have been to a player, about my aspirations. He allowed me to take in the pre-game refs conference behind closed doors, and also invited me to visit with the team of refs and share their post-game reviews. It was an insider privilege that fueled my passion. Don had such great control on the court, and to let me in his circle of trust was an absolute honour. I pursued referreeing and actually had the opportunity to ref on the same court with Don years later. That was one for my bucket list! I wound up in the field of baseball, but basketball has always been a close second to this day. Don was a class act, a Canadian icon, a man who treated everyone as his equal, and a friend and mentor who I will always remember. Jocelyn, Becky & Emily - you were lucky to have each other. Don's legacy lives in you and you will carry it forward. Celebrate his wonderful life, and he will see you again when you arrive on the other side - he will have set your table. With love & respect, Tom Valcke President & CEO Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame

On behalf of the Ontario Assocation of Basketball Officials I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the Cline Family on the loss of such a wonderful person. Don had time for everybody and always made you feel like the most important person in the room. Don was an icon in the basketball community and carried that knowledge and care to the top levels of the officiating in the country. The best way to describe Don would be that people may not remember exactly what you did, or what you said but they will always remember how you made them feel. Don Cline made everyone feel special. God Speed Don Cine Jaime McCaig President, Ontario Association of Basketball Officials.

I had the pleasure of knowing Don Cline for over 35 years and I say without hesitation that he was one of the finest gentlemen I have known. Don was an outstanding basketball official who represented Canada internationally with distinction on many occasions. The loss of a husband and father is very difficult but please take some comfort in knowing that Don Cline had a positive impact on everyone he touched. Gary S. Dunning

I remember Don as a wonderful sportsman during his days at Beck, which I also attended. In reading the comments above, it is evident that he took his learned values and applied them throughout his whole life. Beck created special people and he was certainly one.

On behalf of the BC Basketball Officials Association, sincere condolences to the family of a man that is held in the highest regard, by his peers. Don’s wisdom, integrity and commitment have earned him indisputable respect and reputation. The consummate professional, Don will be missed dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

To Jocelyn & Family... I was saddened to hear of Don's passing. As good a referee as he was, he was an even better person. He had a gift for bringing calm and serenity to highly charged emotional situations. I was the recipient of this gift on several occassions. His impact on OUA and Canadian basketball has been enormous, and he will be deeply missed by many.

Very sorry to read of your loss - transported me back to 1971 and the PUC, where Don was my supervisor (playgrounds). I know Don had a positive impact on many young people who have gone on to careers in sport and recreation. My condolences to his family.

Jocelyn, Becky, Stan,Emily & Heidi; Words can not convey our shock & sorrow for your loss. May the love in your family & the friends that surround you sustain you through the days ahead. If there is anything we can do to help in any way, please call. Love you Pat, Jim, Chris, Katie & Jon

To Jocelyn, Becky and Emily, Saddneded to hear of the loss of your husband and father. Fond memories of meeting a gentle and loving husband and father. Please accept our sympathy on behalf of Christine and myself. Love Judith.

Dear Jocelyn, Becky and Emily....So sad. It is such a shame that years and miles have separated us. I haven't seen you guys since "Aunt Winnie" - your mother-in-law and grandmother -passed away. I'm sorry. I have many fond memories of your Dad. One was back at the 1994 Olympics. My family was visiting my brother Will in Atlanta. We just happened to go to one of the basketball games. I started staring at the ref.....yep....your Dad was officiating that game. Never saw anyone so nimble running backwards! What a wonderful surprise. I think the stadium guards were even more surprised when we insisted they take a note to your Dad at halftime --- luckily, we were able to get together afterwards. The other favorite memory is when we were in college at the same time and we started corresponding - your Dad became one of my closest confidents and always offered sage advice., being a whole year older! God Bless each of you....Love you, Karen & family Pepper Pike, Ohio

So sorry to hear about Don's passing. My condolences to you and your family.

Jocelyn, I would like to offer my sincerest and heart felt condolences to you and your family during this very difficult time.

Rest In Peace Don Cline. A Hall of Famer with Ontario Basketball and adored by all who were fortunate to be a part of his life. He exemplified excellence in our sport, not only as a world-class official, but also as a leader and a gentleman. As our sport and the officiating profession grows in Ontario, we have the life of Don to serve as its textbook. Our sincere condolences to the Cline Family and the extended basketball family who mourn this great loss.

I am deeply sorry to hear of your loss Jocelyn. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow. JoAnne Dow

Being a fellow Spartan, I definitely remember his love of basketball and his expertise of the game. I have seen him over the years in different venues and he always remembered my name. Goodbye Don and my deepest sympathy to your family. Cherry

Dear Jocelyn I'm so sorry to hear of your great loss. My heart goes out to you and your daughters, Becky and Emily. You will all be in my prayers tonight.

