[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 5 (Monday, January 31, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E29]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN MEMORY OF ROGER V. LaFRANCOIS OF JEWETT CITY, CT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SAM GEJDENSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 31, 2000

  Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Roger V. 
LaFrancois who was an extraordinary figure in sports in eastern 
Connecticut for decades. Roger LaFrancois exemplified good 
sportsmanship, the spirit of competition and fairness.
  Roger LaFrancois was a legendary player and official in Connecticut. 
He started his career as a catcher for several minor league baseball 
teams. He also served as a scout for the Houston Astros professional 
baseball team. However, he is most widely known in eastern Connecticut 
as an umpire on the field and as the long-time Commissioner of the 
International Association of Approved Basketball Officials Eastern 
Board No. 8 after many years as a top-flight basketball referee in the 
high school ranks. As Commissioner, Roger managed officiating schedules 
for more than 80 high schools, 200 officials and thousands of baseball 
and basketball games. According to the Norwich Bulletin, Roger 
accomplished this incredible feat of organization using only a 3-ring 
binder.
  Roger LaFrancois was a presence behind home plate at countless 
baseball games throughout Windham and New London counties. According to 
people who knew him best, Roger had a great impact on players and other 
umpires on the baseball diamond. He is well-remembered for his absolute 
fairness, calm demeanor and the complete respect he received from 
players and coaches alike. However, he was much more than an official. 
He was a mentor to hundreds of young athletes and aspiring umpires. 
Officials across eastern Connecticut have spoken about how Roger taught 
them about the game, and life.
  Mr. Speaker, I join residents across our region in expressing my 
sympathy to his family. We can take comfort knowing that Roger 
LaFrancois' memory will live on in eastern Connecticut through the 
players and officials he has touched.

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