IN MEMORIAM

Version en français

In Memory of Evelyn Hustwit

A heartfelt poem written by long-time member Jim Steele

The tale I tell has a happy ending

So listen well to the rhyme I'm rendering

About the year two thousand and three,

A couple from England visited me

Tim and Diane were distant in-laws

About half my age and loving applause

After a chat, my guests did announce

They would love to play tennis, and this old man to trounce

They hinted in fact that at their level three,

They'd outrun and out-volley a novice like me

They'd played tennis a lot, knew the game well

And would pick me up if I ever fell.

So I booked a court here number four on clay

And wondered how I'd survive that day.

I soon figured out I'd need a partner strong

To keep the match even and help me along.

I'd noticed a woman whose stroke was quite awesome

And hoped against hope she would make up a foursome.

I knew her name was Evelyn and about my year

Sinewy, supple, and laughing with cheer.

So I got on my knees and to Evelyn did say:

"Will you join us tomorrow in doubles to play?"

Sweet Evelyn said "Sure, I'll partner with you."

We'll have lots of fun, and test your guests too.

We met under the sun, and played a good game; took it easy and watched Evelyn flame.

Her aces were awesome, her volleys like lightning

Her lobs just stellar and her drop shots amazing.

Needless to say, we won the day

And our English guests went on their way.

They'd laughed a lot, and had seen strokes stupendous

And gained much respect for Canadian tennis

Only years later did I learn that my mate

Had been famous as a player with victories great

Her first name was Evelyn, and Hustwit was her last

A champion she'd been in the distant past

In nineteen hundred and seventy eight

The Canadian Ladies Singles had been her trophy great

She had later coached, both here and elsewhere

And played in matches in foreign air.

Only at Rockcliffe could a novice like Jim

Play tennis doubles with a lass so trim

So here's to the memory of Evelyn Hustwit

She made Rockcliffe renowned for her champion hit

Thank you for listening to my little story

About a time past--and my moment of glory.

My doggerel's done; your dessert is awaiting

You will find it delicious and quite salivating.

Evelyn Hustwit

1936-2022

We will never forget our Evelyn Hustwit. She was a joyful presence among us at RLTC for some 56 years and a most lovable and distinguished player. Although Evelyn was a champion, she gladly used her skill to help others at all levels. She loved the game, which she played until just before her death in 2022 at the age of 85.

After Evelyn passed away on August 13, 2022, her husband Peter organized a celebration of her life at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre. Part of this event was the showing of a brief CJOH television report about a younger Evelyn, including brief interviews with her and shots of her volleying with David Cuthbertson on the RLTC court. This earlier report was followed by a fifteen-minute video presentation that had been prepared by her son-in-law Kevin Reid especially for the memorial service Both the CJOH report and Kevin’s video presentation, which is nicely softened with Scottish music, can be seen in merged form here.

Evelyn’s development and achievements were indeed remarkable. She was born in 1936 in the town of Guisborough in northern Yorkshire, the eldest daughter of Lesley and John Fulton (both tennis players). During the war years as a young child, she lived for a while with relatives in the nearby safety of Scotland, which she grew to love. She later joined her family in the Yorkshire town of Wakefield, not far from the Chapel Allerton Lawn Tennis, Squash & Gym Club.

At the age of eight she started to play tennis with plenty of tips, no doubt, from her parents. (Lesley and John were Scottish national Doubles champions. They also qualified to compete in Doubles at Wimbledon--Lesley three times and John once.) While strengthening her tennis skills, Evelyn attended the Wakefield Girls High School and later the Anstey Physical Training College in nearby Birmingham. ( Anstey College was a new kind of English post-secondary institution with feminist origins and a mission to train athletes to become qualified instructors of their sport. )

As a young woman, Evelyn played competitive tennis in many cities and towns in the U.K. With her younger sister Joyce, she won the Girls Doubles in Yorkshire three times (in 1952, 1953, and 1954) and the Ladies Doubles Open in the town of Ilkley three times (1956, 1957, 1958). She won the North-of-England junior Singles draw three times, and she played in the Singles draw three times (1957, 1958, and 1961) at Wimbledon.

In 1960, Evelyn married Peter Hustwit. In 1966 the couple immigrated to Ottawa, Canada, where they raised two daughters Kay and Lynne. They lived in the east end the city near the tennis courts at the Rideau Sports Centre and, of course, RLTC. Evelyn played here frequently and worked for many years as a professional instructor. She also ran a well-attended clinic for “women and girls in tennis,” and junior players would compete annually for the RLTC’s Evelyn Hustwit Junior Sportsmanship Award. Her willingness to give generous help to weaker players continued-- and one such act was even remembered in some light verse.

As well as playing and working at the RLTC, Evelyn also played, coached, and competed elsewhere--in Ottawa, in Canada, and in other parts of the world. .

We miss you dear Evelyn!

-- Jim Steele

Fazlollah (Faz) Reza

1915 – 2019

The celebration of the Rockcliffe Lawn Tennis Club’s centennial in 2023 rekindles memories of past members whose friendship we enjoyed. One of these is Fazlollah Reza.

