Liebster Ken,
ich war heute auf deiner Trauerfeier; unglaublich viele verschiedene Menschen waren dort. Viele kannten sich nur von h� sagen. Doch �ich wurde fast immer das gleiche gesagt. Eine riese Pers�chkeit mit einem riesen Herz. Soviel Tr㭥n sind heute geflossen und zu Boden gefallen. Deine Mutter war am Telefon auch dabei. Viele sch�Erinnerungen und Phrasen aus deinem Leben wurden erz㧬t. Jeder hat eine Kerze f�h entz�..man vermochte sie garnicht zu z㧬en. Wir alle waren an dem Ort wo du wom�ch mit deine sch�e Zeit in Europa verbracht hast. Als ob du dagewesen w㱳t.
Ich lernte dich Klavier schleppend und als riesen Mann kennen- erst mit der Zeit wuÞ´e ich was man an dir als Menschen hat.(hatte)
Keiner kann einem sagen was man h㳴e tun k�n. Soviel hast du gegeben und zum Ende konnten wir dir nichts geben was dich bei uns hielt. Ich danke Gott f� Momente wo ich ein Teil deines Lebens sein durfte! Der Alltag rei޴ uns alle weiter die Zeit zuverweilen und es zu verarbeiten f㫬t schwer. Doch irgendwie bist du bei uns allen und das ist etwas was uns niemand nehmen kann du bist ein Teil von uns allen und wirst somit immer bei uns sein!

Du wirst nie vergessen und wenn ein Windhauch uns ber�ind es vielleicht deine Engelsschwingen die uns ein kleines hallo senden wollen...

In liebe deine kat

Dearest Ken,
I was today on your funeral service; there unbelievably many different humans were. Many knew each other only of hear to say. But over you the same was nearly always said. Giant a personality with a giant heart. As much tears flowed today and to soil please. Your mother also participated at the telephone. Many beautiful memories and cliches from your life were told. Everyone does not have a candle for you ignitedÂ… one was able it to count. We all were at the place where you possibly with your most beautiful time in Europe spent. As if you were Trade Union of German Employees nature.
I learned you piano sluggishly and as a giant man knowing only with the time knew I which one at you as humans have. (had)
none can to one say which one have done could. As much you and to the end gave could we you nothing give which you with us held. I thank God for the moments where I a part of your life to be was allowed! The everyday life tears us all the far time zuverweilen and it to process falls heavily. But you somehow are with us all and that are something which us nobody take can you are some of us all and with us will thus always be!
You are never forgotten and if a wind breath us perhaps your angel rockers are affected us a small hello to send to wantÂ…

Into dear yours kat

Sorry for the bad English
15.03.2009 18:23 - kat

Ken shared and help spread his love of lacrosse to so many people and will live on in all of the lives he has so greatly touched.
14.03.2009 20:58 - Jill Apel

Dear Ken,
it was so sad to hear from your passing. You were such a great guy, always having funny anecdotes and life lessons to tell and yet spreading an aura of seriousness and respekt when it was needed. You were always motivating, fair and making sure we would honor the R.O.O.T.S on and beside the field! You brought joy to the game and taught us real sportsmenship. We will never forget! I am so thankfull that our lifelines have touched! Thank you for everything and God bless you Ken!
Good bye until we meet again,
Jaris



13.03.2009 18:52 - Jarislav v. Zitzewitz/former Braves #5

I met Ken, "Gooch," in the late 80s when we both worked at student services at Columbia College. He was such a dear friend to me in college. I cannot begin to express the comfort that he brought to my life while we were at Columbia together. I always felt very taken care of when we were together. Afterwards we stayed in touch for many years. His correspondance was amazing. He'd send letters written on airplane bags, he'd send little packets of salt and pepper from the plane, he'd send gifts and books, and an occasional photo from some far off locale. My nickname was monicabear and he sent me a pooh bear t-shirt that I wore until it fell apart. I remember his surprise visit to me while I was with family in Phoenix Arizona. He even had a gift for my mother during that visit - that she loved and still talks about. I deeply regret that in 2004 when I was going through a really difficult divorce, I let our correspondance completely lapse. During this past September, I googled him and found his pictures, etc on the lacrosse sites and he looked happy and busy and I felt I had plenty of time to reconnect in the future. A couple days ago, I saw a picture I had of us and I put it on facebook. How devastated I was that tonight when I finally decided to begin reconnecting, I learned that it was far too late. To his family, I can only say that your loss and grief must be overwhelming and I'm so very sorry. To me he was always honest, kind, compassionate, and generous. I will miss him and his friendship greatly.
12.03.2009 04:06 - Monica Ratliff

I knew Ken as "Gooch", as I am sure many of you did as well. Gooch was my brother in the Sigma Chi Fraternity, Nu Nu Chapter at Columbia University in the City of New York. As has already been said, he was larger than life. For someone who didn't know Gooch, they wouldn't understand why his passing is so stunning. We had many an adventure together in the summer of 1992 traveling across Europe and in particular to my ancestoral home country of Latvia. I am not surprised that he stayed in Europe since. It has been many years since I spoke with him, but I can hear his voice and see his smile like it was yesterday. I'll finish with one of his favorite Grateful Dead lyrics from the song Cassidy...
Fare thee well now, let your life proceed by its own design.
Nothing to tell now, let the words be yours, Im done with mine.
Fare thee well now, let your life proceed by its own design.
Nothing to tell now, let the words be yours, Im done with mine.

Gooch, I will miss you.
11.03.2009 14:06 - Matt Weber

Ken, one thought that comes to my mind is yours: to play with joy is the most important thing in a game. ... be with joy, I miss you,
Lucie
11.03.2009 06:26 - Lucie Ruzkova, Praque

You were larger than life, magnificent, painfully intelligent--truly one of a kind. Your brilliance shines even though you are gone, never to be extinguished.

Sincere condolences to your immediate family and your European family-at-large.
10.03.2009 14:15 - Christie Clifford Salema, longtime friend from Columbia-days

Ken was a great guy and will be truely missed. I remember most when he came over paying on his own to ref our first ever lacrosse game in Italy. He helped me out with my game in so many ways with pointers and so on. Always had a smile and would never hesitate to crack a joke.

Sympathy goes out to his family and close friends.

-Pat Cosenza Former Member of Team Italy
10.03.2009 10:57 - Patrick Cosenza-

I could not believe it when I heard the news of Ken's passing. I will never forget the many times he came to Rome, paying out of his own pocket, to referee our annual tournament, including the first official game of lacrosse ever played in Italy in Spring, 2002. He never expected anything in return, except for maybe an Italy Lacrosse t-shirt. Since then, I would see Ken regularly at lacrosse events all over the world. I always felt that he was like that cousin that I would see a couple times a year at family events, and even though we didn't always agree with each other, we were still part of the same lacrosse family. We had a similar passion of wanting to help lacrosse grow in Europe. And I know this often came before our day job's and careers.
I also will remember when Ken snuck away from his duties at The World Lax Championships Perth, 2002 to join the Italian team at our big spaghetti dinner. After all, Galuccio was Italian.
I always tried to bring him over to our side, but his heart was truly with German Lacrosse.
The world lacrosse family is gonna miss ya Gooch.



09.03.2009 16:05 - Robert Corna - Italy Lacrosse

As immediate past Lacrosse Australia Referee in Chief, I had many dealings with Ken particularly with respect to the Under 19's international format. His dedication, enthusiasm and passion for the advancement of the sport and particularly Refereeing will be sadly missed.My condolences to Ken's relatives.
08.03.2009 22:54 - Peter Noble

heute auf den Tag genau bist du zwei Wochen Tod. Ich schreibe nun zum dritten mal. Es tut so wahnsinnig weh zu wissen das es dich nicht mehr gibt. Ich vermisse dich sehr. Ich will es einfach nicht glauben das du nicht mehr lebst. Ich denke jeden Tag an dich - ich bin traurig, sehr traurig. Ich weigere mich zu trauern um dich, obwohl ich weiß das ich irgendwann damit anfangen muß. Hier in meiner Welt geht der Alltag weiter, alles ist wie immer - doch du mein lieber fehlst !
Zu gerne denke ich an unsere gemeinsame Zeit zurück. Kannst du dich an unsere letzten Worte erinnern ? Jeden Abend wenn es dunkel wird schaue ich in den Himmel, denke an dich undweine um dich.
Erinnerst du dich an den letzten gemeinsamen Abend ? Ich schon. Danke mein lieber - danke dir für alles was du mir und vielen anderen gegeben hast. Als Freund habe ich dich lieb. Irgenwann sehen wir uns wieder !
Es tut so sehr weh das du nicht mehr da bist !
Mein guter Freund Kenneth E. Galluccio

Dein Klaus 0172 / 4469496
08.03.2009 13:17 - Mein lieber Kenneth,

Bei meinem Turnier in Brüssel hatte Ken Angst um mich, da ich damals der Kleinste war und das auch noch als Goalie. Er fragte mich, ob ich mein cup anhatte und ähnliches. Und im nachhinein staunte er über mich, weil ich keine Angst vor den Großen hatte. Ken hat mir Mut gemacht und mir Tipps in den Pausen gegeben. Schade dass ich ihn nie mehr sehen werde.
07.03.2009 11:48 - Frederic, Stuttgart Dragons #1

Im Gedenken an Ken Galluccio

Das Jugend-Team der Stuttgart Dragons hat einen großen Freund und Förderer verloren. Ken hat beim Aufbau unseres jungen Teams mit Rat und vor allem auch Tat geholfen, wir haben aus Gesprächen während der Spieltage viel über Lacrosse von ihm erfahren und haben großen Respekt vor seinen Leistungen als Referee gehabt. Er wird dem ganzen Lacrosse-Sport fehlen, und jedem von uns. Wir sind sehr traurig.

Das Team der Stuttgart Dragons mit Trainern und Bettreuern
07.03.2009 06:57 - iss stuttgart dragons

Ken: Thank you for showing our children what commitment, passion, and service looks like. You demonstrated those concepts every day through your love for the sport of lacrosse.
06.03.2009 07:23 -

Ken,

Heaven now has the best photographer and organizer in the business.
We celebrate your life with all the fond memories and pictures gathered from meeting you around the Lacrosse world.
We miss you buddy.
Throw the flag in peace.

Rolfe & Shelley Kraus - Perth, Western Australia
05.03.2009 06:55 - Rolfe & Shelley Kraus

Lieber Ken,
der Schock sitzt mir immer noch tief in den Knochen und das realisieren das du nicht mehr bei uns bist fällt mir schwer.
Du hinter lässte bei uns allen ein riesen Loch. Nicht nur im Lacrosse Sport sonderen vor allem als guter Freund und Mensch.
Ich möchte mich bei dir entschuldgen das unsere Bekanntschaft nicht immer gute Seiten hatte und das ich dich in Frage gestellt habe. Bitte verzeih mir.
Wir werden dich alle nie vergessen. Wann immer ein Lacrosser hier in Deutschland das Spielfeld betritt tut er das ein Stück weit für dich und in deinem Namen.
Ruhe in Frieden.


05.03.2009 05:15 - Chris - Düsseldorf Antlers

Hallo Ken,

leider habe ich erst heute von Deinem Tod erfahren, Du warst für uns die Stütze und der Helfer für den Aufbau unserer Jugendlacrosse Mannschaft in Stuttgart.
Nun hast Du für immer den Schläger aus der Hand gelegt, wir sind unsagbar traurig, Danke für Alles

04.03.2009 17:04 - Andreas & Raveen Friedrichs

Lieber Ken,
ich war und bin total erschüttert über Deinen Tod.Du hast meine Jungs zum Lacrosse gebracht, Du hattest immer ein freundliches Wort und einen Witz auf den Lippen, Du hattest so viel Humor, Du hast ihnen einen Zugang zu dieser wundervollen Sportart geschenkt, hast mit ihnen Englisch geredet....Es ist so unendlich traurig, dass wir Dein Lachen nie wieder hören werden..
Ich wünsche Dir von ganzem Herzen, dass Deine Seele ihren Frieden findet wird, dort , wo sie jetzt ist und bin unendlich traurig, dass sie es leider auf dieser Erde , mit all diesen lieben Freunden , dennoch nicht bermochte.
Karin
04.03.2009 13:21 - Karin Möller, Mutter von Jonathan, Fynn und Caspar

I will miss you my friend. Your committment to our game was inspiring and we are all saddened by your passing. Have a great game with all the gang in heaven.
04.03.2009 12:07 - MIke LaLeune, Lacrosse Nova Scotia Canada

This is to notify everyone that the first lacrosse book printed for a wide German audience, "Handbuch Lacrosse" (by Dr. Maud Hietzge), going to print this friday, has been dedicated to Ken.
The upcoming ELM 14 as well.
Ken, this does not bring you back, but it is just another deserved tribute to you.
Michael

04.03.2009 11:50 - Michael Hoeck

Ken, I thought you were crazy when you said that you were going to live in Germany, now I see you followed your dreams and passions. The things you have accomplished just amaze me. Not to many people follow their dreams and see them come true. By the bloggs that I have read, you have touched so many people around the world which is a true testiment to your character. As for me, I will always remember the bulldogs days, which include playing football together, wrestling, hanging out, beach hangouts and seeing you in the middle of the road in the Hamptons while I was driving down the street when you came home from Germany. I am deeply saddend that you have passed. The world has lost a great man! I will always remember you as a "Lindy Bulldog", "The Gooch" and "My Friend". Tom
03.03.2009 19:36 - Thomas Muellers

Ken ist im deutschen Lacrosse omnipräsent. Dass er über die Grenzen Hamburgs hinaus Herzblut für unseren geliebten Sport gab, hat uns alle in den Jahren weitergebracht. So trivial es klingt, ohne seine fantastischen Fotos wären sämtliche Lacrosseflyer in Deutschland farblos und alle Großevents undokumentiert. Und wie wir alle wissen, ist das bei Weitem nicht das einzige was er fürs Lacrosse getan hat.

Ken - tausend Dank für all die Einflüße und Taten!

Im Namen von Frankfurt Lacrosse,
Richi
03.03.2009 18:51 - Richard Pflaume - Frankfurt Lacrosse

Lieber Ken,

es fällt mir schwer hier die richtgen Worte zu finden. Dennoch sollst du wissen, dass ich Dir für all deine Hingabe zu unserem Sport und die daraus erwachsenen Früchte unendlich dankbar bin. Noch viel danbarer bin ich für die unvergesslich schönen Momente der WM in Kanada. Dein Einsatz machte es zu einer einzigartigen Erfahrung, auf die ich immer mit Stolz zurückblicken kann. Am dankbarsten bin ich Dir jedoch für deine Worte Anfang 2008. Du hast den Ball damals richtig ins Rollen gebracht. Mit einem derartigen Schwung, sodass dieser noch viele Jahre in Bewegung bleiben wird...

Goodbye Ken

03.03.2009 15:47 - René Thomas - Düsseldorf Antlers

Ken has been one of my dearest friends for the past 15 years. I owe much to him in my career as a writer on the subject of lacrosse, and he lent tireless encouragement and selflessly made arrangements for me to be involved in European lacrosse-- from giving presentations on Indian lacrosse at summer camps, to writing articles for the European journal. He was one of the most giving humans I have had the pleasure of knowing. Ken rarely thought about himself, spending all of his time, energy, and often funds on helping others. The loss of Ken creates a large hole in the European scene; as we all know, he was doing the work of several people. Aside from lacrosse, Ken and I shared a love of the music of the Grateful Dead. I conjure an image of his smiling face, as he dances to "Shakedown Street" in the hereafter-- probably after refereeing Penobscott Indian games in the distant heavens.
03.03.2009 15:42 - Dr. Thomas Vennum, Tucson, Arizona

Nach über einer Woche finde ich Worte und kann es dabei immer noch nicht wirklich glauben. Nie wieder ein Lacrosse-Spiel mit Ken? Für mich immer noch unvorstellbar!!

Mein aufrichtiges Beleid und Mitgefühl gilt der Familie von Ken und seinen Freunden!!

Wie auch für viele andere war Ken einer meiner ersten Erfahrungen mit Lacrosse – und damals spielte ich noch gar nicht..
Wenn es eine Person gibt, die ich mit Lacrosse verbinde, dann war er es. Eine Person, die immer im Bestreben Lacrosse in Deutschland voranzubringen, sich auch nicht scheute anzuecken und eine große Lücke in Lacrosse-Deutschland hinterlässt, die wohl auch niemand schließen können wird.

Mit ihm ist auch irgendwie ein bisschen Lacrosse gestorben.

Goodbye, Ken!

Ulli

03.03.2009 09:40 - Ulli ehem. VfK/jetzt BLAX a.D.

Ken

The news reached Japan with such a surprise and quickly embraced us with indescribable sadness. It was only few months ago that we have communicated with you, and we could not sense any ill happening that seem to have been destined to come so shortly.

You have been the vanguard of German Lacrosse which was started at about the same time as Japan Lacrosse was. We were the new generation of Lacrosse programs in the world, which triggered today's momentum to grow as an international sporting program. In no doubt, you have been the central figure and the driving force to have it happen. The world of Lacrosse has lost one great leadership and contributor in the area of development and global administration of the programs.

