IN MEMORIAM

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