At the Club, most of us knew him as Faz. Elsewhere, he would be addressed as Professor or Dr. Reza, or Ambassador. His family called him Babajoon. We remember him for many reasons, not least is that no other member played tennis at age 100. More remarkably, he last joined us on court a few months before his 104th birthday.

Faz was a committed, energetic and enthusiastic regular at our Monday and Friday round robins. In his later years, his well-honed court skills, astute shot selection and clever ball placement made up for his diminished running speed. When he reached an age when he could no longer drive himself to the Club, he relied on family and friends. That was when, on our commutes, I discovered his infatuation with chocolate - his secret fuel and frequent expression of thanks - and I deepened my appreciation for his entertaining story-telling and dry sense of humour.

The year Faz turned 100, he was discreetly informed that the Board had awarded him a “free lifetime membership”. The next day, on our way to pick up Dr. Harold Fireman to attend the round robin, Faz mused aloud (with a teasing smile) about sharing his news: “Should I tell Harold (who was then almost 96)? No matter: he’ll have to wait for his free membership until he is 100, if he makes it.” Then he added, “Even though he has longer legs, given his youth, he should sit in the back seat”.

He had a distinguished academic career and was known internationally for his work on network and information theory. He held science and engineering degrees from Iran and the United States, taught at MIT, McGill and the University of Tehran, served as Chancellor of the University of Tehran and Sharif University of Technology. As a diplomat, he was Iran’s Ambassador to Canada after being its Ambassador to UNESCO in Paris. Faz was also a scholar of classical Persian poetry about which he wrote and lectured extensively. And he was a devoted family man, alway proud of the efforts and accomplishments of each in his following generations.

His passing, five decades after leaving Iran permanently, did not go unnoticed in certain Iranian circles: this is what was published in the Tehran Times the day after his death. A diplomat, scholar and gentleman always.

More memories can be found here.

Paul Bernier

Faz Reza (left) and Harold Fireman at 101 and 97, respectively, 2016

Faz Reza and younger partners (from left) Gill Kirkwood, Harold Fireman and Paul Bernier, 2016

Sean Dennehy & Richard Aubin. 2006 NCTA Men’s Senior “A” Division awards dinner.

Richard Aubin (left) and members of the 2011 RLTC Rovers Men’s B Team

Richard Aubin

1941-2022

With sorrow as well as great memories, senior members of the Rockcliffe Lawn Tennis Club regretfully announce the passing of one of our most respected members, Richard Aubin on 11 November, 2022.

As a RLTC member, Richard was involved with just about every aspect of the Club. First and foremost, he was a very active player. He played on the Club’s Rangers and Rovers NCTA competitive seniors doubles teams and was runner up in the 2008 Men’s Consolation final – one of the longest finals in modern RLTC history. He was an Annual Tournament Chair, served on the Board as Treasurer, helped prepare the clay courts in the spring by pulling the old hand roller around the courts and would pitch in to help repair court leaks. He also served admirably in his apron as a chef at Club BBQ’s. As a former RCAF pilot, Richard would often fly his Rovers teammates to games in Kanata, in his Volvo along the Queensway - at low altitude.

Above all, Richard is best remembered for his infectious “joie de vivre” approach to life. As our former president Charles Belanger noted in his eulogy, “Richard embraced tennis as he embraced life, with both hands, with passion, determination, and an easy, contagious smile”.

As a RLTC member, Richard made substantial contributions to all aspects of the Club and helped not only to maintain but grow the reputation it has developed – within the community as well the entire National Capital tennis family. We were privileged to have had the opportunity to know and play with him.

We wish to extend our sincere condolences to his family.

John Taylor and Charles Bélanger

Wally Gordon

1926-2022

The members of the Rockcliffe Lawn Tennis Club announce the passing of Wally Gordon, one of our most popular and beloved members, on 29 November 2022. His obituary can be found here.

Upon joining the Club - at an energetic age 78 - Wally made his mark on and off the court. On court, he was known for his mischievous style of doubles play, mixing slices, lobs, drop shots or whatever else he fancied. He was not always successful, but when he was, he would often break into his signature celebratory dance. Whether he was your partner or opponent, you were always guaranteed a healthy dose of entertainment and laughter, as well as being dazzled by his array of implausible shots.

He carried on like this mostly at the Club’s Monday and Friday round robins, where he was a fixture. He took a keen interest in ensuring or advocating these were well organised and fun for all. “Where is Wally?” you would hear from participants, when he failed to appear for whatever valid reason. The round robins will never be the same without him and his infectious enthusiasm.

His presence off the court was equally memorable. As a retired architect and skilled craftsman, he noticed what required attention around the Club and he dedicated innumerable volunteer hours to the needed maintenance, additions or improvements.

Among his many projects, Wally replaced the clubhouse and court entrance steps, constructed an umpire’s chair, repaired the clubhouse fascia, restored the old water fountain and assisted with the design and construction of the deck extension and accessibility ramp. An excellent example of Wally’s craftmanship is the Club’s championship board which he made in 2009 and installed on the clubhouse ceiling. Every angle is perfectly cut and every screw is set at the same distance.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Club, Wally was made an honorary lifetime member in 2007. His presence at the Club - as well as his latest Cadillac in the parking lot - will be fondly remembered for a long time. More memories can be found here.

We wish to extend our sincere condolences to his family.

Paul Bernier and John Taylor