On behalf of The Japan Lacrosse Association, I would like to send Ken's family deepest condolence and our regret to the loss of loved one who passed away in such a hurry. We all will keep remembering Ken as closest friend of Lacrosse

With regrets
2009, February 25th

Hiroshi Kimura
President,
The Japan Lacrosse Association
03.03.2009 02:01 - Hiroshi Kimura, President, Japan Lacrosse Association

I first met Ken in the 2003 U19 World Games in Baltimore. Ken and I hit it off and became very close throughout the tournament as fellow officials. He told me about his lacrosse experiences in Germany and how he had to find construction work and other odd jobs to supplement income to keep him over in Germany and working on his passion LACROSSE. He liven and gave all of what he had to the sport. When we parted ways we traded polo shirts and I still keep his referee shirt close to me and will think of him every time I wear it. Ken will truely be missed and will be hopefull be memoralized for his efforts in Germany and for Europe lacrosse. His legacy will live forever.
02.03.2009 21:16 - Ty Wilkinson - IOC Official (Dayton, OH)

ken you are my oldest and dearest friend we met when we were 12 yrs old and our friendship started when we were placed on the same bowling team at werners bowling alley.we remained "brothers" for 28 years and just recently talked before christmas.ive read all these messages mostly from people that met you after your move to germany and some from people who new you before.you touched more lives in your 40 years with us than anyone on this earth.im writing this memoir so i can share with all your friends the kid i grew up with.
ken and i met when he was in 7th grade and we were on the same bowling team.he was the only one in the whole league that had a 16lb ball and could throw a wicked curve.he and i instantly bonded as we both were extremely competitive an were league champs our first season. i was the captain for only the first season and at the end of the season he had already taken control of the team and we remained champs for 4 years.ken and i had totally different personalities and he always said that was the reason we were so tight.i was there for him thru the death of his dad when we were kids.his mom was very independant and ken had to grow up faster than all of us.she gave him tough love and because of her he developed into the strong man he was.she was a tough woman and you could always count on her to give you her opinion. you may have not agreed with her but she let you know her feelings never the less.because of her love and affection he grew up to be the man you all knew and admired.he always told me the hardest thing he ever did was to move to europe and leave her behind with his twin sister karen and older brother doug.he always felt guilty feeling he was being selfish but she would have none of it and selflessly made him follow his own path in life.
he lived life his way and was a little lost and lonely sometimes always waiting for the right girl to come along.even a few weeks ago he told my mom he was still looking for the right one cause he only wanted to do it once.
as different as we were kenny never judged anyone and always looked for the good side of people.we went thru bowling,boy scouts junior high and high school together and always remained best friends. i remember moving him into his dorm at columbia carrying all his furniture and stuff up 3 floors cause there was no elevator and my reward was he took me to a fancy chinese restaurant in manhatten and i ate my first flaming duck.ever time he came back to the states he stopped by to see me and my family.he was my brother and recently told my mom she was like a second mother.he left a void in my heart that will never be filled and ill miss him dearly for ever.
the best surprise i ever had was him surprising me at my wedding.he followed the photographer around made sure he was in every table picture.my wife and i laughed last nite looking thru our wedding album kenny posing in each pic.
kenny is one of the special ones that we're all lucky and blessed to have had him in our lives and his memory will live with some of us forever
rest in peace my friend as you were taken away way to early and well miss you forever

02.03.2009 20:54 - scott hermann

Ken Galluccio

On behalf of the Federation of International Lacrosse, the Executive Board and the member nations, WE extend our deepest sympathies to Ken's family and friends. He was a dedicated pioneer in developing lacrosse throughout Europe and the world. Germany will be most saddened by his passing as he provided the tireless energy and organization for the growth of lacrosse in that country.

All of the FIL members will certainly miss Ken at the upcoming World Events and meetings. He would have captured the passion and camaraderie of the world of lacrosse from his camera.

The world of international lacrosse will never be the same without you, Ken.







02.03.2009 19:09 - Feffie Barnhill - Federation of International Lacrosse, President

Dear Ken,

I will always remember you. You taught me more than Lacrosse during the ten years I have known you. I'm speechless. I look at the picture, your voice and laughter fill the room...

In deep grief - Your friend Leo

02.03.2009 15:59 - Leo (Blax/Langenfeld Lancers)

Hey Ken !

Your favoured greeting followed by a bear hug and sincere embrace - struggling after reading so many lovely thoughts - just wanted to say thanks for a few things ...

- for being the brother I never had
- for teaching me how to referee with my eyes
- for staying with me and drinking my out of date beers as you watched the entire series of Sex & the City
- for destroying my hotel room in London with your 6 backpacks
- for looking after us at all those German tournaments - Berlin, Hamburg, Kiel, Passau, Munchen...........
- for introducing us to the "Golden Girls"
- for the blue flags and shirts in Amsterdam so we didn't look so like officials
- for all the lovely gifts every time we showed up at tournaments - Adidas DM2002 bag beside me now
- for being so positive even in the face of adversity
- for that smile that stood out like a beacon in a sea of faces
- for always being more interested in others than in yourself
- for being you Ken

To your parents thank you for Ken and the time he spent with us - he was truly blessed with a rare gift that meant so much to so many in such a tragically short time - God Bless x
-
02.03.2009 13:41 - Philip Long

Ken,
Die Nachricht von deinem Tod hat mich sehr getroffen. Deine Leistungen, dein Engagement und dein Herz für Lacrosse werden nie vergessen sein.
Ruhe in Frieden.
Lachi

02.03.2009 12:51 - Christoph Lachmund

Dear Ken,

I don't remember when you have come for the first time to Prague but I remember what you have told me that time..It is going to be hard job but you will love it...
Since then six Prague Cups and one European Championchip have been organized in Prague and I know you were right. I wanted to tell you thanks so many times for all your contribution. I knew you would love this summer World Cup in Prague....
Last Sunday we had a World Cup 2009 meeting just to bethink of you. You will be with us MEN this summer! All your pictures will be a great accompany to this event under your remembrance. I believe you found the lax heaven with angels playing lacrosse. We miss you a lot!

Your forever Czech lax veteran :) Barbara
and Women's lacrosse World Cup 2009 Committee
02.03.2009 09:40 - Barbara Klimoszkova

Wir vermissen Dich, Deine Templer
02.03.2009 08:55 - Olaf ein Freund

Lieber Ken,
Ich weiß nicht wie ich dir für die Erfahrungen, Erfolge und den Spaß in Canada danken soll. Es war eine unglaublich schöne Zeit, die sicher ohne dich nicht möglich gewesen wäre.
Schade, dass ich dich nicht früher besser kennengelernt habe.

Ruhe in Frieden
02.03.2009 05:17 - Jakob Willisch, BHC

Ken,
We met in Stockholm in 1997 and from that moment we began a friendship rooted in the game we love.
Our field moment that we will treasure was "Air Mikey" in Passau in '99. My zebra hat you gave me in Perth '02 was the best gift ever! We roomed up in A'dam '03 and had great fun touring the canals. We will miss you Ken as you gave tirelessly to advance the German & European game. Say hello to the creator and rest in peace!
01.03.2009 19:32 - Ace & Mikey Ventura

Kenny,

My Tuscarora grandpa told me I would meet a big-hearted Bear

someday. I did not understand this until I met you. The size of

your heart has filled the Ursa Major constellation and caused it

to shine more brightly for the Lacrosse clan. Thank you.


Frank Davis
Tuscarora Nation, Haudenosaunee
Iroquois Nations Referee


01.03.2009 17:34 - Frank Davis

I remember 1995 when I attended my first lacrosse tournament. I watched you from the sideline standing tall in the cage when a desperate Kiel defender cleared the ball Hail Mary across the whole field to a young and talented attacker. He did not recognize you stomping out of the crease when longing for the ball. As soon as he caught the ball and turned you reached the boy to knock him into the hot dog stand. This was my first and quite impressive lesson I learned from you...
Years later we were running a referee clinic in Düsseldorf and I wanted to take the exam for the black license. Since I had to copy the tests, we had a "questioning" in my car when I took you to the hotel the evening before. I've never told you, that it took almost twice the time, because I lost my way several times – Man, you had your way…

I don't get it that you left.

01.03.2009 16:37 - Jochen Hallmann

Dear Ken,
I started writing this a few times, tried hard but could not finish because of tears in my eyes.

Once we played together (Berlin Open, a long time ago). Once we worked together (European Championship, 2004). We met many times but a lot of words remained unsaid. I will miss you. Really.

Petr
01.03.2009 16:10 - Petr Tahal, Praha

Ken,

dein Abschied von uns kommt so überraschend. Ich habe erst nach einer Woche den Mut zusammengenommen um diese paar Zeilen zu schreiben. Du hast mir mit der U21 Weltmeisterschaft in Kanada das beste Erlebnis in meinem Leben möglich gemacht. Deine Leidenschaft und Hingabe haben uns diese Ergebnisse gebracht. All diese Erfolge und Momente hätten wir nie ohne dich erleben können. Es tut mir leid, dass unsere letzten Wortwechsel nicht schöne Themen beinhielten. Ich werde meine Respektlosigkeit dir gegenüber immer bedauern. Ich hoffe du kannst mir verzeihen.

Lolo

01.03.2009 12:00 - Lorenz Lehmhaus, Düsseldorf Antlers

I have not seen Ken in many years. We played Lacrosse together. We were in Boy Scouts together. He truely was a great guy and the world will be a lesser place without him.

Eric Esposito
Lindenhurst, NY
01.03.2009 11:57 - Eric Esposito

As chairman of the Cheadle Lacrosse Junior section
i had alot of meetings with Ken both in Hamburg and in Cheadle when he brought over a junior team.
He looked after us all very well when in Hamburg,
always organising and dealing with anything the kids asked of him, he will be very sadly missed by all at Cheadle .

01.03.2009 11:46 - Bob Carney

Lieber Ken...

Wir alle, die wir hier etwas geschrieben haben und noch schreiben werden, sind auf der Suche nach den passenden Worten und können doch nur im Ansatz unserem Empfinden Ausdruck verleihen.

Liest man jedoch nur einen Teil dieser Beiträge entsteht ein Bild, von dem wer du warst, von der Lücke welche du hinterlässt und den Erinnerungen an dich, die ein jeder für immer in seinem Herzen tragen wird.

Manch einer wird sich wünschen er hätte dich besser gekannt, andere wünschten sich sie hätten dich überhaupt gekannt und wir alle stellen fest, wir sind mit unserer Trauer nicht allein.

Es macht uns traurig, dass du den Respekt und die Liebe, welche wir alle für dich empfinden, nicht in ausreichender Form zu spüren bekamst, vielleicht deinen eigenen Wert selbst nicht spüren konntest.

Zurück bleiben wir mit einem Gefühl von Trauer, Fassungslosigkeit, Machtlosigkeit...
denn zurückholen können wir dich leider nicht!

Ken, wir werden dich vermissen!

Unsere aufrichtige Anteilnahme gilt seiner Familie und Freunden.

Claudia und Aleco
European Lacrosse Magazine


01.03.2009 10:19 - Claudia und Aleco

Lieber Ken,
ich kannte dich zwar nicht lange, aber diese Zeit hat gereicht um mir zu zeigen was du für eine große Person bist. Die Lücke die du hinterlässt ist kaum zu füllen. Du warst stehts fair als Schiedsrichter aber auch immer hilfsbereit auf und auch abseits des Platzes.

Ich hoffe du findest den Frieden den du dir erwünscht hast.

Phillip "Schrotti" Rotthaus (Co-Captain)#23 Düsseldorfer Antlers Junioren Mannschaft
01.03.2009 09:38 - Phillip Rotthaus

Ken, my big American guy,
I cannot believe you have gone - my hearts hurts so. I wish I could have been there for you like the so many times you have been a rock for me. You've held my hand and helped me make sense of this crazy world and the blows it deals us. You are one in a million; a truly amazing, caring, passionate human being. We loved, we screamed, we laughed - passion oozed from you in all aspects of your life. I wish I'd rung, I wish I'd replied to your last e-mail sooner - but I know you would be annoyed with me for beating myself up about this! I will miss you so much sweetie - you're in my heart forever, sleep peacefully, love and big hugs as always,
Sandra, your English gal xx
01.03.2009 09:11 - Sandra

Ken:


Danke fuer alles.

Du hinterlaesst eine nicht zu fuellende Luecke.

Moegest Du in Frieden Ruhen,

Henning

Welwyn Warriors #27
ehem. Bremen Likkedeeler #27
01.03.2009 07:40 - Henning Schmidt

On behalf of the Brussels Lacrosse Club I wish to express our sincere condolences to Ken's family and friends.

Ken has been part of our club since the beginning and was passionate about promoting youth lacrosse in Europe. He was instrumental in promoting and ensuring that we had a place in the German lacrosse family and we will miss him.

I will always remember seeing Ken every April in Brussels, doing what he does best..coaching, refereeing, photographing games, talking lacrosse and laughing with everyone.

Thanks, Ken.
01.03.2009 07:28 - Greg - Brussels Lacrosse Club

Lieber Ken,
immer und immer wieder habe ich die letzte Mail von Dir gelesen, die doch noch gar nicht so lange her ist. Wir können es einfach nicht glauben!
Noch im letzten Jahr hast Du mir so selbstverständlich bei der Organisation für die Nationalmannschaft geholfen, genau gemerkt, wenn einem alles zu viel wurde und das Richtige im richtigen Moment gesagt- Du hattest so feine Antennen dafür, wie man sich gerade fühlte!!!!
Wir sind unendlich traurig und vermissen Dich!!!!

Deine Änni und Martin
01.03.2009 04:52 - Änni & Martin Gruner

My dearest Kenny,

To lose our beloved sister & now someone we loved as a brother...
You are a force of nature! You're a soul whose energy blankets us with love & passion.
Rich & I both understood why our sister loved you so. It couldn't be any clearer to us why you're loved by all.
You were there when we needed you, and for that you will always have a part of our hearts.
You were the only other person I knew who knew the song "little rabbit foo-foo" & wasn't afraid to sing it out loud!
We will cherish the "Alexanderplatz" story & street sign even more, if that's at all possible.
Peking Duck will never be the same bro - neither will be driving in NYC.

It's a given that you did not "go lightly into the night". From now on, whenever we look into the night sky we will see a bright new star in the heavens.

We send our sympathy to Kenny's family.

We will miss your smile & laughter, your stories, your email, but most of all... we will miss you.

Our love always-

PS: "Remember to eat dessert first...life is uncertain!!" Hope you're wreaking havoc in the cosmos!



28.02.2009 18:55 - Sherry Alexander-Duder

Lieber Ken,

ich kann nur schwer begreifen, was passiert ist. Ich habe es erfahren, während ich auf Reisen war und als ich eben nach Hause gekommen bin, lagen zwei CDs auf meinem Schreibtisch, die Du mir geschickt hast. Wie für so viele andere, warst du für mich persönlich ein so essentieller Bestandteil meiner Lacrosse Erfahrung. Ich kann nicht zählen wie viele Tipps ich von bekommen habe...wie zum Beispiel: "If you wanna become a great goalie, start practising with just a helmet and your gloves on, that's all you need." Dieser Kommentar kam im strömenden Regen, bei geschätzten 7°C, während meines ersten Lacrosse Events. Ich kann nicht zählen, wie viele Emails ich von Dir bekommen habe. Glücklicherweise kann ich allerdings noch die Anrufe um 7h morgens zählen, wenn auch nicht mehr an zwei Händen.
Ich habe selten jemanden erlebt, der so viel Ethusiasmus, Leidenschaft und Kraft in sich hatte und ich bin sehr traurig, dass man dies Dir nicht häufig genug gesagt hat.
Danke für Deine Hilfe während meiner Zeit beim DLaxV und mit der U-21 der Damen, Deine immer ehrlichen Worte und Deine Kritik.

cheers,
Lisa Schulte, Münster Mohawks

28.02.2009 17:36 - Lisa Schulte

Kenny "the Gooch" went to high school with our son Paul. They both entered the Gifted and Talented program and Ken's mom and I took turns driving them to summer science camp. Piles of sandwiches, snacks and soda, lots of laughs and smiles. He will always be that little boy to me. I am so sorry for the loss. It is never right that our babies leave before us. With Sincere Sorrow for the loss. The Fiano Family, Lindenhurst, NY USA
28.02.2009 16:54 - Nancy & Bruce Fiano

Ken,
I have delayed writing this because I just couldn't believe that it was actually true. I don't understand how you aren't going to be at our next game against Hamburg, snapping photos while I try to avoid having mine taken. You'll be there with your black and yellow boots, black jeans and yellow Hamburg Warriors t-shirt, right? Let's make a deal, I'll make some really funny, embarrassing faces that we can then argue over whether they should be published on the Hamburg site, while having a beer in the clubhouse.

Ken, I'm so sorry that we never noticed that all those times you were snapping photos of people laughing and smiling, that you weren't. That camera of yours hid more than your face. You were so loved.

To Ken's Family- thank you for sharing him with all of us. I hope that you see from all of these postings that he touched so many lives. He was loved; he is loved; he'll be forever missed.
28.02.2009 16:01 - nadia Bielefeld Lacrosse Women's Coach

Ken,

the news of your too early death shocked not only those of us, who called you a good friend.

You have been a very important person in the lacrosse community and you leave a huge gap behind, since you took amazingly great effort in pushing forward the growing of this sport throughout Europe. It has always been nice meeting you as a very experienced, always friendly and passionate man on and off the field. Your advices on refereeing as well as playing had a great impact on many of our players. You will be missed greatly all across Europe!

