Athletics
Jeffrey Kaplan, 61
Died January 29, 2021.
Bishop Brady High School, Concord, NH
Mathematics, Science, Lacrosse Coach
The Bishop Brady High School community in Concord is mourning the loss of one of their own. Jeff Kaplan was a beloved teacher and coach at the school.
Kaplan died over the weekend due to complications from COVID-19, he was 61, but his legacy lives on far beyond the halls of Bishop Brady.
A native New Yorker, it was a job at Plymouth State University that brought Kaplan to New Hampshire. There, he coached offensive and defensive line, which started a decades-long coaching and teaching career in the Granite State.
“it would make me incredibly proud to see my dad on the sideline,” Kaplan’s son Matt Kaplan said.
Matt Kaplan is one of Jeff’s eight children. He said he and his siblings did not mind sharing their father with the hundreds of students he coached over the years.
“I know how great of a parent Jeff Kaplan was, and for other kids to experience not only his knowledge but again, sort of his lessons and his ideologies behind how to do things,” Matt Kaplan said. “It makes you proud as a son.”
Kaplan coached for several schools including Bishop Brady, John Stark, Pembroke Academy and Franklin High School where he started the school’s wrestling program.
“I always admired having him on the side with me when we coached wrestling together,” Former colleague Cam Sinclair said. “Because my voice, when I yelled to get my wrestler’s attention, my voice would get high and squeaky, but Jeff had this huge booming voice. So, I would yell something, and he would repeat it, so they could hear it. So, we worked well together.”
A big guy, with a big voice, but also a big heart. Someone who understood his students and knew how to lead.
“He was this kind of guy that made the kids feel good about themselves,” Former colleague Craig Kozens said. “He was demanding and knowledgeable. Just a great-hearted guy.”
Ken Stanley, 57
Died January 30, 2021.
Union Academy Charter Middle School, Monroe, NC
Mathematics, Baseball Coach
Mr. Kenneth “Ken” D. Stanley, 57, passed away January 30, 2021. Ken was born in Fairborn, Ohio on February 1, 1963 to the late Linder and Peggy Tuttle Stanley. Ken will be remembered as a loving husband and father. He was a very compassionate and loving person. He always put others before himself and did his best to help others succeed. Ken has taught at Union Academy for the past 15 years and enjoyed coaching the middle school baseball team. Ken was a avid Buckeyes, Cincinnati Reds, and Dallas Cowboys fan.
A candlelight vigil will be held on Facebook live at 6:00 PM, Wednesday, February 3, 2021 on the Union Academy Charter School Facebook page.
Ken is survived by his loving wife, Wendy Matthews; son, Ian Stanley; daughter, Morgan Hendrix (Wyatt); step-daughters, Ashley Matthews, and McKayla Matthews; brothers, Clifford Stanley (Janie), Jimi Stanley (Shelly); sisters, Kim Warren (Gordon), Carol Sarno; and best friend, Tim Adams.
In addition to his parents Ken was preceded in passing by his sister, Patti Stanley.
Gregory Hausske, 49
Died January 22, 2021.
Wilson Middle School, Yakima, WA
Health, Physical Education, Coach
Gregory (Greg) Harley Hausske, 49, was born in Yakima, WA to Doug and Jan (Cockrum) Hausske on July 20th, 1971, and passed away due to complications from COVID-19 on January 22nd, 2021 in Portland, Oregon.
If you asked ten people about Greg, their first reaction would be his smile, but if you asked them something about him, they would all tell you something different. Greg had so many interests and facets to his personality that he was liked by everyone.
Greg was a middle schooler trapped in an adult’s body. He always had a joke to make, a smile to give and an ear to listen. He loved his students, and they loved him. Whether it was Halloween, or a school dance he was DJing, people knew that he loved to dress up for any occasion. Greg was an incredible seamster and would often sew costumes for his family.
Greg graduated from Selah High School and then went to work for Western RV. He also drove a backhoe digging trenches and burying gas tanks at service stations before he realized there was more that he wanted to do with his life. Greg returned to school and graduated with honors from Central Washington University in Health and Physical Education. Right out of college he became a Health and PE teacher at Wilson Middle School in Yakima, where he spent nearly 20 years. While at Wilson, Greg made some lifetime connections with students, coworkers, and parents. He was a fantastic athlete and coached every sport you can imagine. He spent 5 years coaching with his dad, Doug, which meant the world to both of them.