Here at the Juno Beach Centre, we fondly remember Donald Cline. He instilled in his daughter Rebecca, our colleague, a great sense of pride and respect for Canadian veterans of the Second World War. The Juno Beach Centre meant a lot to him, it is now our turn to remember him and to continue on with the task that he was so proud to see his daughter accomplish everyday. With our deepest sympathies to Mrs Cline, Rebecca, Emily, and their friends and relatives, Nathalie Worthington, Director, On behalf of the entire Juno Beach Centre Staff

Don was truly an amazing man. He was a referee beyond compare but so much more, a man full of integrity who truly loved and nurtured his family. He was so proud of his daughters and a truly involved Dad. We need more Don Cline's in our world - he will certainly be missed. Our most sincere and deepest sympathies to Jocelyn, Becky and Emily, may your most cherished memories be a comfort to you.

How does one farewell such a wonderful person?.... words just cannot express the depth of emotion.... Joce, Becky and Emily: we extend to you our heartfelt sympathy....

Jocelyn,Becky and Emily; My deepest condolences on the sudden and untimely passing of a dear husband and father. As a high school basketball coach of over thirty years in London Conference,I was always glad to see Don Cline enter the gym to referee a game becauseI knew it was going to be done well.Later, I was able to know Don better as team members of the Bench Buddies slopitch baseball team.His self-effacing demeanor underscored his athletic abilities and his his personal entegrity of charater. His presence was an asset to our team.

Jocelyn, Becky and Emily, We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you through this difficult time.

Dear Jocelyn, We hold memories of Don and your family as very dear. He will remain in our hearts. Be strong in the days ahead, -- he would want that. God bless you and sweet Becky and Emily. Please accept our condolences. Will- Will and Brenda Sumpter (cousin, Atlanta Georgia USA) 770-460-8438

Don, when you were officiating a game I was playing in, I felt privileged to be part of it. Your demeanour on and off the court were exemplary always!! I, too, offer my condolences to your family. You will be missed by all those who came in contact with you over the years. May you never be forgotten!

Dear Jocelyn: i cannot begin to image how grief stricken you and your lovely girls are. My love and prayers are with you at this extremely sad time.

Thinking of you Jocelyn and your girls at this most difficult time. My sincerest condolences.

Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear. ...Wishing you hope in the midst of sorrow, comfort in the midst of pain. My deepest sympathy to you Jocelyn and Emily and Becky and Carolyn

I wanted to add my thoughts to all those who have expressed admiration and warmth for a person who always appeared to positive and balanced. Although I didn't get the opportunity see or speak to Don very often, anytime I did, it was a positive experience. I hope his memories bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.

On behalf of the Ottawa Valley Board, we wish to offer our condolences to Don's family. He made a great impact on those he met and in the manner he pursued his passion for this sport. We will miss him but cherish the experiences we shared with him.

Jocelyn,Becky and Emily, sincere sympathy in your loss. I remember back in Girl Guide days what a support and great husband and father Don was to you all.

(Donated to Heart and Stroke Foundation)

(Donated to Ontario SPCA)

(Donated to Heart and Stroke Foundation)

(Donated to Heart and Stroke Foundation)

On behalf of the Toronto Association of Basketball Officials I extend our sympathy and condolences to the Cline Family and friends on the unexpected passing of Don. Don was a veteran official who is remembered by many officials in Toronto who worked with him and shared many memories in their passion for the game of basketball. He was respected official who had great respect for the game and all those who participated int he game. As an official he was a mentor to many officials across the country in their desire to become better officials. Our prayers are with the family as they deal with this tragic loss and encourage all to remember their greatest memories of this a respected official.

Jocelyn, my heart and thoughts are with you and your family at this very difficult time.

On behalf of the Canadain Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), our very deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Jocelyn, Becky, Emily and Heidi, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Don will be missed by the basketball community not only in London, but throughout Canada and the rest of the world. As a long time member of the London Board of Basketball Officials (LBBO), Don was a mentor and good friend to many of our current and past members; his on-court personality touched many players at every level over the years, who considered Don to be one of the best officials in the world. Our condolences go out to Jocelyn and to the family in these difficult times. Scott Ryder LBBO President

Em, Jocelyn and Becky, my condolences go out to you. I have many fond memories of Don and know that he will be greatly missed by all.

My sincerest condolences to Jocelyn and family at this difficult time. You are all very much in my thoughts.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

My deepest condolences to Don's family and friends. Basketball officiating, and the basketball community in general, has lost a good man. Cherish all the wonderful memories of the time you've had with Don!

My sincere condolances to the entire Cline family. As a National Team and CIS coach, I had the opportunity to work with Don both in Canada and around the world. Not only was he an outstanding official - one of the very best I have seen in all my years coaching - but he was an outstanding person as well. He respected coaches and he respected the game - and that respect was returned to him at every level. We have all lost a great man.

My deepest condolences on Don's passing. I will miss our discussions about work and mutual friends.

Jocelyn we are so sorry for your loss. Please know that our thoughts are with you and your family.

Jocelyn where do we begin to express our sincere condolences on your husband passing! Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family. Thinking of you all through this difficult time.

Jocelyn, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you have a world of friends that are thinking about and praying for you at this difficult time. My heart goes out to you and your family.

Dear Jocelyn, Thinking of you and your girls and hoping you'll find peace and comfort in the special memories that will always be yours. My deepest condolences.