We will always remember you as the smiling lacrosse enthusiast you have been everytime we met you.

Anne, Michal, Niki, Dominik, Theresa, Karin and all other memebers of the Vienna Monarchs

28.02.2009 13:11 - Vienna Monarchs Lacrosse

On behalf of the Welsh Lacrosse Association, Executive committee and members may I record our most sincere condolences to Kens family and friends.

As has already been amply illustrated by many who have expressed their feelings for Ken, here was a man who lived life as he played and officiated at lacrosse, with absolute integrity and principle. He was always ready and willing to assist irrespective of where on fortunes wheel you were placed.

In 2001 Wales hosted the Men's European Championship. Ken arrived and soon found himself busy in ensuring that the arrangements in place for the officials and recording statistics for the event were up to the standard required. We were so fortunate that Ken was of such a nature that this was accomplished with humour and hilarity coupled with a serious intent to ensure success. This was typical of the man who has been an inspiration to so many for so long, whilst his untimely passing will inevitably leave a void it will without doubt be filled with so very happy memories shared with Ken by so many.

His gift to lacrosse is all those who have been touched in one way or another by his outgoing personality and who are now engaged in lacrosse all over the World. Wales will acknowledge Ken's memory when on the 7th of March 2009 a Women's Home International between England Wales and Scotland is held in Cardiff. All present will remember Ken in a silent tribute before the event commences but we shall remember him far longer than on this day.

Gordon F Shumack President The Welsh Lacrosse Association

28.02.2009 11:45 - Gordon F Shumack President The Welsh Lacrosse Association

If I may intrude into the wonderful world of lacrosse , I would like to pay my personal tribute to Ken.
Tonight the referees from Northern England are meeting at Cheadle Club to raise a glass to Ken's memory.
I shall not be there in person, but in my mind will be happy thoughts of Ken.
He often stayed with John and I on trips to England and arrived in a whirlwind, with strange Zebra related gifts- a clockwork zebra,a wierd hat, a lamp.
Once I got used to Ken's eccentricities, we got on like a house on fire.
His arrival always meant an extra trip to the supermarket for a very large shop!
When I could get a word in during the long lacrosse discussions, often late into the night, Ken and I discussed things outside lacrosse - the state of the world, where he learnt to speak Mandarin, and his relationships. John said I was being nosey, but Ken and I agreed that I was just interested!
We argued about his timekeeping - late up in a morning, late for meals and restaurant bookings , and how to wash clothes. I hope he is wasjhing his whites and colours seperately up there - he was horrified when I made him wash his white shirts seperately from his jeans .
Mundane things which made me cross but we always ended up laughing.
Last time I saw him, he was on a week-end visit for a tournament, but he found time to pop in and see me, with a big bunch of flowers, as I had broken my leg -and of course he made me laugh and cheered me up.
I shall miss you Ken.
Much love
Jackie
28.02.2009 07:14 - JACKIE BURNS- LEACH

Ken, du hast mich und die braves damals sehr gefördert und warst immer für mich, für uns da.
du warst ein großer, bist ein großer, und wirst es auch immer bleiben!
28.02.2009 06:44 - loui, hamburg c

Lieber Ken,
Wir beide konnten nicht schlafen,liefen Ruhelos den Flur entlang!
Ich hörte Dein Lachen aus der Küche,ich spürte viel Freude, doch dann.......
ich höre dich nie wieder lachen, dass tut weh.
Ich hoffe und wünsche für Dich, dass Du JETZT Deinen Seelenfrieden gefunden hast!!!!!
Ich werde Dich nie vergessen!!!!!!!!!!
Frauke Vagt
28.02.2009 05:27 - Frauke Vagt

Gooch,

I owe such much of my life to you, as you did to me, that I truly cannot believe we will no longer tread on each other's path. I always said about you, "for one so wide you can be so narrow." You have truly broadened my life, and, from what I have read of others comments, hundreds of others. And yet, you always managed to box yourself in. For a time, I was always there for you, but time, and distance, separate even the greatest of friends. And though we are now separated forever, you will forever remain in my heart, a great contributor to the person that I am. One day, our souls will meet again, but until that day comes, I shall cherish the memories that I have and cry over the ones that were never made. The world has lost a great inspirer of the spirit, but for those of us whom you inspired, we give thanks and bless how lucky we were to have known you. May your spirit live on forever. Until we meet again my friend, I shall always remember and love you.
28.02.2009 03:38 - Freddie Veres

Dear Ken,

It is only now that I find the strength to say good-bye to you under these sad circumstances. It is difficult to come to terms with the loss of two people who meant so much to me in such a short time. In December, you helped me find the courage to look ahead. We reminisced about our great experiences in Canada. I was so happy to hear that you wanted to continue working with the U19 national team and that we could continue traveling on this road together.

Why did it take so long for us to tell you how grateful we are? Why do we realize our loneliness only now?

Let us learn from this sad experience that we should not take the work of others for granted. Let us learn that we should be willing to give without expecting something in return.

Dear Ken, I thank you for the energy that you invested in our world – whether it was for the U19/21 team or for my personal growth.

My children, Jeannette, and I will always keep you in our hearts.

We embrace you one more time,

Antonio, Selina, Anabel, Jeannette, and Mario (Assistant Coach U19/U21 German National Lacrosse Team)
28.02.2009 03:32 - Mario von Jackowski

Dear Ken,
It is hard to imagine how many lives you touched. Like many others, I was blessed with being able to spend countless hours with you. You loved the game and most importantly, you truly cared about the people involved in the sport. Players, fans, coaches and officials will all miss you.
I have taken out my zebra hat that you gave me many years ago and I will wear it in your honor while I toast the many great memories I have of you.
No one will understand why such terrible things happen to such good people, but God needs you and I look forward to running the fields with you in the future.
You are a wonderful man, you family and friends are proud to have been connected with you.
I will now throw my flags higher, hoping that one will reach you in heaven.
All the best, Brad
27.02.2009 22:34 - Brad Scibak

A son, a brother, an uncle. A coach, a player, a fan. Ken is and was person who has touched many people both in mind and heart and this touch will continue on in time through what he taught the world. A person is never gone as long as they are loved and remembered and Ken will always be remembered. A laugh, a smile, a tear and never say goodbye
27.02.2009 22:23 -

It's so hard to believe that you are gone. I hope you knew how many lives you touched and changed. You were my first love and I will forever be thankful for your good heart and warm soul. We shared so many great and fond memories together. Watching you play football, then lacrosse and wrestling there wasn't anything you could not do. You always put your heart into everything and gave it your all. You were truley one in a million. You can make people smile with touch your slightest touch and touch peoples heart with your warm smile. I remember the day you made Eagle Scout and how proud you were. You were and always will be a great person and will always have a special place in my heart. I will miss you as will many, many people. As sorrow fades our memories will grow and you will always be remembered as the GOOCH -- the one and only. I know that you are in God's hands now and probably showing him how to play lacrosse because that is just you. Miss you terribly and blessed be. Jennifer Kroog Erickson
27.02.2009 21:17 - Jennifer Kroog Erickson - US

Ken you did so much for Jasi. As a parent I trusted you sending my 16 year old across the ocean to Hamburg, Duesseldorf and Berlin, always knowing you would be there, and you were. From October 07 to Jan 09 we talked, we mailed and when we drove all over Coquitlam you told me maps are so 90's :) I love all the wonderful films, fotos and momentos and I loved all the time we spend together. It was exciting, exhilerating. You pushed me and I finally got my three american kids german passports. so many milestones Ken and such a sad place now to be wondering what could we have done for you. we miss you and will hold your memory close to our hearts. we hope you found peace and wish your loved ones strength in mourning your loss.
Anna
27.02.2009 18:24 - Anna Kleinschmit-Kubasek, Belmont Massachusetts

We are both so saddened by Ken's passing. Though we haven't spoken in quite some time, we quickly remembered many good times we had with Kenny in High School. He was quick to help us anmytime we needed help - especially in Computer Science. My memories actually go back to Elementary School - Kenny and Karen - both such nice people and they were always together - it was so nice. He ALWAYS had a smile on his face and had a heart of gold. It doesn't surprise us that Kenny was so successful and had so many accomlishments in his young life...Rest In Peace You will be missed by many.
27.02.2009 18:02 - Jimmy Schiavone & Lisa D'Amico Schiavone

Last summer i had one of the most amazing and memorable experiences of life. The time i spent with the German U19/21 is a highlight of my teen years and something that i know will stay with me as memory that i will look back on throughout my life. Ken was the man who made this possible. I remember the first time i talked to Ken from the states i heard this great booming happy voice...and i couldn't help but love the guy right off the bat. He was always happy to help and eager to move forward. He brought together an unbelievable team and coaching staff and took them with him on a crazy, life changing, and wonderful adventure. Whether it was in Germany, the U.S. or Canada his presence was always one of comfort happiness and guidance. I remember at one point i approached him with an eye injury and his great smile turned to concern and he took it upon himself to personally drive me across Coquitlam looking for the best Eye doctor he could find. He was truly an unbelievable man to whom so many owe thanks for the experiences he has brought them.
You will be greatly missed. God Bless

Jasi
27.02.2009 17:50 - Jasi Kubasek U19/21

I'm so sorry to hear about Ken's passing. I went to high school with him and remember mostly his smile and good nature. I remember his as a great athlete, intellect, and wonderful all around person! He will be missed!
27.02.2009 16:57 - Angel Hakiel-Harrington

Ken was always a great friend and mentor. We wrestled together for many years way back in High School. I will always have many fond memories! I am so happy that the last time he was in the states,he took time from his busy schedule to visit with me and my family....You will be missed brother. My regards and prayers to the family.
27.02.2009 16:21 - Paul J Fiano insure@paulfiano.com

Lieber Ken,

ich habe Dich auch nur ein paar Wochen gekannt. Ich bin total erschüttert, dass Du von uns gegangen bist. Ich habe so gehofft, dass Du es schaffst aber Deine tiefe Verzweiflung hat Dich nicht mehr losgelassen. Für uns hattest Du immer helfende Worte gefunden. Dafür danke ich Dir.

Ich werde Dich lieben, großen Kerl nie vergessen-Deine Stimme, Dein Lachen und wünsche Dir, dass Du jetzt glücklich bist.

Ruhe im Frieden

27.02.2009 14:27 - Martina Kählert

Lieber Ken,
wir haben uns leider nie persönlich kennengelernt.
Wie gerne hätte ich Dir jedoch einmal die Hand geschüttelt und mich bei Dir bedankt für Deinen Einsatz bei so vielen Veranstaltungen, für all die wundervollen Bilder, durch die viele Eltern auch bei den Auswärtsspielen ihre "Kids" in Aktion sehen konnten. Ich habe mich über Deine Fotos von konzentrierten, lachenden, fair kämpfenden und manchmal erschöpften Spielern immer so sehr gefreut und Deinen Blick für das Festhalten von einmaligen Momenten bewundert. Du warst nicht umsonst auf dieser Erde!
Danke....
Deiner Familie und allen die Dir nahestehen wünsche ich Ruhe und Kraft, um zu verstehen und zu bewältigen, was kein Mensch ungeschehen machen kann.
Gute Gedanken mit Dir
Andrea
27.02.2009 13:07 - Andrea Bombosch, Göttingen

I played against Ken in L.I. NY in the late 80's in High School. To this day I know his contributions to Lacrosse began in New York USA with the competetiveness that he and the Lindenhurst Bull Dogs exuded!
27.02.2009 12:57 - S Held

Mein lieber Ken,
soeben habe ich erfahren, dass Du von uns gegangen bist. Ich bin tieftraurig. Habe Tränen in den Augen. Auch wenn wir mehr oder weniger nur geschäftlich miteinander zu tun hatten, gab es
immer ein freundschaftliches Miteinander.
Ich habe gern mit Dir zusammengarbeitet. Du hast mit Deiner perfektionistischen Ader "Höchstleistungen" aus mir heraugeholt; sehr zu meinem Vorteil und der Entwicklung meines Unternehmens. Ich kann es noch gar nicht fassen
dass Du nicht mehr unter uns bist. Ich werde Dich
nicht vergessen...
27.02.2009 11:12 - Kai Muhlack

Ken,You have suddenly dissapeared from our lifes and we are, and will be, missing You!

We will miss Your ever-cheered-up and always-energized Personality. Not only were You energized, but You also had the magic power to energize the others - whenever, wherever, whoever - the energy was just present with You all the time!

And You managed to use this energy to do great things and to inspire many people. Therefore, You can never, really, dissapear from our lifes as we will always remember You.

Ken, thank You for Your time, help, support and all energy You have given to Czech Women's Lacrosse!


27.02.2009 09:41 - Veronika Brychcinova - Czech Women's Lacrosse

Ken:

So many eloquent and moving words have already been written here in your memory, but really it's impossible for any one person to adequately express how much your tragic and untimely death will affect all of us who knew you from your adventures in lacrosse.

I hope that you have now found the peace that you were looking for.....

I am proud to be able to count myself as one of the veritable army of friends that you had in the sport the world over - we will all miss your energy and commitment to the cause.

My profound sympathies and condolences go out to your family - their loss is deeper still.

David Turner
Euro-Lax/Prolaxshop/European Lacrosse Magazine
27.02.2009 06:14 - David Turner

Just heard the sad news.
Ken loved, lived, laughed, learned and left a legacy in european lacrosse. He will be dearly missed.

Rest in peace,

Ken Tyler
27.02.2009 05:35 - Ken Tyler

Lieber Ken

Erst jetzt habe ich die Kraft gefunden, mich in der dieser sehr traurigen Form zu verabschieden. Es fällt mir schwer zu realisieren, in so kurzer Zeit zwei so wertvolle Menschen in meinen Leben zu verlieren. Im Dezember hast Du mir Mut gegeben, nach vorne zu schauen. Wir haben die tollen Erlebnisse in Kanada Revue passieren lassen. Ich war so glücklich von Dir zu hören, dass weiter mit der U19 Nationalmannschaft zusammenarbeiten möchtest, dass wir den Weg gemeinsam fortsetzen können.

Warum finden wir erst jetzt die Zeit, Dir unsere Dankbarkeit auszusprechen, warum bemerken wir die Einsamkeit erst jetzt?

Lasst uns aus dieser traurigen Erfahrung die Lehre ziehen, die Arbeit des anderen nicht als selbstverständlich zu betrachten und auch bereit zu sein - zu geben, ohne das eine Gegenleistung möglich ist.

Lieber Ken – Ich danke Dir für die viele Energie, die Du in unsere gemeinsame Welt gesteckt hast, sei es für das U19/21 Team oder auch in meine persönliche Entwicklung.

Meine Kinder, Jeannette und Ich werden Dich fest in unserem Herzen tragen.

Sei nochmals herzlichst umarmt Antonio, Selina, Anabel, Jeannette und Mario
Assistant Coach U19/U21 Deutsche Lacrosse Nationalmannschaft

27.02.2009 04:54 - Mario von Jackowski

I knew Ken ago 6 years ago in Madrid Tournament

I learnt to love lacrosse

Sleep peacefully Ken.

27.02.2009 04:35 - Oskar Madrid Lacrosse Player

Lieber Ken,
du warst für Matthias L. nicht nur Mentor sonder auch ein echter vertrauenswürdiger lieber Freund.
Von deinem Tod zu hören hat mich sehr erschüttert und verstehen kann ich es irgend wie noch nicht. Es klingt so unecht und doch ist es war.
Wir hatten schöne, lustige und vorallem interresante Stunden zu dritt.
Ich werde dich vermissen. Lacrosse geht nicht ohne dich!!!
Ich hoffe, da wo du jetzt bist, geht es dir besser.
Ich werde dich nie vergessen, trage dich warm in meinem Herzen
Ruhe in Frienden
Chrissy

27.02.2009 03:52 - Chrissy

As Immediate Past President of the International Lacrosse Federation I came to know this man from Germany.
This man, our friend Ken Galluccio was so infectuous that he committed us all to the deep love ,endeavour and desire for our game LACROSSE.We did not always agree with his point of view but we always knew what it was & had absolute respect for the fact that Ken was a person who always enquired & absolutely always did his homework.
There was no sense in Ken of self promotion but what he did was always for the game.
The ILF & Lacrosse were greatly enhanced by Ken's personality ,his spirit ,his endeavour ,his intelligence & his drive.
We are all both individually & collectively very much the poorer for his passing.
Thank you Ken

Peter B Hobbs
Immediate Past President
International Lacrosse Federation
Adelaide ,Australia.
26.02.2009 21:13 - Peter Hobbs Past President ILF

I have had the pleasure of meeting Ken on a number of occasions, mostly through our mutual interest in Junior Lacrosse development but also at senior tournaments. I will remember Ken most for his infectious enthusiasm for the game of Lacrosse and his generosity of spirit. I will always remember you Ken for teaching me the most efficient method for consuming vast quantities of chicken wings.

You have left a fantastic legacy behind you Ken and one which we all must ensure is maintained and built upon. There will be no better memorial for you than ensuring the continuation of the progression of Lacrosse in Europe.