In his spare time, he loved camping and skiing, and spending time with his family. Greg has loved to ski ever since he was little. Starting out with cross country and quickly moving on to the faster sport of downhill skiing. He passed his love of skiing on to his wife Rosie and to his kids. Now he will spend his time learning to ski the slopes in Heaven. We will miss him here, but God must have needed a great people person with a quirky sense of humor. Greg sure enjoyed life and packed it full for the short time that he was here.
Faith was also a big part of Greg’s life. Greg devoted his life to spread the word of Jesus and to make an impact to every life he touched. He led many youth ministries through YoungLife and Foursquare Church. He hosted YoungLife at Wilson Middle School, served as a counselor at summer camp in Oregon, and traveled across the world to Africa.
Greg was a light to so many, and his kindness, confidence, strength, and amazing sense of humor will live on. Greg always told his kids to “Follow that dream, but to always remember what anchored you,” and this is exactly how he chose to live his life. He left the legacy of #LiveLikeHausske.
He was a kind and loving partner to his spouse Rosario, as well as an amazing father to their daughters, Kaylee, Bethany, and Madison, son, Julian, and his dog Luna. He would do anything for and with them. It didn’t matter how crazy it was. He took them on fun filled camping trips, skiing, and to Disneyland… and he always chased them around with a birthday cake filled with sparklers on their birthday.
Aside from being survived by his wife and children, Greg also leaves behind his parents, Doug and Sherilyn Hausske, Jan and Brent Young, and siblings, Ann and Rich Weeks, Shannon Munzanreder, Shawn and Amy Pollock, best friends Troy Reierson and Matt Meyer, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The family will hold a virtual Celebration of Life on February 6th at 11:00 am PST. It will be live streamed via Facebook Live: https://fb.me/e/4375zG19a or, go to Facebook and search (under “Events”… “Celebration of Life: Gregory Harley Hausske.”
Joey Fine, 48
Died January 20, 2021.
Autauga Academy, Prattville, AL
Guidance Counselor, Football Chaplain
FINE, Joey Benton, 48, of Prattville, AL, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 20, 2021. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at Autauga Academy Stadium at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend T.J. Conwell officiating. Burial will follow at Calcedonia Baptist Church Cemetery, 1750 Sardis Road, Gardendale, AL, 35071 at 2:00 p.m. with Prattville Memorial directing. Joey was the senior pastor at Seasons Church in Prattville and teacher and guidance counselor at Autauga Academy. Joey was preceded in death by his father, Brady Fine; grandparents, James and Kathleen Fine; grandfather, John Glover; step-grandparents, Cecil and Margaret Bullock. He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Tammy Ware Fine; two sons, Braden Benton Fine and Carter Owen Fine; mother, Pat Bullock; stepfather, Calvin Bullock; stepmother, Judy Fine; sister, Jenifer Fine (Shawn)Kennett; brother, Jason Fine; five stepsisters, Alicia Jackson (Brad), Ashley Hullett (Bill), Kelly Walker (Robbie), Laina Goodwin and Andrea Spears (Steven); grandmother, Bernice Glover; extended family and many friends. Pallbearers will be Chad Harris, Jason Taylor, John McCann, Shawn Doss, Scott Norris and Chad Blevins. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to Seasons Church, 926 Selma Hwy, Prattville, AL, 36067. The family requests that everyone please wear a mask and bring chair if needed.
Dennis Stewart, 72
Died December 28, 2020.
Armstrong Junior/Senior High School, Kittanning, PA
Athletic Director
As a teacher, coach, assistant principal, husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Dennis Stewart sought to connect with all types of people.
Mr. Dennis E. Stewart passed away from due to the horrible Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Monday, December 28, 2020 in Kittanning, the town in which he and his wife, Karen, raised their family. He was 72.
Dennis was preceded by his father Orrie, mother Polly, and brother Orrie (Sonny). He was also preceded by his in-laws Rudy and Edith Rose.
Dennis enlisted in the Navy and served his country in the Vietnam war.
Dennis became a teacher following his service to his country. He taught History and Driver’s Education at Kittanning & Ford City Jr. & Senior High Schools respectively, where he also coached football and his great love…wrestling. Dennis was inducted with the 42nd class into the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) as a wrestling coach for his 30+ years of service.
As Dennis grew older, he transitioned to Athletic Director roles at Kittanning, Ford City and eventually Armstrong. It was the job he was meant to do. He was often found early in the morning and late at night due to his sense of dedication and love for the job, school and everyone involved. He took great pride and loved being there for sporting events. He thrived in the pressure of getting everything “just right” for the event to be successful. He cheered for all of the young men and women regardless of skill or outcome. He bled the colors he represented.
