Cape Cod Senior Softball League

Special Tribute to Dan James

Cape Cod Senior Softball Member,

Have you seen the beautiful bench, located on the first base side of Memorial Field?  The bench was recently installed in loving memory by his wife Dianne and his family.  Dan was a long-standing member of the League who contributed enormous personal effort on behalf of Senior Softball over twenty-five plus years.

Several weeks ago, Dianne called me to tell me that she would like to donate a gift to the League in memory of Dan. Following our discussions and exploring several options, Dan decided on a “bench”.  I recommended that she get in touch with the Harwich Recreation Department, and they were most helpful in assisting with this project.  On Monday, June 28, the Memorial Bench was installed.  The following day were invited for refreshments at the bench.  Dan’s daughter, Debi, sponsors the Leonard Insurance Agency team and the event was a wonderful tribute to Dan by his family members and the Leonard team players.

For those who did not have the opportunity to know Dan let me share a few recollections:

• Dan served on the Board of Directors for six years – a smart, articulate and dedicated member who always kept the best interest of the League, its principles and mission in the forefront.
• Dan also served coordinator to the Board, overseeing all insurance requirements and policy regulations during his tenure.  He was an active umpire, team member, member of the 65+ Travel Team, 25th Gala and chairman of several Commissioner assigned committees.
• In 1998 when Memorial Field was officially dedicated, we needed a flagpole for the small garden area.  Again, Dan “stepped up” and assumed responsibility for the project.  Dan had salvaged a large wooden mast from a schooner ship, destroyed during a recent hurricane off the coast of Lewis Bay in Hyannis.  During the next several weeks Dan quietly went about repairing the splintered mast into a usable flagpole.  And there, ready for the opening game at Memorial Field stood a massive 30 foot high flag pole, painted bright white, complete with Old Glory blowing in the summer breeze.

This was Dan, a devoted League member who got things done without attention and fanfare.  He truly loved the game of softball and had deep compassion for his teammates and colleagues.

It was difficult to watch Dan in his last year as he struggled with his health – a true fighter who gave it his “best shot”.  Rest in Peace good buddy.  Dan, it was most fitting that your devoted and loving wife Dianne has honored you with this a beautiful “Bench” which will always remain a part of Cape Cod Senior Softball to be enjoyed by those who watch out games through many summer seasons.  Congratulations and special thanks to Dianne and her family for their outstanding gift in memory of Dan James!

Respectfully,

Van Khachadoorian

League Historian