We will miss you Ken for your drive, friendship and human spirit. May you continue to throw the flag in peace, Ken. God bless.
26.02.2009 18:56 - John Warrington - Stockport LC & Fellow Zebra

It was a pleasure to have met Ken, and to have participated in his vibrant and enthusiastic vision of lacrosse. Many aspects of European lax have benefited from his activities, and he will be missed. Thankyou my friend, and R.I.L. (Rest in Lax)

My sincere condolences to Ken's family and close-ones.

Gary
Madrid, Spain.
26.02.2009 18:49 - Gary Ellis

dear ken,
it seems hard to believe that you are gone and apparently I am not the only one feeling so incredible sorry. you are leaving a whole no one will be able to fill, ever. hearing yesterday about your dead put me into shock I still haven't recovered from. there are so many things I would like to tell you but I can't anymore. where ever you are now, I hope you see what you have meant to soo many people. you won't be forgotten.

Rest in peace

clive
26.02.2009 18:43 - clive werdt

Hello from Portugal Lacrosse,
In name of Portugal Lacrosse, I'm writing here to send my condolences to Ken's family and his closest friends.

Ken have done a lot to develop Lacrosse especially in Europe and we are very thankful for that. He will always be a model for Lacrosse World...

Thank you very much for everything,

R.I.P KEN

Francisco Fonseca - Lacrosse Portugal
26.02.2009 18:16 - Francisco Fonseca

In the summer of 1997, a scared 16 year old German-American kid traveled to Sweden for the Euro Championships. He met you and the others that changed his life forever. I ate, slept, bled, and dreamed about German Lacrosse for the following five years because of your generosity, compassion and selflessness. Although we have not been in touch the last few years, I think back to Stockholm, Baltimore, Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff daily. Although you are gone you are most certainly not forgotten.
Alex #1 German National Team 1997-2001
26.02.2009 17:07 - Alex Schultes – Head Coach University of Miami

We were thrilled to get to know Ken last summer in Lahti.
We will remember his warm presence and all the efforts he put in developping our sports.
He was a pilar of our community, we will miss him terribly.

Our deepest sympathy to Ken's familly.

Pierre-Yves Brossard
France Lacrosse
26.02.2009 16:58 - Pierre-Yves Brossard - French Lacrosse Association

We have lost a bright light in our sport. Ken's passion, ideas, and dedication to both German and international lacrosse development were with out boundaries. His smile and laughter lit up a room and will be missed by all that knew him.
He was a valuable member of our development committee and was always willing to become involved in all aspects of our game.
He touched many lives and left a lasting impression of the volunteer spirit. I will miss him.
26.02.2009 15:59 - Tom Hayes- Director FIL Development

My condolences to Ken's family.

Some people come into our lives and quickly go, some stay for a while and we are never.... ever... the same.

I know you have done a lot for Lax in Europe for a long time, and now, where lacrosse could have more organized structure you leve, it is a pitty you have left so early, now you could rest a bit more to se all the good things you have brought to the Lacrosse community and sport, in Europe.

Thanks for all the good memories you have brought to verybody's memory.

My best wishes and best joy wherever you stay now.

Best regards.

26.02.2009 15:50 - Miguel Fernandez

Dear Ken,
it seems almost impossible to understand that my next lacrosse event will be without you, which it has never been since I was a lacrosse-baby 11 years ago. I will miss your obligatory huge and warm hug, accompagnied with your laughter. I will always remember our personal happy and also contemplative conversations, the experience of life which you have shared with me, especially in berlin and during championships and which I would have loved to keep sharing. I can almost hear you sing the referee song "swing low..." and it makes me smile to remember the europeans in glasgow 2000, when I had to leave the field with a broken nose and my face covered in blood. you were immediately by my side, pulling out your camera, saying: "sorry sweety, but I need to take a picture of this because you really look like frankenstein!" before you stayed with me at the paramedics, too. If you could only read all of this, I hope you can feel it instead from wherever you are now. Deine Ulla
26.02.2009 15:32 - Ulla Bley

My deepest sympathies to Ken's family and his closest...

Ken, seeing your picture it seems to me we just met last week, although it has already been some months. To me you were the most inspiring person in German lacrosse and I'm hounored to call you a friend and zebra-buddy. You brought me to try on the stripes in 2002 and led me from there to Prague 2004 and Canada 2006. I will never forget your smile and the tears in your eyes after matthias, sascha and myself had just walked in at the world's opening ceremony in canada 2006 - as German officials - representing also the referee system you have built up. This was all due to your work and you made it happen.

You were not only a great referee and lacrosse embassador throughout the whole world but also a great guy, a warm-hearted good friend, a helpful critic and a big supporter. You will be missed so much but your work and achievments will live on.

Hopefully it is not only now that you realize how much you have done for and meant to so many.

You inspired me and I am sure hundreds more...

Rest in peace

Christian Bagung
26.02.2009 15:06 - Christian Bagung

From Across the Waters

Ken, the news of your sudden death on Sunday 22 February 2009 has left the lacrosse world rocked and devastated.

At this sad time the Australian Lacrosse Association joins together in sharing Germany's grief, and our sincere and heartfelt sympathies are extended to your family and many friends.

Ken, you had a role to play in your lifetime, and you accepted this role with a commitment and devotion to lacrosse that has seen you develop the game in Germany and worldwide. Your liveliness and sense of fun, great generosity of spirit and sharing, and your unwavering love for our sport made you a very special person who always gave so much throughout your life.

You have captured many "lacrosse moments" through your love of photography ~ these beautiful and expressive photos will be a constant reminder of your love for the game, and your talents in this area.

In life we have to remind ourselves to accept events, to understand that they do not last forever, and to allow them to run their course. We are told that "suffering is a part of the human condition which gives us strength" – may it give the lacrosse community strength at this difficult time, particularly in Europe and of course Germany.

With heartfelt sympathy

Fiona Clark
ALA Chairperson






26.02.2009 12:40 - Fiona Clark, Australian Lacrosse Association Chairperson

Ken Galluccio
RIP
On behalf of the International Federation of Women's Lacrosse Associations (IFWLA) the heartfelt sympathies of the international lacrosse world are extended to Ken's family and friends on the sad and sudden loss of a wonderful and dedicated lacrosse friend.

Many of us who knew you Ken are feeling a great sense of sorrow, yet we take real delight and satisfaction in recalling the wonderful memories of the times shared with you at international lacrosse events and meetings over many years.

It's really important in life that one finds something they are good at ~ you did that Ken. You were always jovial, and you extended your talents to their greatest capacity; your love of photography has provided us many hours of reflection and memories.

Life is a journey, and certainly your life has been a journey that has taken you around the lacrosse world sharing your knowledge, your skills, your love and devotion of the game, and most importantly sharing yourself with so many of us.

No one journey duplicates another, and your journey Ken now takes us through a labyrinth of grief, and affirmation for what you have done for our sport.

To our friends, particularly in Europe, and more particularly in Germany, this journey for you will need to be an incredibly brave one through a landscape of sadness, mourning, denial, acceptance, and hopefully one day peace. May you make this journey across the tundra of grief towards "the light" in the knowledge that your International lacrosse family is here for you.

Sleep peacefully Ken.

Fiona Clark (Immediate Past IFWLA President)


26.02.2009 12:26 - Fiona Clark (Immediate Past IFWLA President)

Dear Ken,

We met only briefly, but in those few days I learned that there are people passionate about lacrosse and then there is you. You were an amazing ambassador of the game whether it was through management of the German U21/19 squad, taking photographs or refereeing games. Your presence, leadership and goodwill will be greatly missed and never truly replaced.

I did not thank you enough for all the incredibly kind gestures and gifts you gave during my trip to Berlin. Whether it was a cold beer, dinner, the random ride to and from the stadium or the awesome Bayern Munich jersey, you did everything possible to make my German experience and unforgettable one.

Thank you again.

To Ken's family, I am sorry for your loss and everyone at Inside Lacrosse sends their condolences and love during this difficult and emotional time.

James Schaffer
Inside Lacrosse
26.02.2009 11:36 - James Schaffer

My deepest condolences to your family & friends.

I am shocked by this news and devastated.

I've enjoyed meeting and drinking with Ken on 3 different Continents, Perth 2002, Towson 2003, Prague 2004. It seemed every International Lacrosse event I attended, Ken was there and it was always a pleasure to speak to him and listen to his views on lacrosse and what he had been upto.

I remember Prague 2004 where he seemed to be like the Energiser Bunny, running a Referee's Clinic prior to the tournament, being the Chief Official complete with silly hat. He would always somehow find time and energy to have a beer at the end of the night in Hotel Slavia bar next to the ground.

I remember him telling me that he had reffed or been involved in World Championships of All forms of Lacrosse, Men's Field, Box, Inter-Lacrosse & Pop Lacrosse and was well versed on what was going on in development in all aspects of the Game.

He had boundless energy & enphusiasm for all things Lax, Officiating, Coaching, Administration, Filming & Photography. He was truly an inspiration to what impact one individual could have on a game if they put their mind to it. He was a Good Penny, similar to the Bad Penny in that he was always turning up at lacrosse events but Good because he was always pleased to see you and happy to talk lacrosse.

In the Press Box at World Games 2006 in Canada he again continued to surprise and exceed expectations. He would take 600+ Action Photos in the 1st half of a game, then at halftime make it all the way up the bleachers to the Press Box to allow people covering the game on line or for Magazines to Review his work. As the 2nd half began he would be back down on the sidelines snapping away not wanting to miss any of the action.

The last time I saw him was in sunny Rochdale at the NEMLA Flags Final, where I shared a scaffold platform with him filming a game that was played in a mudbath in torrential conditions. He didn't bat an eyelid, and shared tips on how to keep his camera dry as well as what the defence on the field needed to tighten up on in the 2nd half.

Ken was a gentleman, a true fan of the game, fun to be with and a pleasure to know. I am honoured to have called him a friend, I only wish I could have spent more time with him.

He was a shining light of European Lacrosse and will be sorely missed. Having read all of the comments on this page, he continues to surprise with how much he did and I agree with John (U21 German Coach) that everyone should do just a little bit more to help the development of this great game that Ken Loved so much, in order to Honour the memory of the one and only Ken Galluccio.

Whether it be sponsorship, donating of kit, Coaching or simply sharing information with your fellow lacrosse players/Coaches/Fans every little helps because that's what Ken would have done and what he did for so many for so long.

God Bless Ken R.I.P
26.02.2009 11:32 - Dave Hallows (UKLaxfan)

Dearest Ken,

You were the driving force behind the astonishing development of European lacrosse. It will be a different game without you. However, your contributions will not be forgotten and your legacy will be preserved although we all failed to fully recognize what you have done for our sport.
I am thankful for the great time we had on and off the field and I will not forget how your made every referees' dinner an unforgettable experience.

Rest in Peace,
Robin Stitzing

26.02.2009 11:27 - Robin Stitzing

God Bless to your memory.
You were a man of personality and everyone who had contact with you in Lacrosse said hi.
26.02.2009 11:22 - Sue and Mike Nicholls

So very sorry and shocked to hear about Ken's untimely departure of this world. I met Ken several years ago when reffing at the European championships in Glasgow. He was a pleasure to be with and I remember us sharing a few shots of ' Wild Turkey' together. Since that time we met on several occasions at other Lax tournaments and it was always a sense of occasion. He will be sadly missed by many in the world of Lacrosse and I will always remember him because he brought humour and sunshine to our lives.
26.02.2009 10:57 - ALAN (TODDY) TODD

Ken,
als Lacrosse noch keinen Namen in Österreich hatte warst du da,
als wir die ersten Lacrosseversuche unternommen hatten,
warst du da..
als Österreich beim ersten Lacrosse Turnier in Rom teilnahm,
warst du da..
als wir hier in Salzburg die Newcomer EM durchführten,
warst du da..
Du warst immer da für uns, für Lacrosse in Österreich - Ansprechpartner, Förderer und Motivator..

Danke dafür!
Es war für uns alle eine große Ehre dich kennenlernen zu dürfen und mit dir einen kurzen, zu kurzen Weg, gemeinsam zu gehen...

Unser tiefes Mitgefühl ergeht an deine Familie..
wir werden dich vermissen und stets in ganz besonderer Erinnerung halten..

Ein letztzes Sticks up..

Arthur von den Arizonas Salzburg


26.02.2009 10:52 - Arthur Arh, Arizonas -Salzburg

Dearest Ken,

it's been so long, and then again not. I wish there would have been more of a word or two, a way to say goodbye, at least. Now, things are as they are, and as always you insist on having the last word.
I am so proud of you, and I am so happy for you for what you have built and achieved for yourself and others over these past years. I wish you had been happier with yourself. I hope you can take all these words and wishes with you to where you are now; I am sure that, no matter what, you are happier there.
I will remember only the good times.
My prayers are with your family these days, and of course with you.

Zhuangzi (ׯ�ӣ�- The Full Understanding of Life
"He who understands the conditions of life does not strive after what is of no use to life; and he who understands the conditions of Destiny does not strive after what is beyond the reach of knowledge. In nourishing the body it is necessary to have beforehand the things (appropriate to its support); but there are cases where there is a superabundance of such things, and yet the body is not nourished'. In order to have life it is necessary that it do not have left the body; but there are cases when the body has not been left by it, and yet the life has perished.
When life comes, it cannot be declined; when it goes, it cannot be detained. Alas! the men of the world think that to nourish the body is sufficient to preserve life; and when such nourishment is not sufficient to preserve the life, what can be done in the world that will be sufficient? Though (all that men can do) will be insufficient, yet there are things which they feel they ought to do, and they do not try to avoid doing them. For those who wish to avoid caring for the body, their best plan is to abandon the world. Abandoning the world, they are free from its entanglements. Free from its entanglements, their (minds) are correct and their (temperament) is equable. Thus correct and equable, they succeed in securing a renewal of life, as some have done'. In securing a renewal of life, they are not far from the True (Secret of their being). But how is it sufficient to abandon worldly affairs? and how is it sufficient to forget the (business of) life? Through the renouncing of (worldly) affairs, the body has no more toil; through forgetting the (business of) life, the vital power suffers no diminution. When the body is completed and the vital power is restored (to its original vigour), the man is one with Heaven. Heaven and Earth are the father and mother of all things. It is by their union that the body is formed; it is by their separation that a (new) beginning is brought about. When the body and vital power suffer no diminution, we have what may be called the transference of power. From the vital force there comes another more vital, and man returns to be the assistant of Heaven."


26.02.2009 10:38 - Olivia

KG,

It is no coincidence that within your lifetime the game you loved so much has grown exponentially, and brought enjoyment to so many new places and new faces. Thank you for your tireless work behind the camera, on the field, and in the trenches. I know many a glass will be raised in your name for years to come.

Still can't believe this. We will miss you...

Ashley Tarran-Jones
Lacrosse Talk Magazine
Wilmslow Lacrosse Club



26.02.2009 10:35 - Ashley Tarran-Jones

Ken,
long time no see...
I hope that you and your family know what you did for us! The young players will keep you in their minds. Thank you!
cheers
Mirko
26.02.2009 09:59 - Mirko von Schlachta, Bonn Lacrosse (1995-2000)

I write this as a friend and colleague of our dear departed Ken. I spent the better part of two years working closely with Ken building a U19/U21 team for Germany. He invested literally thousands of hours in this team and in this process. I travelled extensively with Ken throughout Europe recruiting players, training coaches and spreading the lacrosse word. Wherever we went he was known by all. Referees, players, coaches, team managers…everyone knew Ken and everyone had a Ken story or two. He virtually never sat still. While photographing the games he would talk with the refs, chat with the coaches, offer a suggestion to a player. His energy was limitless. His heart was bigger than most. Ken was fun to be around. His appetite for beer, food and companionship was limitless. His desire to help others never subsided. How often did he send a short encouraging email to someone in need, show up at a game with a gift for the refs or bring a case of beer to the tent after the game was played? Ken was everywhere and everything for lacrosse in Europe. He paved the way for the game to become what it now is. So many of his dreams and hopes came to fruition as a result of his tireless efforts and vision that one cannot understand the feelings that led him to the place he is now. So many people have written of his impact in their lives that one wonders how this man could ever have felt so alone, so desperate, so sad. What a great loss to us all. Perhaps we can honor his memory by pursuing the pieces of his dreams that touched each of us: reffing games and clinics, European champions cup, youth lacrosse in Europe, coach education programs; pick your own initiative, some way in which lacrosse brought you and Ken together and give some time to it to help replace the loss these programs have all suffered with the passing of Ken. Perhaps with all of the authors on this page playing just a small role in replacing him we can keep things going forward. Imagine, for just a minute, that it would take so many people to try to fill the shoes of the one man, Ken. He truly gave everything he had to the sport that binds us all together; across national boundaries without regard for gender, age or position Ken helped all who wanted to hold a stick or whistle and get involved. He sponsored, promoted and worked tirelessly to pursue so many initiatives, the bulk of which have come to fruition as a result.
One of the greatest losses associated with Ken's passing is the history of the origins and development of the game in Europe. Ken had his hand in virtually every European country's development in one way or the other. He remembers Peter Mundy and Steve Stenerson lining a field in germany for one of the first games ever played in germany. Who can forget Ken stepping into the goal for the Oaks in Berlin in 2007 playing in the mud, standing tall in the goal and giving instruction to his defense, clearing the ball up the middle, sliding around all with a huge grin on his face and a fresh stein of beer in the back of the crease? Who will write this history before it evaporates? Perhaps the great Tom Vennum has another book in his veins? We can all only hope that someone will find the time to record these events as the history and growth of European lacrosse is a marvelous story of a game that would not die and has grown to become a mainstay in the European sports world.
Some of these posts write about the hard edge Ken sometimes displayed and that many of us may have rubbed up against in our times with Ken. That edge that people write of was honed from passion, love and devotion to this great sport. The one thing that I was always sure of with Ken was that he meant well and was acting in the best interests of the game and the players at ALL times. We worked so closely for so many months to create a U19 program for Germany. Thousands of emails back and forth across the pond were followed by hours on the phone. Kens ability to mange details and negotiate the terrain was impressive. Without his particular skill set and knowledge this team never would have made it to Vancouver, never would have won a game and never would have earned the accolades they so justly deserve. Looking back at the Coquitlam World Games awards ceremony I remember why Ken chose Tom Vennum to receive an award acknowledging his contributions to the sport and growth of the game. How will we acknowledge Ken's contribution? There is no adequate way to capture the essence of Ken in words and I am left with the hope that we can all honor his time here with us by continuing to pursue our shared love of the game though our individual and shared commitment to its growth and promotion worldwide. We cannot let progress falter as a result of his passing. We owe it to Ken and to the many kids who have yet to pick up their first stick.
I personally owe Ken a debt of gratitude for bringing me to Germany, for opening so many interesting doors that never would have happened without his support, for becoming my friend and my brother. He brought my family into the U19 fold in a way that my wife and children will never forget. Each of us have so many life memories provided by Ken; these will always be with us. His gifts were lifelong and will always be treasured. We are all shocked, dismayed and at a loss as the result of this terrible news. Our best wishes to his family and friends as we all struggle to cope with his passing. A truly great man, a good friend and a compassionate soul is gone. Rest in peace my dear friend, I miss you already.
John Pirie, Governor's Academy, Byfield, Mass. USA, German U19/U21 2008 World Team Head Coach

26.02.2009 09:56 - John Pirie

My dear Ken,
Thank you so much for those unbelievable lacrosse days and for all the happyness and smiles that You always shared with everybody.
I'm going to miss you so much, nunca te olvidare
26.02.2009 09:30 - Bea de la Fuente - Madrid Club de Lacrosse

Freunde,

erstmals bin ich erschüttert und absolut fassungslos. Ich konnte mich erst jetzt, 3 Stunden nachdem ich die Nachricht erfahren hab, dazu zusammenreißen, etwas zu schreiben:

Lacrosse hat einen seiner größten Söhne verloren!

