This is an edition of the "Cooperstown in Canada" Blog written by Kevin Glew, a London based sportswriter. It is presented in full. If you would like to go to the blog site to comment or subscribe click on the following link or the Cooperstown in Canada link:
The following is the statement issued by Tom Valcke, president & CEO of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, on the passing of Randy Echlin:
"Randy's commitment and passion somehow spread through his three priorities of family, law and baseball, and he had several dimensions beyond those as well. He made the Dos Equis guy look like the world's second most interesting man!
"Randy is the only individual who has been with the Hall of Fame since its inception back in 1982, through the transition to St. Marys, a move that he championed from the beginning and never wavered on.
He was Chairman of the Board at one point, and up until his untimely passing he generously served the Ball Hall as Chair of our Selection Committee, a position that suited him perfectly.
Over the past ten years, a week rarely passed by where we did not speak about the Hall of Fame's status and future, in addition to our mutual banter about his beloved Blue Jays. He affected numerous lives, including mine, in a completely positive manner.
He will be severely missed but his legacy will be carried forward in an appropriate manner with our Hall of Fame. We are going to take some time to discuss this matter internally as well as with Randy's wonderful wife Ann, and their two children Rob and Libby."