Dennis’s other great love was golf. If he wasn’t at the school, he was on the golf course. He would play like the mail is delivered…rain, snow, sleet or hail. He had a great love for the game, and the gentlemen that he played with.
Above all, his greatest love was his family. Dennis is survived by his wife Karen, of 51 years, whom he met at Kittanning Jr. High School. In addition, his two children, Scott and Elyse, their spouses Brenda and Chad. His three grandchildren, Brett, Riley and Jace. His brother William Stewart and spouse Gay and their family.
Dennis Stewart’s life will be remembered this Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at Armstrong Junior/Senior High School, 300 Buffington Dr., Kittanning, PA where you will be able to drive through the parking lot safely in your car from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The family requests guests sign or leave condolences in the virtual guestbook for Dennis at www.snydercrissman.com. Private interment will be in West Glade Run Presbyterian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dennis’s memory to Orphans of the Storm, P.O. Box 838, Kittanning, PA 16201, Armstrong Junior/Senior High Athletic Department, 300 Buffington, Kittanning, PA 16201, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the care of the Snyder-Crissman Funeral Home in Kittanning, PA.
Travis Gray, 39
Died January 20, 2021.
Lindale High School, Lindale, TX
Athletic Trainer
Travis went to be with the Lord on January 20, 2021 in Ft. Worth. Travis Allen Gray was born July 8, 1981 in Big Spring, Texas, the son of Tammy Lynn (Payne) Gray. He graduated from Big Spring High School in 1999 before attending Howard Junior College and Midwestern State University for his undergraduate studies in Athletic Training/ Sports Medicine. Travis then graduated with his master’s degree from the University of Texas at Tyler. He began his extensive career in Athletic Training with the Orthopedic Sports Center in Wichita Falls, then went on to work as an Athletic Trainer at Tyler Junior College for over five years, Head Athletic Trainer for both Brownsboro High School for four years and Chapel Hill High School for two years and most recently worked with the Lindale Independent School District as their Head Athletic Trainer. Travis was an award recipient of the Sandy Miller Most Outstanding Athletic Trainer, the 2016 East Texas Athletic Trainers Association Athletic Trainer of the year and an active member of both the Southwest Athletic Trainers Association and the East Texas Athletic Trainers Association where he served as the Chairman of the Student Trainer Workshop from 2014-2018. Travis also served as the Head Athletic Trainer for the Texas State 7v7 Football Championship Tournaments for over 10 years. “Big T” loved his work because he genuinely felt he could make a positive impact in the lives of his students. Off the field he was a wonderful son, husband and father who enjoyed watching his son play sports, being a dance dad with his daughter and traveling to the beach with his family. He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is preceded in death by his mother; grandmother, Eddie Lou Gray; aunt, Helen Ayers and brother-in-law, Benito “Nuno” Hilario.
Survivors include wife, Rita Gray of Chandler; children, Toby “Rylan” Gray of Chandler, Rhea Isabel Gray of Chandler; brother Toby Dale Gray and wife Heather of Sutton, Nebraska; niece and nephew, Gunner and June Gray; aunt and uncle, Tina and Troy Gray; grandfather, Travis Lamar Gray of Big Spring; mother-in-law, Anita Casillas of Big Spring; brothers and sisters-in-law, Sonyia Melendez and husband Richard, Anthony Hilario and wife Lupita, Barbara Hilario, Tommy Hilario, Richard Hilario and wife Mary, Rudy Hilario and wife Rosa; numerous nieces nephews and a host of other family members and friends.
A visitation will be held from 1-3:00 p.m. Saturday prior to services at Rock Hill. Serving as pallbearers will be Steven “Flaco” Offield, Chuck Smith, Eddy McGuire, AJay Bonner, Mike Ross, Jake Foster, Matt Lawdermilk, Andy Rankin, Richard Melendez, Marcus Melendez, Brent Smith, Justin Waltz, Jason Hooker, Josh Turner, Ryan Hood and Juan Melgoza. Honorary pallbearers with be his Athletic Trainer colleagues.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked for donations to be made to the Tragedy Fund for Travis Gray at any Southside Bank location or to the Lindale Independent School District Education Foundation Travis Gray Memorial Grant. Services were entrusted to the Chandler Memorial Funeral Home Family.To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Travis Allen Gray please visit our Tribute Store.
Todd Schonhar, 57
Died January 26, 2021.