Deutschland einen der prinzipientreuesten Kollegen, alle Zebras einen zielstrebigen Buddy, die Lacrosse-Welt den strukturiertesten Lacrosse-Visionär und ich meinen langjährigsten und engsten Lacrosse-Freund, der mir von Anfang an immer mit Rat und Tat sowie mit harten aber immer ehrlichen Worten zur Seite stand. Er gab mir die entscheidende Motivation Lacrosse in Österreich aufzubauen und niemals aufzugeben, auch wenn der Gegenwind manchmal unangenehm war.

Ken ich vermisse dich hier herunten auf Erden, aber freue mich dich in Walhall wiederzusehen! Warte auf mich.

In großer Trauer
Christoph Mistelbauer #13
Vienna Monarchs, Österreich
26.02.2009 09:19 - Christoph Mistelbauer (Ö)

On behalf of the St Columba's College Lacrosse team in St Albans, I wish to send our sincere wishes to Ken's family, and all the Braves. In our visits to Hamburg, Ken has always been so kind and helpful to us. He was very welcoming and very friendly, and made these trips possible. We will always carry very good memories of him when we were in Hamburg, and his memory will be with us always.
Yours sincerely,
Steve Jones
Greg Parnell (Captain)
Rob Durrant
Adam Kee
Adam Sherlock
Emanuel Zarate
Mikey Raywood
Chris Reynolds
Alex Garland
Andy Thomas
Danny Kelly
David Groves
Jamie Sinclair
Alex Deeble
Jack Anderson
Olly Goodwin (Goalie)
26.02.2009 08:36 - Stephen Jones

Ken, ich habe es immer bewundert wie du deine Meinungen öffentlich vertreten hast. Ich habe viel von dir lernen können, Danke dafür! Es war mir immer eine Freude dich irgendwo beim laxen zu treffen.. mit dir ein paar Worte zu wechseln und zu lachen...

In Freundschaft, Seb
26.02.2009 08:25 - Sebastian Pierel

Thank you, Ken!

I never met you in person but you helped us to find coaches and helped us to develope Lacrosse in Austria. We and Lacrosse at Europe will miss you.

Jürgen
26.02.2009 08:08 - Jürgen Ebner #79 - Graz Gladiators

Dear Ken
I was always looking forward to your big hug You used to give whenever we met.
It was with the deepest sorrow we learned that You have passed away. You were one of the people who did not forget how to spread love, smile and good mood and who did their best for the love of the game.
We will miss you and I will play my first season's game in your honour.
26.02.2009 07:32 - In the name of the Czech Lacrosse Union, Petr Bek

Thank you for all your hard work. There will be a place for you at the lacrossefields all over the world.
26.02.2009 06:00 - Andreas Maertens

Never met you in person Ken, but heard a lot about you.
The european lacrosse scene will miss you
RIP
26.02.2009 05:37 - Peter Schaller - Linz Lions Lacrosse

Ken, from lacrosse and umpiring beginnings in Hamburg up until today you have always been a good friend and advisor to the Warriors abroad. Meeting with you at almost every European lacrosse event over the past years made me feel a little less abroad and a little more at home.

You will be missed. Thank you for your friendship and support.
Love always, Tati

26.02.2009 05:32 - Tatjana - LaxLeman, Switzerland

The lacrosse fields of europe will be a sadder place without you ken. RIP
26.02.2009 05:22 - Tony Pugh

Ken,
Your remarkable voice will always be in my ears and I'm grateful to have known and learned from you. Your passion and dedication will always be remembered.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends, Silke
26.02.2009 05:20 - Silke Junge #11 Golden Girls of Lacrosse

Ken,
immer wieder habe ich diese Seite aufgerufen. Immer wieder haben mich die Worte verlassen, die ich Dir so gerne sagen möchte.
Es sind so viele kostbare Erinnerungen, die wir mit Dir verbinden. Ich wünschte, Du könntest all' diese wunderschönen Zeilen hier lesen.

Mir bleibt die Erinnerung an einen herzensguten Menschen, an einen Freund.
Ich denke an Dich und werde Dich vermissen.
Ich wünsche Dir, dass es Dir jetzt gut geht.

Kora

26.02.2009 04:18 - Kora Gees #17 Frankfurt

He was a big man with a big heart. The Lacrosse world owes him so much. His passing has left a big hole and he will be greatly missed.
I met him for the first time in Belgium and liked him from the start. Didn't always agree with him but that didn't matter what we always agreed on was that Lacrosse had to grow.

I'm sure the lacrosse teams up there are benefitting already.

I feel greatly privaliged to have known him and called him friend.

26.02.2009 04:12 - Paul Chatterton

Liebe Lacrosse Gemeinde,
ich möchte mich in meinem Namen bei Euch allen , die schon geschrieben haben und die noch schreiben werden herzlich für Eure Worte, Gefühle, Erinnerungen und Anteilnahme,Grüße bedanken.Ich bin tief gerührt und betroffen über so viel Liebe und Interesse an meinem geliebten Freund Kenneth.Ich habe mit Kenny die schweren Stunden seiner Befindlichkeit in den letzten Wochen intensiv verbracht und kann mir vorstellen, dass, wenn er sich bewusst gewesen wäre, so viel Liebe auszulösen, nun, hätte es was an seinem Entschluss geändert?! Heute gilt es zu akzeptieren und zu vergeben.
Jetzt gilt es Abschied zu nehmen.Für uns alle.
Bitte entschuldigt mich und einen kleinen Kreis engster Freunde und Familie, wenn wir uns über Methew an euch wenden werden. Ich stehe mit ihm regelmäßig in Kontakt und er wird eure Grüße an uns weiter leiten. Im tiefen Schmerz und Trauer um meinen geliebten Kenny seid alle ganz herzlich umarmt. Marie

26.02.2009 03:47 - Kens Freundin/ Begleiterin der letzten Tage und Wochen, Marie Skomske,

Ken,

neben allen Deinen ungezählten Pioniertaten für das deutsche und das europäische Lacrosse hast Du auch stets die deutsche Damen-Nationalmannschaft nach Kräften unterstützt. Dafür möchten wir Dir von Herzen danken! Sei es durch Ideen, Equipment, Photos, Berichte, organisatorische Tipps oder unbequeme Fragen – Du hast unsere Arbeit stets unterstützt, bereichert und vorangetrieben.

Und auch persönlich sind wir Dir zu tiefem Dank verpflichtet, sei es als Goalie, als Spielerin, als Vereins- und Liga-Verantwortliche oder als Schiedsrichterin. Wir werden Deine Arbeit und Dein Wesen in Ehren halten!


Von Herzen, Deine

Bine & Gesine

26.02.2009 03:28 - Sabine Paul & Gesine Wolf-Zimper - Executive Committee, German Women's National Team

You brought laughter, passion, happiness, and lacrosse so such a great number of people that I know you will always be around – in my mind and in the minds of all the others.

Ken, I will miss you as a character of German and European lacrosse and as a friend.
26.02.2009 03:19 - Michael Hoeck

Ken,

First and foremost my sincerest condolences to your family.

I was fortunate to be your roommate in Baltimore. I saw the fire in you and I saw the joy you bring.

Passion. Dedication. Commitment. You brought these to the game of lacrosse. As well, you challenged us to bring the same, all for the benefit of the game.

Thank you for all you have given to the game.



26.02.2009 00:55 - David Goulet - RIC CLA

Take care in Lax heaven man, world will miss you a lot.
25.02.2009 23:03 - Zifco #86, Bratislava Bats, SK

To my good friend and teammate...
Hearing this news has upset me and my family terribly!

I will miss our annual get togethers in the US after the coaches convention. Having you as a guest in my home, eating wings and pizza, drinking beer, play-off football, watching you eat the pies (you love so much)that you brought as gifts, watching you try to teach my daughter "Little Bunny Foo Foo" in German and your loud, bellowing laugh that would fill the room will always bring me a smile.

Your passion for life, good conversation (and debate!) and drink and love of lacrosse are what I will remember the most. It was the game of lacrosse that brought us to be friends and is just another reason for me to love this game.

You are a great friend who is well loved by all that had the pleasure of knowing you.

May God bless you and your family! I love you, brother. ~Zwick
25.02.2009 22:28 - Christian Zwickert - Head Coach Polish National Team / Head Coach Deutschland 2001/National Team Player 1998-2000

Ken - I was astonished to hear that He called you to Him so soon. It must be that He needs the use of your considerable talents more than we do. But some day we will all meet again in the great lacrose game in the sky.
25.02.2009 22:11 - Jake Curran, U.S. Lacrosse

Thank you for letting me be part of your world as a coach for the German U21 this past summer.

I hope that you have found peace and a lacrosse sideline to roam with a camera.

Patrick Finn
Delbarton School, NJ
2008 German U19/U21 Asst Coach


25.02.2009 21:40 - Patrick Finn

Dear Ken,
It was my honor to officiate two championships with you. In Cardiff and in Perth, we shared so many fun times together on and off the field.

Rest now and throw your flags in peace.

Good bye BIG Ken

Kentaro(small Ken)
25.02.2009 21:40 - Kentaro Shimizu Referee-in-Chief, Japan Lacrosse Association

Lieber Ken,

wie alle hier bin auch ich noch immer fassungslos. Es fällt mir schwer zu verstehen, dass Du diesen Weg gewählt hast. Du bist doch Ken…!
Ich wünschte, wir hätten noch Zeit, Dir die Dinge zu sagen, die wir oft gedacht und wahrscheinlich viel zu selten gesagt haben.
Zum Beispiel: Danke!!! Zum Beispiel: Du bist ein toller Mensch! Zum Beispiel: Deine Arbeit ist für so viele Menschen (siehe Beiträge oben /siehe Beiträge unten) wichtig, die Dich liebgewonnen haben und Dir für Deinen unermüdlichen Einsatz unglaublich dankbar sind! Zum Beispiel: Du machst einen Unterschied!! Als rasender Reporter am Spielfeldrand, als passionierter Schiedsrichter, als talentiertester Krabbenpuhler unserer USA-Reise! Als Trainer in Hamburg, der unseren Verein unterstützt hat und Teil unseres Erfolgs und unserer Meisterschaftstitel war! Als großer Mann, der den Lacrossesport in ganz Deutschland und Europa bekannter gemacht hat und sich dafür aufgerieben hat! Als kritischer Beobachter unserer sportlichen Entwicklungen, der sich immer für alle Teams interessiert und unsere Entwicklungen sehr genau verfolgt hat. Und der überhaupt kein Problem damit hatte, unsere sportlichen Leistungen auch mal gehörig zu kritisieren, wenn es denn nötig war.
Dafür ist es jetzt zu spät und es macht mich sehr, sehr traurig, dass diese Chance verstrichen ist.
Ken, ich wünsche Dir von Herzen, dass Du an einem Ort voller Ruhe bist, an dem Du befreit bist von Deiner Last und Verzweiflung, und an dem Du Deinen Frieden finden kannst.

Wir werden Dich und Dein Lachen hier sehr vermissen.

Lena

25.02.2009 21:25 - Lena Memming

dearest ken,

such a deep soul; sensitive, passionate, witty, demanding and intelligent. you were one of a kind, the best kind.

please don't forget to hang bells on the stars so i can hear you laugh again. i will miss you very much. rest in peace.

jane

25.02.2009 21:11 - jane

I remember meeting Ken the first time in Perth in 2002 at the World Games, and since then he was at any major event. Ken was an incredible embassador to the game of lacrosse, and I speak for all zebras to say he'll be horribly missed.

Rest in peace...
25.02.2009 20:52 - Marty Gaffney - Calgary, Canada

Dear Ken,
We met in the summer of '02 at the Berlin tourny and I thought what you were doing over there (Germany) for the game was incredible. It was a pleasure seeing your effort to grow the game. I am sure you will be missed but your spirit will keep going through Germany lacrosse!

Bear Davis
Head Coach,
Robert Morris University
USA
25.02.2009 20:06 - Bear Davis

Dear Ken,

I cant imagine a youth Lacrosse programm in Germany without you. You did awesome work with and for us this past summer in Canada.

Thanks a lot and god bless you!
25.02.2009 19:42 - Max Kowalewsky U21 Member, Aachen Lacrosse

I have looked at this page for most of today looking at the kind words of all the many friends that Ken had in this great game of lacrosse. When i heard the sad news i wanted to say something but each time i visited the site i had a tear in my eye and couldnt sum up what to say.

The many times we took to the field and shared so many fun times together.

Ken would without doubt give you his shirt off his back, my only regret is not saying thank you soon enough.

The loss will be felt throughout the world of lacrosse for many years to come, He was a very generous and kind man and i will miss him very much.

God bless you Ken !!
25.02.2009 19:30 - Phil Pearson

Mi gran amigo,

Nunca te olvidaremos.

You will always stay with us!


25.02.2009 19:18 - Juan Dorado - Madrid Lacrosse

Ken,

so viele große Dinge sind hier schon gesagt worden, da kann ich kaum noch etwas hinzufügen. Das wird zweifellos von niemandem vergessen - Du warst und bist Lacrosse Deutschland und wirst es immer bleiben!

Aber ich möchte auch die kleinen Dinge in Erinnerung behalten, die Du für all Deine Freunde und für mich getan hast, denn diese machen Dich für mich zu einem richtig Großen.

Da ist in den 14 Jahren, die ich Dich kennen durfte, so viel passiert, dass Dich als Freund einfach unvergleichbar macht. Für mich sind es die Erinnerungen an so viele "kleine" Lehrstunden, die Du mir gegeben hast, sowohl auf dem Feld - z.B. mit dem allergrößten Hit bei der DM 1995 in München - als auch für das andere, das ganz "normale" Leben - z.B. beim internationalen Ref-Dinner beim Chinesen im Rahmen der EM 1999 in Manchester mit all den alten Hasen.

Es ist so ein unfassbarer Verlust, den ich leider nicht verstehe.

Wie gerne hätte ich noch so viel mehr von Dir gelernt bei unseren klasse 4er Essensdates jeden dritten Dienstag im Monat, das wir endlich letztes Jahr begonnen hatten.
Wie gerne hätte ich Dich noch viel besser kennengelernt und verstanden.
Du warst letzten Monat nicht mehr dabei. Offensichtlich bist Du nicht nur mal aufs Land rausgefahren...

Warum haben wir es nicht gemerkt?
Warum haben wir Dir nicht helfen können?

Ich hätte so gerne noch eine Chance, Dir etwas zurückzugeben, Dir Danke zu sagen und wie so ofteinfach mit Dir zu lachen.

Wir werden zukünftig zu dritt weitermachen müssen.
Hermann, Erick und ich werden Dich so vermissen, und wir werden Dich nie vergessen, sondern immer auf Dich anstoßen: Ken, unser riesiger Lacrosse Held - so zerbrechlich!

Wie schade, dass Du nicht mehr bei uns bist!
Ich hoffe, Dir geht es jetzt besser, Du bist von Deinen Sorgen erlöst und dass wir uns irgendwann mal wiedertreffen.

