Netherlands

Sandra Beumers reached the age of 23 years. She passed away after a tragic car crash on March 30th, 2001. Together with her sister Marijke, Sandra formed a Pair. They participated in several World and European Championships. Sandra also was the team captain of the Dutch World Team in Den Bosch, Netherlands, where the team reached the Finals and finally became 6th. For the development of the sport in Holland, this was a true example and role model of dedication and hard work.

Sandra can be characterised as a very disciplined person, as well in her sport as in her work. She worked as a schoolteacher with very young children and also taught baton twirling in the same way. Whenever she worked with these youngsters there was always a smile on her face, furthermore she was always looking for new training programs and new methods to educate and motivate her athletes in a responsible way.

She had her own philosophy about performing and was very dedicated in setting goals and reaching them as well. Her creativity came back in everything she did, whether it was the Pair, the Team, the Group, her numerous Solo Freestyle and Danstwirl performances or the routines of her athletes.

She truly lived for our beautiful sport!

She was and will always be a true example and role model for our athletes.

We'll miss her but in our valuable memories we will always remember her smile, her dedication and her performances. We will never forget her.

United States

Memorial Services for Jack Wallace Crum, Jr. 76, of the Cumberland Cove community near Monterey, were held Thursday, May 28th, 2015 in Cookeville, Tennessee.

Jack passed away Saturday, May 16, 2015 in Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

Jack was born March 16, 1939 in Sewickley, Pennsylvania to the late Jack Wallace Crum, Sr. and Dorothea Maxwell Newcomer Crum. Jack was raised in Kissimmee, Florida and was a 1957 graduate of Osceola High School. After attending Butler University in Indianapolis and Eastern Kentucky State College, Jack began a career as a baton twirling instructor. His warm, funny and generous nature influenced hundreds of his students of all ages. Jack served as President then Executive Director of the U.S. Twirling Association and was a co-founder of the World Baton Twirling Federation. His support for the sport of baton twirling and its athletes will be forever remembered.

He joined Star Line Baton Company in 1983 and became Owner and President in 2001. Jack and his beloved wife Marge moved to Tennessee in 1999. At age 72, Jack completed his college studies and was a December 2011 graduate of Tennessee Tech University.

Jack is survived by his wife of 53 years, Marjorie Louise Crum; three sons and their families, Mark and Dee Crum of Boca Raton, FL, and their three daughters, Jennica, Aubrey and Madison. Timothy and Shelby Crum, of Cookeville TN, and their four sons, Ethan, Noah, Seth & Zackery and Tyler and Lynn Crum, of Cookeville, TN and their two children, Jacob and Amanda. And one great grandchild, Cameron.

His lifetime work and his lifetime passion was all about this sport in every way: as an athlete, as a coach of hundreds of kids including many top athletes, as an administrator for the United States Twirling Association and as a board member. He was an innovator in designing and crafting of the very best tools for baton twirling by leading the Star Line Baton Company.

He was a true advocate for the athletes and his generosity has been un-paralleled.

Germany

Frankfurt, Germany

MARCH 31st, 1941 to JULY 6th, 2002

Jurgen was the World Baton Twirling Federation’s Treasurer from 1983 to 1992 and became the first Honourary Member of the WBTF in 1993.

Jurgen and his wife Barbara were married for 35 wonderful years. They were very much involved in the sport of baton twirling. Jurgen was President of the Deutscher Twirling Sport Verband for several years. In 1985, Germany hosted the world championships in Frankfurt, thanks to Jurgen’s determination and dedication.

Jurgen and Barbara always supported the World Baton Twirling Federation over the years and the last championship they attended was in Den Bosch 2000 where the photo was taken of the both of them. Jurgen and Barbara were planning to attend the 25th anniversary of the World Baton Twirling Championships in Osaka, Japan. Barbara stated, “Jurgen never thought of death. He always looked into the future.”

Barbara’s message to Jurgen – “We lived so long through happiness, joy and sorrow. Whatever we began, we were always together. Now you have left me, far away to our cloud. Keep a space free for me, until I once follow you.” The life of a human being who I have loved more than anything came to an end on July 6th.

