BASKETBALL: TRIBUTES PAID AFTER DEATH OF POPULAR COACH
Ian was an excellent coach, mentor, and a fantastic role model to every player he worked with.
Gareth Langman
WARWICKSHIRE Basketball and JM Grizzlies members are reeling following the untimely passing of the Warwick club’s coach Ian A’kempis.
Ian had been actively involved in our sport for some 30 years and died suddenly at his home on March 31 after suffering with a long-term illness.
His cremation took place last Thursday and was attended by a small number of family members in accordance with Covid-19 Governement instructions. Warwickshire
Basketball chairman Mike Maddox said: “Coming so soon after the death of his friend, colleague and Grizzlies cofounder John Mumford, it is a devastating blow to hear of Ian’s passing, and our thoughts at this time are with his family, friends and fellow members at the club.”
Grizzlies’ club captain Gareth Langman said: “In his 30-plus years of being part of Warwickshire Basketball, Ian gave his hard work, time, effort and often blood, sweat and tears into playing, coaching and managing of the JM Grizzlies in both their senior and youth teams. “Ian was an excellent coach, mentor, and a fantastic role model to every player he worked with. “Ian personified the spirit of the game, and he will be greatly missed by the entirety of the JM Grizzlies, and the countless numbers of previous players he coached and mentored through his time in the basketball community.”
One of Warwickshire Basketball’s senior match referees Richard Jones said he was absolutely stunned by the sad news.
He said Ian was always approachable as a coach and had contributed hugely to basketball in the area and will be sorely missed.
A memorial service will be organised at a date to be confirmed in order to commemorate Ian’s life.