Douglas Bader 1941-2008

2008-04-28T04:47:00.000-07:00

basketballscotland are sad to report the death, after a short illness, of Douglas Bader on Saturday 26 April 2008. Douglas was a former FIBA International Referee and a huge contributor to Scottish Basketball over the past 45 years.

Douglas first came to prominence within basketball circles as Scottish Basketball's Young Referee of the Year in 1963. He went on to become a FIBA International referee in 1973 and one of the highlights of his refereeing career was in the World University Games in Edmonton, Canada in 1983. He refereed numerous Home International matches and games in Europe, as well as countless Scottish League and Cup games.

Douglas never retired from active refereeing, and also worked endlessly to encourage, support and develop young officials through his involvement on the basketballtayside & fife executive Committee and the basketballscotland Officials Commission.

Douglas was also central to the establishment of Perth Phoenix Basketball Club, which, under his chairmanship has established itself in the Scottish National Leagues over the past 6 years. He also chaired the strategic planning process for the governing body in 2003-04.

Douglas was recognised for his contribution in 2005, winning Scottish Basketball’s volunteer of the year award.

Professionally, Douglas was a retired headmaster of Perth Grammar School and is highly thought of throughout education. He was also a passionate choir and opera singer and contributed much to his local community in Blairgowrie.

Douglas is survived by wife, May and his three sons, Roddy, Keith and Gregor.

Scottish basketball has lost a true gentleman who put in tireless amount of work for clubs, referees and the betterment of the game. He will be sadly missed by his many friends throughout the country.

The funeral will be held on Thursday 1 May at 3pm at Perth Crematorium.

basketballscotland’s thoughts are with the family at this time.

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