Jurgen, you will always be remembered by the World Baton Twirling Federation. You are dearly loved and always will be remembered!

Australia

Leonie Frazer started her twirling career with the Rooky Hill RSL Youth Club Baton Twirlers over 20 years ago. After retiring from twirling, Leonie maintained her commitment to the sport by becoming a judge.

Leonie was Australia's representative of the World Federation's Technical and judgs Committee from 1987 to 1996. Leonie judged at the following world championships:

• France, 1987

• Japan, 1988

• Switzerland, 1989

• USA, 1990

• Italy, 1991

• France, 1992

• Netherlands, 1993

• Canada, 1994

• Switzerland, 1995

• Italy, 1996

Her love of the sport of Baton Twirling was obvious and in the past few years she took on the challenge of coaching team and freestyle competitors.

Leonie will always be remembered by all who came into contact with her sense of humour and the love of Baton Twirling which she contributed so much to.

Leonie's family donated a trophy to the Australian Baton Twirling Association to be award at their National Competition each year.

Scotland

In Memory of Jackie Inglis Gillies

June 7, 2017 - Glasgow, Scotland

Honorary Member of WBTF, serving on the WBTF executive as Secretary for many years. She was a charter member of WBTF; a Fellow, Honorary Member and Past President of Scottish Baton Twirling Association and a great twirling ambassador.

Jackie taught dance and baton twirling to hundreds of students in Scotland.

Australia

A Tribute to Lynn Johnson, Australia

Lynn passed away on 11th May from cancer.

Lynne started her twirling life as an athlete. She was a member of the St George Drum Majorette’s who performed at the half time show for the St George Rugby League Team (football). She regularly performed to packed stadiums. She had a passion for baton twirling and when she began coaching, she encouraged one of her own athletes to travel to the United States to learn more about the sport. It was through Lynn's vision, encouragement and hard work that baton twirling in Australia began to grow and develop.

Lynn was instrumental in forming the New South Wales Baton Twirling Association, which she led for many years. Under her leadership in 1979 she led a small group of other passionate twirling administrators, bringing them together from around Australia to form a national twirling body, which was called the Australian Baton Twirling Association. She was President of the National Association for over 10 years. It was during this time, she had the vision for Australian twirlers to become part of the World Federation to help boarder their view of the sport and encourage them to even greater heights and opportunities. Over the years she welcomed many international athletes and coaches into her home, continually dedicating herself to the development of the sport.

She never gave up the dream for Australian athletes to become the best they could be by working hard, challenging themselves and to learn from others. She loved baton twirling!

It was through her encouragement and vision that Australia hosted the 2009 International Cup. She led a very dedicated team of people to host the event. From the early 1960’s when the sport was just developing to 2014 (which was her last World Championships) she was involved in some way with the sport of baton twirling in Australia. Her legacy, knowledge and contribution to the sport of baton twirling in Australia is unmatched.

She is survived by her husband Ken, three children Sonia, Stuart and Sharon, and her adoring grandchildren William, Mia, Sophie, Ella.

Lynn Johnson, pictured above with the late Leonie Frazier, former Technical Advisor of the ABTA, at the 1987 World Championships in Nagoya, Japan.

Australia

12th July 1956 to 18th March 2004

Sonia was an integral part of the sport of baton twirling. She involved herself at the local club level, working up through to state, national and eventually the international level. She had a huge influence on the Australian Baton Twirling Association.

Sonia started her twirling career as most of us around her age did as a Drum Majorette, evolving through the years along with the sport into a baton twirler. Her club, Illawarra, (a suburb of Sydney) were the team representatives the first time Australia competed at the 1987 World Baton Twirling Championships. She was a member of that team and always said that competing on the world stage was a highlight of her twirling career.

From that year onwards, Sonia involved herself in encouraging Australian athletes to compete at the world level, knowing that by doing this, we as a country, could only improve our skills by utilising the experience and knowledge our athletes brought back.