John B. Connally High School, Austin, TX
Physical Education, Football & Track Coach
Todd Lee Schonhar, “Coach Sho”, of Leander, TX passed away on January 26, 2021 at the age of 57. He was born on December 30, 1963 in Newark, Ohio to Charles Lee Schonhar and Katherine Baggs Schonhar. Todd Schonhar married Julia Garrison Barton in 1990 in her parent’s hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada. They were married 31 years at the time of his passing.
Todd graduated from Easley High School in Easley South Carolina in 1982. He went to Clemson University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education in 1986 and a Master in Education in 1989. Todd played football and baseball at Clemson earning letters in Football in 1985 and 1986 as a reserve Quarterback and Holder and was named to the Academic All-ACC team in 1986. After graduation, Todd was a Graduate Assistant on Danny Ford’s Clemson coaching staff from 1987 to 1990 and subsequently a Graduate Assistant at the University of Oklahoma from 1990 to 1991.
Todd enjoyed a successful career as a college and high school football coach for 34 years. In 1991, Todd and Julia moved to DeKalb, Illinois, where Todd was the Assistant Coach for Running Backs and assisted in Special Team Play at Northern Illinois University until 1998. From 1998 to 2000, he was the Assistant Coach for Receivers at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. Todd was also the Varsity Assistant Coach for the 5A Texas State Football Champions at North Shore High School in Houston in 2003. Afterwards, he moved to Tarleton State University to serve as the Offensive Coordinator from 2005 to 2007 and later became the Quarterback coach at Stephen F. Austin from 2007 to 2012. He then moved to Austin, Texas where he was the Quarterback Coach and Special Teams Coordinator at Stony Point High School and Offensive Coordinator at Pflugerville Connally High School, both in Austin, Texas. Todd spent his life tirelessly teaching and mentoring his players and students. Todd was able to “connect” with his players and help them thrive and succeed, not just on the football field, but also more importantly in life as leaders.
A gifted athlete, Todd was a scratch golfer and could often be found on the golf course in his spare time and competed for qualification in the 2003 British Open. Recently, he enjoyed volunteering at the WGC Dell Match Play in various roles.
Todd impacted hundreds of people far and wide through his association with teaching, coaching, mentoring and volunteering. He loved to be surrounded by family and was at his happiest when they were near. Todd was well known for his dry wit and sense of humor. He was a master of impersonations and found great joy in making people laugh and smile.
Todd is survived by his wife, Julia Barton Schonhar of Leander, Texas; his parents, Charles Lee Schonhar and Katherine Baggs Schonhar of Easley, South Carolina; his brother Mark and Theresa Schonhar and their children, Drew, Megan, Josh and Lyndy of Easley, South Carolina; and his sister Amy Schonhar Jackson and husband Todd Jackson and their children, Hannah and Abby of Greer, South Carolina; Sisters in law Valerie Barton, Alison Stroh, Jacque Barton and Sara Shulman of Austin, Texas and niece Alison Barton and nephew Ethan Stroh and great niece Mallory.
The Todd L. Schonhar Memorial Scholarship, a non-profit scholarship to honor Todd, provides funds to a deserving student on an annual basis. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please click on this link Todd Schonhar Memorial Scholarship to make a contribution to his fund. Through your generous donations, Todd’s legacy will continue to provide opportunities to students for years to come. Celebration of Life plans will be shared as they are finalized.
Matthew Beaver, 40
Died January 19, 2021.
Knox Middle School, Salisbury, NC
Physical Education, Basketball & Tennis Coach
Matthew Dale Beaver left this earth for his heavenly home on January 19, 2021. Matthew was born November 24, 1980 in Christiansburg, Virginia. Matt married the love of his life, Ruth Voorhis Beaver on June 13, 2015. Matt and Ruthie were blessed with their son, Jackson Dale Beaver (5) and their daughter Ella Joanne Beaver (3). Matthew’s parents are Dale A. Beaver and Marsha Wilhelm Beaver of Rockwell, NC and Dianne Newton Lynch and Douglas Wayne Lynch of Meadows of Dan, VA. Matthew is also loved and cherished by his sister Adina Beaver Martin and husband Michael Dean Martin of New Castle, VA, nephews Alexander Craig Straight (Madison), Andrew Bridgley Straight, and Ethan Michael Martin, as well as uncles, aunts and a host of cousins. Matthew was preceded in death by his infant twin brother Joshua Alexander Beaver.