Dein Nils


25.02.2009 18:49 - Nils, #17 Hamburg Lacrosse

My condolences to Ken's family. The game of lacrosse in Germany lost a great fan and character.
25.02.2009 18:47 - Holger Loewendorf (VfK/BHC)

I prefer to remember Ken taking photographs while draped in plastic bags, officiating in brown hiking boots, shamelessly enjoying an open buffet, teaching me the nuances of German phrases and culture, drinking a very large beer, telling stories about "the last time something similar happened" and punctuating his stories with the laughter that I can still hear. I wish I had experienced more of it while I had the chance.
25.02.2009 18:32 - Kyle Hawkins

My sincere condolences to Ken,s family. From that first day we meet in Perth walking those many miles just for something to do, I have admired the passion you have had for lacrosse. Being so far away we only got to see each other at major lacrosse events, but you allways managed to seek us out. Ken, rest now and throw your flags in peace.

Terry and Susie Culley
25.02.2009 17:28 - Terry Culley, Australian Lacrosse Refferee Association

Lieber Ken!

Keine Worte können den Verlust ausdrücken, den ich fühle. Ich habe so viel von Dir gelernt und konnte mir soviel an Deinem Charakter abgucken. Ob als Schiedsrichter, Lacrosse-Kameramann, Goalie oder Omlett-Koch: überall hast Du meine Anfange geprägt, besonders bei der WM 2002. Du warst ein Gottes-Geschenk für den deutschen Lacrossesport und ohne Dich wäre es nicht das was jetzt ist und ohne Dich wird es auch nicht mehr dasselbe sein. Ich hoffe inständig, dass der Himmel ein Lacrossefeld für Dich reserviert hat.

In Trauer,
Clemens Drolshagen
Cologne Indians
25.02.2009 17:25 - Clemens Drolshagen Cologne Indians

My most sincere condolences to Ken's family and loved ones. Ken will be greatly missed in the lacrosse world. Ken was an exceptional person, helping many new lacrosse nations to grow by his own warm willingnes to help. Thank you Ken for your passionate and inspirational work around lacrosse!

You will always stay with us!

Liisa
Finland Lacrosse, ELF
25.02.2009 17:03 - Liisa Matinvesi

Leider haben wir uns lange nicht gesehen und auch lange nicht gesprochen. Dennoch trifft mich die Entscheidung die Du getroffen hast schwer und ruft die Schönen Tage und Stunden in Berlin und Bonn in mein Gedächtnis zurück. Wie leichtferig gehe ich mit einer Freundschaft die mir, wie ich jetzt bitter erfahre, sehr viel bedeutet um ? Du wars der Mann mit dem grossen Herz und ich freue mich, dass ich das Glück hatte dich zu treffen.

Grüsse von hier zu Dir
Seb
25.02.2009 16:58 - Sebastian Paus

Lieber Ken,

dein Tot kam für uns plötzlich, doch du wirst immer in unserer Erinnerung weiterleben.
Sei es mit deiner riesigen Freude am Lacrosse, deiner Lebensart oder deiner Heiterkeit.

Wo Worte fehlen,
das Unbeschreibliche zu beschreiben,
wo die Augen versagen,
das Unabwendbare zu sehen,
wo die Hände das Unbegreifliche nicht fassen können,
bleibt einzig die Gewissheit,
dass Du für immer in in unseren Herzen weiterleben wirst.

Ruhe in Frieden. Wir werden dich vermissen.

Suse und René (BHC)
25.02.2009 16:47 - Susanne Helterhof und René Hoehne (BHC)

vollkommen geschockt erreichte uns heute in Aachen die Nachricht deines Todes...viele von uns kennen dich seit Jahren und du warst immer eine große Unterstützung gerade für unseren Jugendbreich. Darüber hinaus hast du etliche unsere Schiedsrichter ausgebildet und über die Jahre weiterhin unterstützt. Wir alle wissen zu schützen was du für den Sport getan hast. Wir vermissen dich und hoffen du findest dort dein Glück wo du jetzt bist! Unser Mitgefühl gilt deiner Familie, deinen Freunden und dem HTHC wo du bis zuletzt große Dinge geleistet hast....R.I.P Ken
25.02.2009 16:36 - A-Team Lacrosse Aachen

Ken,

I am honored to have known you for the time that I did. You are the reason I had an opportunity to experience your culture and your sport in Germany and I fully believe you would have given me the shirt off your back, had I asked. I cant thank you enough for the kind and warm energy that you brought with you everywhere. It will not soon be forgotten. Rest in peace, my friend.
25.02.2009 16:34 - Mike Wish

On behalf of the President, Executive Committee and members.

The European Lacrosse Federation owes an immense debt of gratitude to Ken for all that he did for so many years in developing lacrosse in Europe and further afield. There can be little doubt that Kens contribution was in a sense immeasurable as he enthused so many at all levels throughout Europe in so many different ways. His drive and determination brought to fruition the inaugural European Champions League cup, which was so prophetically held for the first and last time for Ken at his beloved Hamburg Warriors in October 2008. As word spreads of his untimely passing all those who met him will forever remember him, in particular all those who first picked up a stick or threw a flag at Kens behest will be his legacy as his indomitable spirit lives on.

Gordon F Shumack Secretary European Lacrosse Federation

25.02.2009 16:29 - Gordon F Shumack

very sad.

Im Glad i had the pleasure to meet Ken.
thankyou for Hamburg 2008

Mark Bowe
Wimlslow Lacrosse


25.02.2009 16:21 - Mark Bowe

ken was a lovly man, whenever some one needed something he would always be there to help.
you did alot of nice things for me even tho we only saw eye to eye a few times, it has been a pleasure playing for the hamburg warriors under yours coachin as guest and has been a pleasure meetind and knowin you.
thank you for some great memories.
i remember beating you in the fastest shot compotition over in hamberg and winning the bag wish you were hear for the re-match ken keep practising up there big guy
forever missed.
Daryl Chatterton stockport lacrosse #4
25.02.2009 16:07 - Daryl chatterton

Lieber Ken,

leider war die Zeit, die ich Dich kennen durfte, viel zu kurz. Du warst ein ganz besonderer Mensch und ohne Dich ist diese Welt um so vieles ärmer. Leider ist Deine Last so gross gewesen, dass Du keinen anderen Weg mehr gesehen hast. In meinem Herzen wirst Du immer einen besonderen Platz haben und wo immer Du jetzt auch bist, ich hoffe, Du bist glücklich.

Ruhe in Frieden, irgendwann sehen wir uns wieder...

25.02.2009 15:44 - Andrea Schön

mathew

i am sure you met me once in a while in the office of your father's office. i am realy shoked about ken's death but on he other hand i am sure that he is now resting in peace..

pls give all my love to your mom and your father

yours

carsten von holt

25.02.2009 15:25 - carsten von holt

Dear Ken

We have known you it seems for a very long time during which the Spirit of Lacrosse was always uppermost in all that you said and did. A friend to all who love lacrosse and a firm defender of the great creators game. You touched so many by your humour, and outgoing character. Your firm and resolute nature utmost integrity and honour brought great credit and respect that you never sought. You always had time for every one and so willing and able to develop lacrosse at every opportunity where ever that happened to be. Thank you for allowing us to share your time on so many wonderful and memorable occasions. Our most sincere condolences to Ken's family.

God bless. Gordon Chris and Gareth (Shui) Shumack Wales

25.02.2009 15:19 - Gordon, Chris & Gareth Shumack

The Board of Lacrosse Scotland Board and the membership wish to register their shock at the news of Kenneth's death. He was a huge supporter of Lacrosse in Germany and European Lacrosse and his support and presence will be greatly missed.

Jane Claydon, President of Lacrosse Scotland.
25.02.2009 14:52 - Lacrosse Scotland

After the shock of hearing of Ken's passing just this morning, my first thoughts were of Ken as one of the great unsung heroes of lacrosse in Germany. Obviously, in reading through the remembrances and thoughts of others, this couldn't be farther from the truth. Many, including myself, have come and gone, hopefully making a small contribution here and there. But it was Ken's steady dedication and persistence - sometimes begrudgingly, always unselfishly - that made a lasting impression on the growth of the sport in Germany.

Like other ex-pats in Germany in the mid-1990s, our initial motivation in getting involved in lacrosse was to grow the sport we so loved - simply to have more people to play it with! But it quickly became so much more than that. Though Ken and I both have funny Italian last names, we shared a belief that German lacrosse should, above all, be German. Few today will ever know or understand what an issue this was 12-15 years ago; exactly as Ken would have wanted it.

My lasting impression of Ken will always be the beaming pride and pure joy he exhibited as the final seconds ticked down in Germany's win over Scotland in the 1997 European Championships in Stockholm - the national team's very first victory in international play. As coach, I was in the fortunate position to sub Ken in goal for the second half of the game and have him on the field for that moment. A tip of the hat for all his hard work and a fitting tribute to the dedication he displayed.

We will all miss Ken, but not have far to look for traces of his lasting influence.

Der Joe
25.02.2009 14:49 - Joe DiChiaro, Head Coach, German National Team 1997

Ken
du warst echt einer der bedeutensten Leuten im deutschen Lacrosse! Danke das du so viel für den DlaxV getan hast und sehr viel arbeit auf dich genommen hast.Es wird schwer sein zu realisieren das du nicht mehr mit deiner Kamera am Spielfeldrand stehen wirst und Fotos von den Spielen machen wirst.Du wirst mir immer in Erinnerung bleiben!
Ruhe in Frieden und nochmals DANKE! für alles was du gemacht hast!!
25.02.2009 14:46 - Kilian Bombosch #22 Göttingen Grasshoppers

Ken, You were a true friend to both of us for many years. we respected your views, even those we did not agree with.Thank you for your kindnesses over the years and for the immense efforts which you put into developing the game we love so much. A lasting tribute to your memory will be the uncountable number of young people who will grow up to enjoy our game. Thank you
25.02.2009 14:34 - John Leach and Jackie

Will miss you big guy
God bless Ken
25.02.2009 14:24 - Dave Doolan

Ken, eine sehr große Person ist von uns gegangen.
Er war eine besondere Größe in unserem Leben.
Er hat uns und dem Schiedsrichtern in Deutschland und Europa sehr viel aufgebaut und unterstützt.
Ich kann sagen, dass jeder Schiedsrichter in Deutschland nicht derjenige währe, wenn Ken nicht so viel in unsere Ausbildung investiert hätte.
Nun ist eine große Lücke da, die wohl keiner schließen kann und auch zu Ehren Ken's nicht schließen sollte.

Im Namen aller Schiedsrichter und Freunde.
Ruhe in Frieden
25.02.2009 14:21 - Matthias + Chrissy

We drank, we ate, we agreed, we argued but at the end we always laughed. Such a tragedy at such a young age. You will be sorely missed. You will always be remembered by all who have had the priviledge of meeting. Continue to throw the flag.
25.02.2009 13:54 - Ron

Try Googling "Ken Galluccio", then take some time to look at some of the 50+ entries attributed to his name.
A quick and easy way to assess the contribution of Ken and the man he was.
Thanks Ken,
See you on the field!

25.02.2009 13:39 - Stephen Taylor v2

Ken,
when we spoke five weeks ago, you said you were taking a time out from lacrosse, now I understand.
No more fun and laughter, no more jugs of margaritas.
Your kindnesses, generosity,compassion,honesty and overwhelming love for lacrosse will be much missed; the lacrosse field will be smaller without you.
Our deepest sympathy to your family
Gyda phob cydemdeiliad. Hwyl,ein ffrind.
Mike, Rhodri, Morgan & Nia Evans; Jane Atherton
Sheffield & Wales Lacrosse
25.02.2009 13:31 - Mike Evans, Sheffield Steelers & Wales Lacrosse

I just received the terrible news that Ken Galluccio passed away. The shock and sorrow is just beginning to affect me because I loved him like I love my sons. What he has done for European lacrosse no man can ever duplicate and I sit here stunned as I am writing this.
I first met Ken through international officiating and then observing him as he officiated and saw that he was a force both on and off the field and everything he did was for the good of, not only German lacrosse,but all of European lacrosse as well. Among my fondest memories will be those of watching him drink and eat(and could he eat). The best part of spending time with Ken was at a pub and there you could see how he was a very generous and caring human being and loved sharing his thoughts about this grand game.

Ken, as I know him, will always remain dear to my heart, and whenever I think of him (and it will be often),I will only see good things and have the wonderful memories that we shared together.

Al Blau
25.02.2009 13:12 - Al Blau

I am deeply saddened by Ken's premature death. He was a generous and warm hearted man who was seen as a friend by all who met him. Lacrosse won't be the same without him, particularly in Europe where he worked so hard to develop both the men's and women's game. He was one in a million and I will always remember his smile and warm greeting and he seemed to know everybody and everybody knew him. What a loss to us all.
25.02.2009 12:56 - Ann Parker

Ken, du wirst sehr fehlen hier in unserer kleinen Lacrossewelt in Deutschland. Deine Fotos, Dein spontanes Einspringen beim Schiedsrichten, Dein Lacrosse Spirit...
Wir werden uns alle an dich erinnern. Ruhe in Frieden.
25.02.2009 12:54 - Katharina - Kiel

Dear Ken,

I have known you since 1997 and yet it seems that I did not know you too well. People say you cannot look into the brain of a person and know I understand.

I was devistated by the news and could not believe it at first. The international Lacrosse community lost a good friend, an ambassador of the game and a good human being.

I am sad for you loss, yet hope that you will find your peace where you are right now. I will never forget you. Rest in peace, farewell my friend.


25.02.2009 12:53 - Niklas Kukat, Team Germany 1999-2008, Head Coach Switzerland Lacrosse

Ken was one of the few people thaqt I think was a genious. Not an easy thing to live with on his part, even harder on our.

His leadership and his sacrifice to the game of lacrosse cannot be replaced.

I am privileged to have had him call me his friend, and I will continue to try to live up to his standards and expectations.

It's hard to imagine he won't be there with his laugh and his energy.
25.02.2009 12:48 - Jim Price

I just can't believe this. Ken you will be dearly missed.
I met Ken at my first tournament in Germany back in 2001(?) and since then he has been synonymous with Lacrosse in Europe. Seeing Ken was part of every tournament -Any time he wasn't there it felt like something was missing. But it wasn't just his presence that made Ken so special, it was his intense desire to push Lacrosse forward and to make it grown in Germany and so many other places in Europe. His dedication to promoting Lacrosse should be an inspiration to us all. All of us who love this game have so much to thank Ken for and I hope that as the youth game continues to grow that we will someday achieve his vision. Until then however it's going to be hard being at tournaments, looking at the stands, and not seeing him there taking pictures. -Not meeting him after a game to hear about the call I screwed up or debating the direction of Lacrosse in Europe... It just won't be the same without him. Ken, You will be missed - more than I had ever imagined before today. Rest in Peace Big Guy.

25.02.2009 12:17 - Ted

This page says it all... A massive loss to the World of Lacrosse and to all of us who knew him.

Ken was a great human being & a true friend & We have many great stories (some we'd like to forget) and memories to treasure & for us to talk about for years to come

It was a pleasure to have worked with him, organised tours with him and sat back and chilled with him...just an all round solid guy !!

I am sure as we speak...somewhere up there he is promoting lacrosse & starting a new team up...

On behalf of all his friends at Stockport Lacrosse Club & England Lacrosse - We Pray God Gives His Family & Loved Ones the Strength to Get Through These Times

God Bless


25.02.2009 12:14 - Ravi "Baggie" Sitlani - Stockport #00 / England Lacrosse

Only the good die young.
Ich werde Dich nie vergessen. Danke für alles, was Du für Enrique getan hast.
In tiefer Trauer und Bestürzung,

Daniela
25.02.2009 11:57 - Daniela

Lieber Ken,

danke für deine Unterstützung und deinen Einsatz für den Lacrossesport in Deutschland!!! Es wird nicht mehr das Selbe sein ohne dich!

Thank You!!! We will never forget you!!!!!!!

25.02.2009 11:57 - Florian #23, WOlfsburg Knights

Lieber Ken, für alles was Du für unseren Sport geleistet hast, ziehe ich meinen Helm vor Dir! Dein Enthusiasmus und Deine Motivation wird uns allen fehlen. Auf dem Feld wirst du bei uns sein.
Ruhe in Frieden Grosser Mann
25.02.2009 11:48 - Jonas Siemsen

Ken, You were a great man, never to be forgotten. See You later buddy...
25.02.2009 11:13 - Pavel Dosly #10, CZ

Lieber Ken,

ich konnte es erst gar nicht glauben als ich es gehört habe...

Auf diesem Weg möchte ich mich für deine Unterstützung und Hilfsbereitschaft bedanken.
Diese Welt wird eine Andere ohne dich sein.