Throughout her twirling career Sonia took on the responsibilities of State President, State Head Judge, National Head Judge, Technical Advisor and between the years 1993-1998 and 1999-2004 the job of President of the Australian Baton Twirling Association.

She was responsible for contracting coaches from USA, Japan, Italy and France. This was an ongoing commitment, to expose the members to as much diverse twirling knowledge as possible.

Sonia was the coach of the Australian team who represented Australia in Holland 2000, France 2001 and this year 2004. Her athletes miss her terribly but know that she will be watching them in Osaka, Japan. Sonia was a sergeant in the New South Wales police force and spent her working days at Marrickville Police Station. At her funeral, the Police Commissioner of New South Wales described Sonia as a caring, compassionate colleague whose ethics and morals were above reproach. This was Sonia.

Her partner John and beautiful son Jarrad survive Sonia. The birth of Jarrad in 2001 seemed to complete Sonia's life, the joy and happiness he brought both her and John seemed to make the last 2 years all the more special. The suddenness of Sonia's passing was a shock to all who knew and loved her. But her kindness, compassion, knowledge and skills she has left with us will ensure she will always be a part of the Australian Baton Twirling Association.

Sonia will remain in our hearts forever.

United States

1999

Contributed by Maureen Johnson – Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

Alan touched my life in so many ways. I knew and admired his twirling expertise for many years and marvelled at the magic he could create with that silver stick – a baton!

In 1982, when 8 year old Stacy Singer became the youngest Junior World Baton Twirling Champion, even I found the courage for help in keeping Stacy “at the top”. My twirling life and the twirling world in Canada changed for the better from that day forward.

An excitement and creativity came back that I had forgotten all about – twirling was fun again, challenging again, glorious, again.

Alan had the special gift of making you believe in yourself – but also never accepting a les than your best effort. His philosophy of life, twirling and competition affected all of us for the better. His legacy to me is far beyond twirling skills. He made me a better person and a better teacher. We bonded in a way that was the envy of many. I will never forget the good times over 15 years of mutually creative work. I will love him always.

For 15 years, the Buffalo Gals of Saskatchewan enjoyed the expertise of Alan Kramer. Alan was a self-taught baton twirling champion of many dimensions. His analytical approach to the mysteries of twirling brought a consistency to training that instilled confidence in all. Alan’s creativity contributed greatly to the development of baton twirling as a spectator sport.

We were all very fortunate to have worked closely with Alan from 1985 to 2000 and remember him with love and admiration. Learning to “count” Alan’s way will never be forgotten.

Here is a quote that Alan liked:

Remember me with smile and laughter...

For that’s how I’ll remember you.

If you remember me only with tears...

Then don’t remember me at all.

Canada

PASSED AWAY AT THE EARLY AGE OF 39

DECEMBER 1999

Nancy, an only child in a very close family, started baton twirling at the age of 4 with the Hi-Stepper Majorettes, St. Catharines, Ontario Canada, under the direction of professional twirlers Joan and Barbara Lownsbury. With her tight blonde curls and all sequined costumes, and of course, her vivacious smile, she captured Little Miss Majorette of Ontario and Canada when she was 6 years of age. At twelve years, she changed clubs and worked with coach Judy Dearborn-Johnston with the St. Catharines Lakeside Baton and Drum Corps.

Nancy wore many, many hats, some which included wife to Bob Beachin, married September 24, 1983, cook, administrator, worker, top mom to Matthew born May 2, 1991, Canadian Baton Twirling Federation Sanctions Officer, Hi-Stepper Corps Co-director, badge adjudicator, CBTF Group Manual and Badge Manual researcher, CBTF Lifetime Achievement winner, Ontario Baton Twirling Association and CBTF Volunteer of the Year, OBTA Technical Rep, Co-coach of “the Dream Team” and it goes on and on and on. Nancy was a dear friend and mentor to all her athletes and friends.