Matthew graduated from East Rowan High School in 1999. He went on to Graduate from Piedmont Bible College and High Point University with degrees in Health and Physical Education. Matthew was a member of the Piedmont Bible College basketball team. He was recognized by High Point University as the spring 2006 Outstanding Student Teacher and Outstanding Physical Education Major. Matt taught Physical Education and coached basketball and tennis at Knox Middle School and was a member of Charity Baptist Church in Kannapolis. Matthew Dale Beaver loved. He loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and openly and actively shared that love with everyone he came in contact with. Family, friends, coworkers, students, and strangers all knew that love by the infectious smile and laugh that was always part of Matt’s gift to us all. Matthew Dale Beaver experienced joy. He experienced the joy of his salvation, the joy of his dear family, and now “joy unspeakable and full of glory” with his Savior in heaven. Matt’s desire would be for others to know this love and joy through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Arrangments: A service to celebrate Matt’s life will be held at Charity Baptist Church, 2420 Brantley Rd #6402, Kannapolis, NC 28083, at 4:00pm, on Monday, January 25, 2021. Friends and relatives may attend. Social distancing will be practiced and masks are strongly encouraged. The service may also be viewed live stream by going to https://www.charity.church/watch.
Memorials for Matthew may be made to the family at https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-family-of-husband-teacher-m-beaver or to a charity of your choice. Powles Staton Funeral Home is assisting the Beaver family. Online condolences may be made at www.powlesfuneralhome.com.
Michael Floyd, 50
Died January 28, 2021.
The Montgomery Academy, Montgomery, AL
History, Track & Field Coach
Mchael Preston Floyd, 50, of Montgomery, Alabama, died Thursday, January 28th, from complications of Covid-19.
He was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, to Shirley Wade Floyd and the late Robert Donald Floyd, Jr. He is survived by his brother Donald Floyd (Lisa), nieces Hailey Floyd, Lindsey Floyd and nephew Samuel Floyd, beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and his faithful furry companion, Jackson.
Michael graduated from E. C. Glass High School and Frostburg State University. After obtaining his degree in History and Education, he went on to teach his favorite subject AP World History, and coach young athletes in track and field, cross country, and pole vault (a special favorite). For the last ten years Michael made his home in Alabama, while serving as teacher and a head coach at The Montgomery Academy. He was devoted to his students and athletes and he worked tirelessly to help them succeed in academics, athletics and life.
Michael found opportunities to serve the broader Montgomery community by organizing and hosting the Race for Hunger Track Meet, which gave students and athletes an opportunity to raise funds to support the Montgomery Area Food Bank.
Michael’s family, friends, students, and colleagues will greatly miss him. A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
The Floyd family recommends the following charities for anyone who wishes to make a contribution in Michael’s memory:
The Montgomery Academy Track and Field Program
Montgomery Area Food Bank 521 Trade Center Street Montgomery, AL 36108
Paul Thompson, 66
Died January 12, 2021.
Palm Desert High School, Palm Desert, CA
Food Services, Soccer Coach
Youth soccer coach Paul Thompson coached players back in 2014 at the Hovely Soccer Park in Palm Desert.
It’s a place where for years he coached, sometimes multiple teams in a single season.
He impacted many lives including Mark Morocco.
Devastated, still crying, don’t know what to think,” said Morocco when talking about Thompson’s death.
Morocco says he first met coach Thompson on a little league baseball field in Cathedral City when Morocco was 7 years old.
He remained friends with Thompson until his death Tuesday at a valley hospital.
Morocco says he was taking sandwiches every other week to Thompson, who was mostly staying at home since the pandemic began.
“They don’t make people like him anymore and they are hard to replace,” said Morocco.
Morocco says one of his favorite memories of Thompson happened last year, when the two joined a group of Los Angeles Dodgers fans giving food, clothing and blankets to homeless people on Skid Row.
Morocco says Coach Thompson once told him that the coach would like to have his name inscribed on a bench at Civic Center Park in Palm Desert and on a bench at Hovely Soccer Park.
At Palm Desert High School, Thompson worked full-time in food services.
A district representative says Thompson was a student favorite and sold food from a cart at lunch time.
Coach Pat Blackburn speaks fondly of Thompson, who also for years shot video of Aztec football games.
“When I think about him I think about giving, you know he just gave himself everyday,” said Blackburn.
Morocco says Thomson was single and did not have family in the area.
But those who knew him and who were touched by him consider the coach family.
“There is a lot of people in the community that are going to be heartbroken,” said Morocco.