Dear Jocelyn and family, I was shocked and saddened to hear of Don's sudden passing. I had the pleasure of having Don officiate me as a player, but I also had the pleasure of officiating on the Men's West Panel with him and also had Don as my Supervisor on the panel. Don was an outstanding official and a great person. His input into officiating in Canada has been invaluable. My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.

I am saddened to hear the passing of not only a great official but a great person, Don Cline. I not only dealt with Don on the court but also in his capacity as assignor with CABO. I must admit in that all of the officials I had the pleasure to deal with Don ranks right up there with best. He officiated the Championship Final in 1992 when we won our first National Championship. Always a gentleman he helped make the OUA West the best conference with the best officials. Don you will be missed but not forgotten. Ken Murray

A great person, fabulous ref with a sincere passion for the game of basketball and loved by so many in the game. I remember Don when I was a player and coach with our National Teams. A teacher, a mentor and friend. My prayers are with the family and even though one can't see a ship as it disappears on the horizon, we know that it is there. Chris Critelli

NABO, the Canadian Officiating Fraternity and the basketball community in Canada, has lost a great person and official in our friend, Don Cline. To his family, we offer our deepest condolances.

My deepest sympathies to you Don's family. One of my all-time favorite people at Beck ...was so glad to have the opportunity in 2004 at the Beck reunion to touch base and reneww an old friendship...Love Frannie

To the Cline family may I offer my deepest condolences for the premature loss of their wonderful husband and father. Don was the model for referees in Canada and a multitude of officials modeled themselves after him because he was the "best of the best". I was fortunate to have him as an evaluator on several occasions and he always demonstrated the highest integrity. I shall miss his friendly smile and welcoming handshake. Rest well Donnie, in the knowledge that you gave your all.

My sincere condolences to Joce,Emily and Becky. Don's sudden passing was a shock that will take a while to get over. I met Don through basketball but enjoyed hie friendship off the court as much as on. We shared many good times which I will never forget. My prayers go out to your family. Godspeed old friend.

As a basketball official Don exemplified professionalism, poise and good judgement, so that the coaches and players trusted that the game was in good hands on his watch. More importantly he was a wonderful caring person and we will trully miss him. My condolences to his family and to the basketball community.

Don was a Beck football and basketball team mate ---- and as Tom said team mates don't get any better than Donnie. The last time I spoke with him was at a Mac - Carleton game he was officiating and I was proud to introduce him to my family. An unjust and untimely passing. My deepest condolences to his family.

Our thoughts are with the Cline family at this time. Don would make my day when he'd call me by name while we both were watching the Mustangs play at home. He'll be remembered as a very friendly man.

I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

On behalf of the ABOA (Alberta Basketball Officials Association), I would like to express our deepest condolences to the entire Cline family for your tragic loss. Don was an inspiration and friend to basketball and basketball officials from coast to coast in Canada. He will be greatly missed by all and memories of him will be cherished forever.

We are deeply saddened to hear about Donny. He was a good friend and neighbour for many years. We send our very sincere condolences to Jocelyn and the family.

My deepest sympathies Jocelyn, Becky & Emily. I have many fond memories of working with Don for over 17 years at London Parks & Recreation. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.

On behalf of the Quebec Basketball Referees Association, we are all very sad and shocked by the passing of Don Cline. Don had many friends in Quebec who looked up to him and respected him enormously as an official and a person. Don was a gentleman all the way. We especially liked it when he spoke in French! Au revoir mon ami!!!

Dear Jocelyn, Em, Becky & Heidi Don was certainly one of the kindest gentlest men I have had the privilege to know. Wonderful to work with. Enjoyed his family and his special Heidi immensely. Loved to tell us stories of all of you and your lives together...How sad to feel the loss of such a man.

Donnie was a wonderful friend to me throughout high school. He always made sure I got my math assignments in on time, made me wear my glasses when when I was too vain to wear them, he and Don Robb and I sat on the bench together at Beck and found ways to beat the other team from the bench. When I was quarterback, he was my best receiver in football even though he wasn't the fastest guy on the team he always made me look good because he always found a way to get open. When I decided to become a referee, just before I retired from teaching, he was the one that convinced me that I had a lot to give to the game that he loved. I was always so proud when the Olympics were on, to say that I knew Don Cline the referee, but more importantly, my friend You will be sorely missed in this world, Donnie, but I know you'll be looking out for all of us!

Jocelyn, Emily, Becky and Heidi: you're in our thoughts and prayers.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Jocelyn. If there is anything I can do, please do not hesitate to ask.

We will all miss our friend and colleague, Don Cline. Remembering him as the consummate professional and gentleman. During his time at Robert Q, Don trained and assisted numerous new drivers helping us and them learn and maintain the high standards that Don is remembered for. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Sport has lost a gentleman and a gentle man.

We are so heartbroken for you Emily, Becky, Jocelyn and Heidi. You're in our thoughts and prayers. Much Love, Jackie, Darren and Zoey. xo

Condolences to all family and friends of Don from myself and other basketball players of the NBRBA here in North Bay , Ontario.