Thank you & Goodbye

Mirko
25.02.2009 11:02 - Mirko - Ingolstadt Panthers/Wolfsburg Knights

It was my great pleasure and privilege to know and work with Ken. He was both tireless and selfless in his commitment to lacrosse development in Germany and throughout Europe. He was as passionate as anyone I knew in the international lacrosse community, and his life positively touched so many throughout the world. His presence at international lacrosse events will be missed and remembered for many years to come. His loss came as a shock to me, as it must have to so many who knew and respected him. I hope he knew how we all felt about him, how we valued his perspective, and how we were motivated by his example…but perhaps he didn't know the depth of our feelings for one reason or another, and I regret that possibility. In many ways, Ken personified the sport we all love – he was tenacious yet sensitive, passionate yet caring. No matter the circumstances, he always had a kind word, a big smile and hearty laugh…and that's the way I'll always remember him. On behalf of US Lacrosse, I want to extend my deepest sympathy to his family and friends. I share in your loss, and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
25.02.2009 10:49 - Steve Stenersen

Dearest Ken,
My friend, my partner in crime and my indomitable peer.
We have spent so many hours discussing, arguing and ultimately working on the development of our game, our officials and the future of German, European and World Lacrosse world, through our eyes.
You were like an infection; only rather than fighting to get rid of the infection, I fought to nurture, grow and love it.
There are so many wonderful memories: Passau, Prague, Munich, Berlin, Copenhagen, Manchester, Dublin, Annapolis, and Peterborough (Canada) to mention just a few but at the heart of them all was your unrelenting generosity, your passion and your commitment to our friendship.
For all the hours we spent together, your stubbornness, your kindness, your bear like hugs and above all your friendship; Thank You!
The world of Women's and Men's Lacrosse owes you a deep gratitude my friend, we are all better off for having spent time with you.
Take Care and try to get the goal circles the same size by the time I get there, it will save us so much time!
Always in stripes
Your friend
25.02.2009 10:44 - Stephen, Sheila and Emily Taylor

Ken, you are one of the rare, inspirational people that grace this planet like a shining star. Everywhere you went, across oceans, continents and cultures you shone and lit up the lives and imaginations of countless souls with your elan, wit and magnanimity. The lacrosse family is blessed to have had your services during your brief stay here. Though we'll be lonely carrying on your work here, we are comforted that you are already working hard abroad, preparing all for that great game of lax in the sky to come.

You're always with us and you and your family shall remain in our prayers.

Peace from your old friend,

Hetz


25.02.2009 10:36 - John Hetzel-- Charlottesville Herd

Lieber Ken,
Wir werden dich alle sehr vermissen. Die Lücke die du in der Welt hinterlässt wird nicht zu füllen sein. Für mich wird es, wie für die Anderen, lange Zeit dauern, um zu realisieren, dass man dich nicht mehr auf den Lacrosse Feldern in ganz Deutschland treffen wird. Es ist unfassbar was du alles für Lacrosse in Deutschland getan hast und ich danke dir mit ganzen Herzen davon.
Ruhe in Frieden.
25.02.2009 10:35 - Anjulie - Göttingen

Dear Ken,

The first time I met you was when we had problems finding referees to help us umpire a game in 2005. After that game we were often in contact with one another. When you had time you never hesitated helping a team whether it was umpiring a game or with organisation! It was always an experience with you either as a player or umpire. You made everything look easy.
There is no place I can't think of where you didn't roll up your sleeves and get to work: National Team, Referee, BLN, Coaching, Youth Lacrosse and a lot more.
For all of this I would like to say thank you.
And I will never forget your helping me out last November when I acquired my black referee license.
Your spirit will always accompany German Lacrosse.

25.02.2009 10:23 - Maximilian von Oetinger - #5 - Göttingen

Ken, you could be the most stubborn person I ever had to deal with. But it is that stubbornness that European lacrosse will miss. It is that determination, that "Ken-ness" that did so much for the game. You gave so much of yourself to this sport and for that I thank you. Rest in peace.
25.02.2009 10:19 - Kevin Parker, Coach HTHC Hamburg Warriors

Ken,

I had the pleasure of meeting you on a number of occasions. At different tournaments and competitions throughout Europe and always enjoyed his insight and anecdotes. Ken you will be sorely missed by all here in Ireland and indeed throughout the world of lacrosse. My sincerest condolences to your family and may that well wishes and thoughts of countless people help comfort them in this time of suffering.
Good bye Ken.
25.02.2009 10:14 - Sean Gibson - Ireland & Dublin Lacrosse #13

Dear Ken, The global LACROSSE world mourns your passing. You brought a joy, enthusiasm and dedication beyond compare. The sport is better for your 'being'. My own memories of our first and subsequent meetings since 2002 are fresh and vibrant which was so much a part of your persona. Sincere condolences to your family and loved ones, including members of the Hamburg Warriors Lacrosse Club. Mavis Owens - Executive Director, 2002 World Lacrosse Championships (Perth, Western Australia)
25.02.2009 10:08 - Mavis Owens

Ken,

Your dedication to our game shall always stand as your tribute. You are a true friend and your spirit will remain on the field as we play. I am happy to know you and will run with you always. Until we meet again............Rodney Meyer- Muscogee Nation
25.02.2009 10:00 - Rodney Meyer - Referee - Iroquois Nationals

Ken, to know you for a quarter of our lives and then to realise that I will not be able to see you again, is really incomprehensible for me. I still have the zebra thong you sent me after my first umpiring camp in 2001 - and your never-ending emails on building the first schirikom and translating the rule book. I will always think that I will see you at the next Berlin Open, and you will always be with us. Thank you for every laugh or drink we had, every discussion we fought and just for being yourself. I hope you found what you have been looking for.
25.02.2009 09:49 - Heike Marie Ebel, Zebra from Frankfurt

we will always remember and have wounderful memories of a lovely fun loving person long may his memorey live
25.02.2009 09:45 - nick and carol ireland

It is with great sadness that I learned of Ken's passing today. I will always remember the night of laughter we shared in Lahti and how much my stomach hurt the next day from laughing so hard. Thank you for the friendship, humor and photography tips you shared with me in Lahti. I appreciate your passion and enthusiasm for lacrosse and will always keep that in mind when I step on a field.
25.02.2009 09:39 - Jim Manahan, US official, '08 Euro's, Lahti, Finland

I first met Gooch in 1997 at the National Team try-outs in Bonn and had the pleasure of getting to know him during my time with the team. We had kept touch during the years and I always enjoyed his humor, candor and love of life. Ken was a true gentleman and one who will be sorely missed.


25.02.2009 09:38 - Alex Schultes - General Manager, German National Team 1997 - 2001

I learned from you and I wish you would have seen another way.
I hope that you're happy wherever you are now or that at least the pain you felt has ceased and you are free. You were a precious and important person for many and in many ways. Thank you.
Rest in peace.
25.02.2009 09:31 - B - #27

Ken loved life and he loved lacrosse and we all loved him for that. He was a true gent who said it the way he saw it, his smile and jovial manner will be missed on lacrosse fields across the World.
Tonight I'll drink one to 'The Big man' so long old friend.

Coach E
25.02.2009 09:12 - Dave Elwood Head Coach England Lacrosse Team

Ken, my brother, I am totally shocked and sad!

The ILF Referee's manual begins with the following words:

"The Iroquois believe that Lacrosse is a sacred game, a gift from The Creator, and that, when
a Lacrosse match is to take place, The Great Spirit passes over the ground on which it is to
be played and blesses the participants and their Lacrosse sticks."

I believe that YOUR spirit will also bless every Lacrosse field in Europe!

Ovid once said: "Felix qui quod amat defendere fortiter audet." I never met someone who lived this proverb the way you lived it concerning Lacrosse.
And for this reason I want to make the suggestion that the European Champions Cup will be called Kenneth Galluccio Cup!

Throw your flag in peace, buddy!

Yours as always!

~Malte~

25.02.2009 09:10 - Malte Rolff

Lieber Ken
wieviel Schmerz musst Du getragen haben dass Du diese Wahl getroffen hast.Eines ist jedoch sicher, es gibt nichts im Leben was nicht durch Gottes Hände geht - jedes Wort jeder Gedanke - alles was hier in dieser Welt existiert ist auch von Ihm.
Wenn dass, warum Du so gegangen bist einen Sinn haben soll, dann ist der ,den ich erkenne dieser, dass Du nicht nur im Leben, sondern vor allem durch Deinen Tod sehr viele Menschen berührt hast, wie auch mich. Ich glaube es gibt nur ganz wenige, die noch nie so einen Gedanken dachten und überhaupt wer denkt schon gerne über den Tod nach.
Durch Deinen Tod hast Du ganz viel in den Herzen der Menschen in Bewegung gesetzt und wenn Herzen bewegt werden entsteht Liebe. Ich danke Dir dafür.

Gottes Segen
25.02.2009 09:08 - Christina Lämmer Tel:040-27808028

Mit tiefer Bestürzung erfuhr ich soeben diese sehr traurige Nachricht. Die wenigen Male, welche ich in traf, habe ich in sehr guter Erinnerung. Ken war immer freundlich und nie um aufmunternde Worte verlegen. Die Leidenschaft, mit welcher er Lacrosse unterstützte und lebte, ist Vorbild für Jeden!

In Gedenken an Ihn und Trauer um den Verlust für die Lacrosse-Gemeinschaft,

Jeannine Grafe
Leipzig Miwoks
25.02.2009 08:58 - Jeannine Grafe

Dear Friend!
Remember our common great time we had in Salzburg, Prague, Lahti etc!
Thanks for helping Latvia!
Best regards,
Aigars
25.02.2009 08:51 - Aigars Grinbergs - LATVIA

Mein lieber, lieber Ken!
Ich vermisse Dich so sehr, kann es mir noch gar nicht vorstellen, Deine mutmachende sanfte Stimme nicht mehr zu hören, Deine starken Arme nicht mehr zu spüren, wenn ich mal wieder Trost und Rat brauchte.
Du hast mir so viel gegeben. Wie an dem Tag, als ich aus der Muckibude kam oder als ich mein Schäfchen ins Trockene gebracht habe, da warst Du da mit so viel Gefühl.
So gern hätte ich dasselbe bei Dir erreicht. Ich hätte so sehr gewollt, daß Du es auch schaffst.
In meinem Herzen lebst Du weiter, Du bist in der Zeit, die wir miteinander verbracht haben, ein sehr sehr wertvoller Mensch für mich geworden, hab Dich richtig liebgewonnen.
Ich drück Dich in tiefer Freundschaft
Bussi, Deine Sandra
25.02.2009 08:48 - Sandra Dellert

Bonjour Ken

Thanks for the memories, the good times, the numerous suggestions, the great meals, the games officiated... but mostly thanks for being a genuine, honest and dedicated person totally committed to the game of lacrosse.
A conversation with you was always a breath of fresh air; new ideas, new proposals, a different approcah to everything, always in a positive manner...
And what a great sense of humour you had....even in French....
Take good care of yourself now, and, please, keep an eye on the rest of us...
We will surely see you later.
In the meantime please line the fields, check the nets, get the rule books ready, locate your whistle, get your uniform...we're all coming and we'll play one more game, up there, with you as ''our greatest official''...

Pierre Filion
Fédération de crosse du Québec
25.02.2009 08:42 - Pierre Filion

You will sadly missed my friend.
25.02.2009 08:38 - Jason Perrin

"Rise up this morning, smiled with the rising sun. Three little birds pitch by my doorstep. Singing sweet songs of melodies pure and true. Saying, this is my message to you-ou-ou. Singing don't worry about a thing, because every little thing gonna be all right. Singing don't worry about a thing, because every little thing gonna be all right."

Ken, we owe you!
25.02.2009 08:29 - JP Gregor #42

Good bye my friend you were a good friend to Lacrosse in Italia. Were ever you are you will be playing and getting involved with the game we all love.


25.02.2009 08:23 - Alex Rastelli

Ken, there truly are no smart words for such a situation - so I have to keep it with a simple but huge thank you for all you did to make our U21 experience so unforgettable as well as for all those little things that add up to the greater good of especially youth Lacrosse in Germany. Thank you!
25.02.2009 08:11 - Matthias Rau - Stuttgart #19

Ken, I will miss you greatly. The next World Championships will not be the same without you. Your incredible efforts and achievments in helping Lacrosse grow is a legacy for us all in the future. Thank you so much for being a part of my life and for that great night in Berlin several years ago. Rest in peace.
25.02.2009 08:09 - Lindsay Scott - Asutralia.

Gooch,

we where yelling, screaming, laughing, cheering and all together!
It was good to have met someone equally passionate about sport and life as you where!

I worked with you, you trained me and I got to know the Gooch side of you. I thank you for that!!!

Rest in peace Gooch. I will miss you.

25.02.2009 08:05 - Norma #2 / Hamburg Warriors

Wie für so viele andere auch warst du der jenige der zu den ersten Lacrossern gezählt hat die ich kennen gelern habe
Du hast mir Lacrosse näher- und beigebracht, mich dabeigehalten und mich bei meinen ersten Lacrosse Ehrfahrungen nach Brüssel und Manchester begleitet
Auch ich werde dich so in Erinnerung behalten wie ich dich kennen gelernt habe
fröhlich, offen und unermüdlich

25.02.2009 08:00 - Nils Hölterling #8 Hamburg A

"A person continues to enjoy oneself in paradise as long as the memory is green in the world,
and one should build a memorial on the mountain that will endure for as long as the sun and the moon shall shine".
Kenneth Galluccio - German Lacrosse, European Lacrosse - that's a pretty good memorial. Enjoy the lacrosse in paradise.
25.02.2009 07:54 - Ian McRae - Australia

Ken was not only a good personal friend, but he also refereed the first EVER lacrosse match in Slovenia.
We are shocked to lose such a great man so early ! He was an inspiration to so many.

I know he'll be watching over us with his irreplacebale smile and humour.

European lax will not be the same....

See you mate !
25.02.2009 07:39 - Steve Fish - Ljubljana Dragons L.C. Slovenia

Lieber Ken,
die Welt hat einen großen Charakter losgelassen.
Mit Tränen in den Augen erinnern mich diese Zeilen an die Begegnungen mit dir.

Gute Reise
Flo Klaus #17
25.02.2009 07:38 - Flo Klaus #17

"from an Italian to another", you always told me... before giving me all your advises, to help myself and the sport of Lacrosse in our Nation..

from an Italian to another, I always told you... before asking you for tips and help

from an Italian to another... once again, since it was our own saying...
good bye Ken

Fabio
25.02.2009 07:25 - Fabio Antonelli

Dear Ken,
it is difficult to find the right words to express my sorrow over your passing. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you have done for me. For the u21 experience that you made possible for me, your guidance and advice, which I treasure greatly. I hope that you find peace, wherever you are and may your smile and laughter never be forgotten. I'll miss you
25.02.2009 07:10 - Alex Coslow u21 #14

We didn't see eye to eye very often, but we both had the love of the game in common, you will be missed a lot, you're a good man.
25.02.2009 07:09 - Richard Gartside - Rochdale Lacrosse

"Remember me with smiles and laughter"
that is how i will always remember you ken, I met you , liked you , called you friend
Love and Hugs
Tina

25.02.2009 07:05 -

Dear Ken...

Thank you for your friendly nature, and all your hard work to promote lacrosse.

Bless you,

Rasmus
25.02.2009 06:53 - Rasmus Stouby

lieber ken,
du warst mein erster trainer, mit dir zusammen haben wir die braves in hamburg aufgebaut.du warst nicht nur ein guter trainer für die erste zeit, du warst auch ein guter mensch mit dem man immer was zu lachen hatte. auch der trip in die usa mit dir hat mir sehr viel bedeutet. ich habe sehr deine offenheit und deine mentalität geschätzt, wie schade, dass du jetzt von uns gegangen bist.
ich denke an dich und werde auch immer an dich denken.

du warst eine wichtige person in meinem leben.

cheers


25.02.2009 06:49 - David Nattkemper / Hamburg Warriors

It is hard to add more than was already said. Ken was THE man who helped European lacrosse to make a big step forward and spread to many countries. His effort was enormous and his energy was unbelievable and inspiring.
I will always remember the situation after the busy and slightly chaotic first day of European Championship in 2004 in Prague. At 11 p.m. our organizing team was sitting at the stand of the stadium completly exhausted and with a feeling that absolutely everything must fail. It was Ken (who was referee in chief for the tournament) who came with a smile and said Hey, cheer up! You do a great job and it will work! And finally it did, also thanks to his great help.
It is hard to imagine that he won't be in Prague for the Women's World Cup in June.
I am sure that Ken had many plans for the European lacrosse. Now it is up to us to do it. For Ken and for the future of the game we all love.
25.02.2009 06:18 - Ondrej Mika, Czech Lacrosse

All at lacrosse Australia are saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Ken.

Kne's dedication to the advancement of World lacrosse particularly through his service on the International Lacrosse Development Committee and his innovative Web site for Development of Lacrosse will always be with us.

Yes I agree that in the assembly room Ken exhibited a fairness of mind and stood for the principal and was not steam rolled by his oposition.

We have just lost a strong indepandant thinker in our Lacrosse community and he will be hard to replace.

His memorial will be the Lacrosse that is stronger for his having passed out way. Thanks for the work you did for World Lacrosse..

David Fox President and all Board and members of Lacrosse in Australia.
25.02.2009 06:06 - Lacrosse Australia

Ken, Shocked to hear this!

My thoughts are with all family and friends. Great to see the overwhelming reactions about your involvement in the game and the appreciation by many/all in Germany (and outside).

Always enjoyed working with you and let's make sure you're newborn Euro Tournament will grow to greatness in honor of your name!