In 1991, prior to Matthew’s birth, Nancy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). However, this did not deter Nancy. As Technical Director of the 1994 World Baton Twirling Championships that were held in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, Nancy worked endless hours with the Director, as a volunteer. The championships were a huge success!!

In 1997, Nancy co-coached “The Dream Team” with Kim Genton, Canada’s World Team gold medallists. After hours of training and rehearsing, Nancy, Bob and Matthew and the team travelled to Waikiki, Hawaii for the World Baton Twirling Championships. With Nancy’s support, patience and expertise, the team went on to win the bronze medallion. Canada was so proud of everyone’s accomplishments.

Nancy was a hero to a lot of people. People who respected her, her colleagues; loved her, her family and friends; and adored her, her only son, Matthew.

This hero left us too early in 1999, however, will never be forgotten, especially in the world of baton twirling.

United States

In Memory of Kenneth Richard Sasser

Fort Lauderdale, Florida - November 9, 1935 - April 24, 2017

He is survived by his brother, William Sasser, his sister Mary Elizabeth Kingsley, and his partner of 49 years, Robert De Camillo.

Ken Sasser was instrumental in inaugurating and developing the World Baton Twirling Federation.

He is one of our legends and masters who laid the foundation of excellence in our sport and traveled the World and through the years visiting over 45 countries, and half of the United States. He was also an avid fan of tennis.

He was one of nine children of Percey and Lenora Sasser. He was born in Atmore, Alabama; grew up in Pensacola, Florida, and moved to south Florida in 1964. He was renowned in the field of baton twirling, and was the first president of the international twirling teachers institute. He was an accomplished ballet dancer and was soloist for the Fort Lauderdale Civic Ballet Company.

United States

September 3, 1946 - October 9, 1996

• Athlete competing in the first USTA National Championships in Holland, MI, 1957

• USTA Judges' Association Chair, 1970-76

• National and World Level Judge

• USTA Public Relations Commission Chair, 1990-92

• USTA President, 1976-86 * World Judge, Nice, France, 1981

• USTA National Contest Co-Director, 1977-83

• Producer of USTA's 25th Anniversary Celebration & Multimedia Presentation, 1983

• USA Representative to Midosuji Parade, 21st Century Association, Osaka, Japan, 1982-86

• Editor, USTA Publications, 1983-92

• Committee Member, 1990 Twirling Sport Classic, World Championships, TX, 1989-90

• Editor, World Record Book, 1986-95

• USA Representative to the World Baton Twirling Federation, 1983-88

• Doctor of Speech & Communications at Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey, USA

Dr. Thomas Lee Veenendall...a teacher, writer, editor, a leader ... a man, and to many who knew him, an enigma. With his passing in 1996, many people will still think of him. There are probably as many views and opinions about Tom Veenendall as there are people who knew him. I suspect few knew him well.

The twirling world knew Tom as a past President of the USTA and the Editor of USTA publications. Those were his most recent titles, but the official titles tell us little of the man. Yes, he was a leader. He guided the USTA for over 20 years. His longevity says something about his talents in that position, as well as his tenacity.

USTA applauds his unconditional support for the development of USTA's Competitive/Achievement System. Those who use this system today can appreciate Tom's efforts to teach twirlers and coaches an important dictum...to always strive for excellence and, to be rewarded for the effort. Tom was always the first to applaud excellence. His praise came from an intelligent frame of reference and made one want to excel.

In convention seminars and in everyday contact, he taught twirling professionals how to communicate effectively, how to listen actively and how to be heard. He showed us the wonder of non-verbal communication. Mostly, Tom taught me to laugh at the idiosyncrasies and foibles of the human animal. His laughter and sense of humor stays with us still.

Baton Twirling lost a great friend the day Tom Veenendall died. In reading the chronology of Tom's contributions to the U.S. Twirling Association, one is readily impressed with his commitment to the sport. For those of us who knew him, his dedication, enthusiasm and humor will always remain with us. If you listen carefully, as he taught us, you will still hear him on the sidelines ... applauding, and yes, probably laughing, too.