Arttu Sesselaar
formal President of the Dutch Lacrosse Association
25.02.2009 06:00 - Arttu Sesselaar - formal President of the Dutch Lacrosse Association

Ken, I remember you laughing, yelling, screaming, cheering up, and above all tireleslly working for European lacrosse. That's how I will remember you forever. Thanks for everything and keep an eye on us.
25.02.2009 05:54 - Petr Chmelar, TJ Malesice Prague

met you-liked you a lot-many will miss you
25.02.2009 05:50 - Rick Green,Wilmslow Lacrosse Club

Lieber Ken, ich kann immernoch nicht fassen, dass Du von uns gegangen bist. So gut wie jeder Lacrosser in Deutschland hat wohl seine Geschichte mit Dir, vielleicht fast jeder in Europa. Du nahmst niemals ein Blatt vor den Mund und hast den Leuten immer Deine Meinung gesagt, dafür achte ich Dich sehr. Immer fröhlich, lauthals lachend, so habe ich Dich in Erinnerung - und so wirst Du in meiner Erinnerung bleiben!
Möge es Dir besser gehen, wo immer Du nun bist!
25.02.2009 05:47 - Benjamin Kreuter #42

Dear Ken, rest in peace my colleague and lacrosse friend.
This astounding loss to the world of lacrosse has hit me and I grieve that you will not see the fulfilment of all the effort, planning, encouragement and pleasant enthusiasm you dedicated to lacrosse generally, world-wide, in europe & particularly Germany.
I remember from our first meeting when you refereed in the ILF 2002 Men's Championships (and presented us all with those zebra hats) your enthusiasm and outspoken commitment to lacrosse. In later times it was always with a camera or two around your neck (in Lahti, snapping whilst actually on the field of play - of course inadvertently) and/or with an administrative role for German/European lacrosse. Whenever we met or wherever in the world there was that wonderful smile and exchange of pleasantries - just as if we had met most recently (rather than many months/years ago). You will be missed. I trust that there is an Almighty who will allow you to look down upon the developments that you initiated and let you see and enjoy the growth of the many lacrosse seeds you have successfully planted.
Keep smiling, Mike Slattery (Australia)
25.02.2009 05:45 - Mike Slattery (Lacrosse Australia)

Ken, on behalf of all at Wilmslow LC, thank you for all your kind help & assistance over the years. You have been an inspiration to many & without your drive & commitment I have no doubt that the inaugural European Club Championships would not have taken place last October & Wilmslow LC would not be the 2008 Champions.
Our trip to Hamburg was an outstanding experience for all & we made many friends over the weekend. For some of our players this was the biggest lacrosse event of their lives & the memories will last forever.
We shall all miss that huge laugh of yours that could shake the earth & the little asides that you often made whether reffing or taking photos.
It is with huge sadness we receive this terrible news but we are all much richer for having had the pleasure & privilege of knowing you & working with you over the years.
Rest in peace my friend.
25.02.2009 05:27 - Clive Perrin - Secretary Wilmslow LC (UK)

Thanks for all, Ken. You really helped my game through everything you did.
25.02.2009 05:26 - Richard

Dear Ken.

I am very sad to hear the news of your passing. I have nevet met a more dedicated lacrosse enthusiast, and I doubt that I ever will. My first contact with you was when you held a referee camp in Copenhagen, travelling many miles for a 5 hour camp.

You where the best example of the spirit that is lacrosse.

Rest in peace.
25.02.2009 05:25 - Bo Bennekov - Copenhagen Lacrosse #3

Gooch,

I remember very well the first day we met. It was 1995, a sunny day in Berlin and you walked onto our practice field, a public park where people were walking their dogs, on Pacelli-Allee. You had called me a day or two earlier in response to some postings we had hung out in the University.

You were wearing that giant Grateful Dead t-shirt in the colors of the American flag. That day you taught me the basic goalie skills, a position I briefly considered as I had cancer and could not run fast enough to play as middie in the upcoming European Championships. You borrowed my cap and soaked it with your sweat.

A week later, I called you and asked you to become the goalie of the German National Team. You were hesitant, as you were coming from rehab and were afraid of the off-field temptations of being a Lacrosse player. But your love for the game made it impossible to resist. That day you started your first career in German Lacrosse, as player in the National Team 1995 in Prague and Pilsen. It was the year where Germany came razor-close to winning its first game.

We will miss you.


25.02.2009 05:18 - Florian Muth (Otter), Die Eichen, BLAX, ELF

Ken, I've known you since 1997 and always respected your judgment (whether I admitted it or not!). I learned a lot from you and will really miss seeing you at all of the big lacrosse events. You will be missed by all in European Lacrosse. RIP.
25.02.2009 05:02 - Bob Scheider, Stavanger Storm, ex-1880 Frankfurt

Ken!Du bist eine meiner ersten Lacrosse-Erinnerungen. Und eine meiner imposantesten und stetigsten. Du erschienst mir immer als ein wandelndes Lacrosse-Lexikon/Best of Germany's Lacrosse-Märchenbuch. Doro und ich haben damals Tränen gelacht, Deine CD für uns habe ich bis heute - sie bringt mich immer noch zum lachen. Es erscheint mir so unwirklich, dass wir jetzt ohne Dich weitermachen müssen...
25.02.2009 04:57 - L #7

Dear Ken

Your enthusiasm and great personality is a great loss to us all and will be missed by us all.

Your work in european lacrosse is unparallelled and we are left with a big void.

25.02.2009 04:55 - Jonatan Gissel - retired # 20 Copenhagen Lacrosse and Team Denmark

Ken, ich erinnere mich noch zu gut an mein allererstes Refcamp: 2002, in Hannover, ein Tag, es hat geregnet. Ich kannte dich nicht, hatte nur von dir gehört :) und war fasziniert wie jemand so viel Leidenschaft fürs Schiedsrichten entwickeln kann. Damals irgendwie unverstädnlich für mich, "wir sind doch nur zum Pfeifen hier?! Müssen wir halt"... inzwischen versteh ich es nur zu gut. Ich bin dir unendlich dankbar für alles was du für unseren so geliebten Sport getan hast und auch für mich.
Inzwischen haben sich die Rollen umgekehrt, aber auch hier warst Du Dir nie zu schade Dir Feedback zu holen von jemandem dem Du selbst mal das Pfeifen beigebracht hast, "Ich bin ein bisschen raus, aber ich will wieder zurück ins Geschäft, also sag mir alles was dir auffällt, und sei nicht zimperlich :)"... ich glaube diesen Satz werde ich nie vergessen.
Auch wenn manchmal anstrengend und nervig "och nö... schon wieder ne 1000-zeilige Mail von Ken", so doch liebenswert und voller Eifer alles nur Mögliche zu tun, um den Sport den wir so lieben voranzutreiben.
Immer 100%, manchmal zu viel, aber Du warst halt einfach Ken.
Du warst jemand den man immer anrufen konnte und der so gut er konnte geholfen hat, egal worum es ging.
Unendliche viele Emails, Anrufe und Fragen zu allem möglichen... Manchmal anstrengend, aber jetzt, wo nie wieder eine Mail von dir ins Postfach flattern wird, werde ich sie schmerzlich vermissen.
"Thanks for all you did your german umpiring" - das kann ich nur zurückgeben.
"Yours as always", du wirst mir fehlen...

25.02.2009 04:54 - Anika, Blax #6 & BLN Schiedsrichterobfrau

Ken, thank you for everything that you have done. You always brought a smile to my face and that is exactly how I will remember you buddy. Rest in piece my friend and know that I will never forget you.
25.02.2009 04:36 - Ryan Coulson

Lieber Ken
Herzlichen Dank für alles was Du für Deutschland Lacrosse gemacht hast. Du als Mensch warst immer eine Bereicherung obwohl wir oft verschiedener Meinungen waren.
Wir werden Dich vermissen


25.02.2009 04:25 - Jan Müller LCM # 24

Ken, thank you for everything you did for Bulgarian and European Lacrosse! We will all remember you with good and we will never forget you! Without you, the game of Lacrosse will never be the same.

Rest in peace, my friend!
25.02.2009 04:14 - Nikolay Cholakov #22 Bulgarian Lacrosse

We havent met before but we are all in one big lacrosse family and we shere also hapiness and sadness between us. I believe that after all end there is a begining of something else. I wish to our lax brother all the best on the next way.
25.02.2009 03:51 - Stanislav "Stasho" Mraz Goalie No. 72 Tricksters lacrosse team from Bratislava

Hey Ken, auch wenn wir uns oft während der Ligaarbeit in die Haare gekriegt haben, so warst du doch ein Lichtblick. Die Zusammenarbeit mit dir war einzigartig, nicht nur weil du alles dennoch immer mit einem Lächeln gemacht hast, auch wenn wir dich mal wieder zur Weißglut gebracht haben. Du wirst mir und Deutschland Lacrosse sehr fehlen, du hinterlässt eine sehr grosse Lücke!
25.02.2009 03:42 - Janne - Hawks

Du hast meine erste USA-Erfahrung ganz einzigartig gemacht. Ohne dich wäre diese Reise und auch die U21 nicht das gewesen was sie waren: unvergesslich; und dafür möchte ich dir von Herzen danken.
Wir werden dein Enthusiasmus, deine Lebensfreude, deine Zuverlässigkeit und Hilfsbereitschaft und vor allem dein Lachen vermissen. Für mich gehörst du zu den Grundpfeilern des Deutschen Lacrosse.
Danke, dass ich dich kennenlernen durfte
Rest in peace
25.02.2009 03:33 - Jan van Eijkelenburg - Hamburg Warriors #12

Dear Ken. You've been a big part of Lacrosse. Not only in Germany, but all over Europe. You will be missed.

R.I.P.
25.02.2009 03:32 - Copenhagen Lacrosse

Die Nachricht Deines Todes hat mich gerade getroffen wie der Blitz. Konnte es erst gar nicht glauben und habe jetzt leider die Gewissheit, dass es der Wahrheit entspricht.
Du warst ein herzensguter Mensch und wirst mir immer in Erinnerung bleiben.
25.02.2009 03:26 - Flo - Passau Lacrosse

Lieber Kenneth,

heute am 23. Februar 2009 habe ich erfahren, dass Du von uns gegangen bist.
Du bist tot - gestorben am 22.Februar 2009.

Du hast Dich selbst aus dem Leben geholt. WARUM?
Ich habe Dich als einen so lieben Menschen kennen gelernt. Ich habe Dich sehr sehr gerne gehabt - ich habe Dich immer noch gerne mein Lieber - MY GOOD FRIEND!

Wir kannten uns leider nur Wochen, nicht Jahre und Jahrzehnte. Diese Möglichkeit ist nun nicht mehr da.
Ich weiß, dass Du große Sorgen hattest, sehr große. Nun bist du sie los?

Du warst ein so sympathischer und intelligenter Mensch zum gerne haben. Jetzt wo Du nicht mehr da bist, sind die gemeinsamen Momente die wir hatten noch kostbarer geworden. Wertvoll waren diese sowieso schon, aber nun?!

DU hast mir persönlich ein Versprechen gegeben, Du hast es gebrochen!

Egal wo du jetzt bist, ich hoffe, dass es Dir gut geht, dass sich alle Deine Träume und Wünsche erfüllen - dass Du sorglos bist. Ich wünsche es mir so sehr für Dich!
Du hinterlässt tausend Fragen ohne Antworten mein Lieber?!
WARUM ?

Am allermeisten hoffe ich jedoch, dass Du nun nicht mehr schutzlos sein wirst.

Weißt Du mein Bester - auch gute Freunde können einem Schutz bieten, natürlich niemals so wie die eigenen Eltern es hätten tun können / sollen / müssen.

Es ist ein unsagbarer Schmerz Dich gehen zu lassen, Dich nur noch in guter Erinnerung zu haben - es tut weh.



Ich werde um Dich weinen - ich werde um Dich trauern - ich werde Dich vermissen.




Good bye MY GOOD FRIEND Kenneth


Dein Klaus
25.02.2009 03:23 - Klaus Jann Tel : 0172 / 4469496

Hi Ken,
für mich lebst du weiter, danke das ich dich gekannt habe. Leider viel zu kurz. Du hast dich entschieden zu gehen. Ich muß es irgendwann akzeptieren. Es es ist ein unsagbarar Schmerz dich gehen zu lassen. Du hinterlässt eine große Leere.
Danke für alle mein lieber guter Kenneth!
Ich werde dich niemals vergessen!
My good Friend Kenneth

Dein Klaus
25.02.2009 03:16 - Klaus Jann

Ken, Du warst immer offen und herzlich und für einen kurzen Schnack an der Seitenlinie gut! Dann musstest Du weiter, Fotos schiessen! Du bist eine Instanz im deutschen Lacrosse und wirst uns immer in Erinnerung bleiben.
Danke für alles
25.02.2009 02:37 - Philipp Moritz Nedelmann - Blax #19

Ken, einen Freund zu verlieren ist nie einfach, Dich zu verlieren ist schwer. Wir haben es Dir oft und doch viel zu selten gesagt: Danke für Deine gigantische Arbeit und die immensen Anstrengungen und die Leidenschaft, die Du in unseren Sport investiert hast.
Ich weiß nicht, wie es ohne Dich wird, auf jeden Fall ist diese Lücke nicht zu füllen.
Kein Spiel wird mehr so sein wie bisher, bewusst oder unbewusst wird jeder den Leerraum fühlen, den Du hinterlässt.
Ich wünsche Dir alles Gute und ruhe in Frieden, für mich wirst Du immer da sein!
25.02.2009 01:36 - ENNI - HamBurg Warriors #2

Auch ich habe für all das Wissen über Lacrosse zu danken das du mir und all den anderen Braves mit so viel Intusiasmus vermittelt hast . Danke Ken . Ich werde dich vermissen . Es ist mir eine Ehre dich kennengelernt zu haben .
24.02.2009 22:31 - Malte Thordsen former : Baves 18

i spend hours in front of this page not knowing what to say....i cant believe it, cant find the right words ken. like glenn said hope u find peace wherever you may be. i will wear the black belt with proud...
thanks for everything you have done to me. we will miss u

24.02.2009 22:28 - T.

Hey Ken, I would like to thank you for all you have done and the joy we all had with you. I will always cherrish the moments when you were our goalie over 10 years ago when Lacorsse in Germany was much less developed. Much of where Lacrosse in Germany is today was only possible due to your restless efforts. We all will miss you!

Max #20 BHC/HKU
24.02.2009 20:37 - Max J. Zenglein

Ken, you will be missed amongst the lacrosse nation both here in germany aswell as abroad. It's rare to meet people who are genuine regardless of the paths that confront us throughout life, but you stood steadfast and committed your life to a goal that many of my generation are blessed to experience and enjoy. Your efforts to promote lacrosse in europe wasn't the only thing that those who came into contact with you associated you with, but it's a deeper belonging to a big family and though at times we qualm with one another as family do, what I personally learned from you was that one can overcome much adversity with humbleness.

I sincerely hope you find peace wherever you may be, and rest assured we will always be a part of us

Good bye my friend

24.02.2009 19:30 - Glenn Sanmann - #5 - Hamburg Warriors A-team

Ken, without you, Lacrosse in Germany will just not be the same anymore. I guess, it will take ages, until we stop expecting to see you somewhere around.
Without you as well as your tireless (though sometimes tiresome) efforts to bring German Lax forward and professionalize it, we will lose one of our greatest outspoken tellers of unwelcome truths.... A thorn in the side sometimes, however, I do honestly hope that somebody else will now speak up in your place.

Or, to make it simple: YOU WILL BE MISSED!
24.02.2009 19:08 - Tina, Frankfurt

Ken, Thank you for all that you had done for lacrosse, and secondly thank you for all that you had done for me in the short time that I knew you. I really appreciate your time, effort and patience with me. Your are a promoter of the game of lacrosse and impact on the game will never be forgotten. Everyone who knew you can consider themselves lucky and blessed for the time that was spent in your presence. We will speak of you well and often and never forget what you have done. Your smile and your ground shaking laugh will fill our hearts forever. Rest in peace my friend. All my best to those who have known Ken.
24.02.2009 19:06 - Perk #49-Hamburg Warriors B Team Coach

Lieber Ken,

wir waren nicht immer einer Meinung, doch das ist mit sicherheit einer deiner Geheimnisse gewesen, warum Du soviel im Lacrosse erreicht und bewegt hast und du in der Historie nie vergessen gehen wirst.

Rest in Peace.

Blax#5
24.02.2009 18:35 - Darius Gross

Ken, let me express my deep admiration for all your tireless efforts you have undertaken to establish and promote the sport of lacrosse in Germany. Notwithstanding our differences over certain issues your passsing saddens me and will be a big loss to our community. You are entitled to be proud of your lifework, and it is with regret you will not be able to see it come to fruition.

bj - #32


24.02.2009 18:35 - Dr. Bjoern Schmekel (Cornell U.)

Danke für alles, Ken. Du warst so ziemlich der erste Lacrosser, den ich kennengelernt habe und der mich mit seiner grandiosen Leidenschaft vom Lacrosse überzeugt hat.

Bei meinem ersten British Day (2000) haben wir zusammen nicht nur Lacrosse gespielt, sondern auch noch eine Partie Paintball und das ein oder andere Bierchen genossen (wie noch oft danach).

Hatte man eine Frage oder irgendein Problem, warst du immer zur Stelle.

Mit jedem Lacrosse-Spiel werden wir Dir und Deiner Begeisterung gedenken.

Sticks up...


24.02.2009 18:04 - T - Hamburg Warriors #13