The Juan de Fuca Minor Hockey Association said goodbye to a very important part of our Association and our Community on November 11th 2009. Debbie Rand Cooper passed away suddenly on November 4th 2009. The loss of this tireless volunteer has left many holes in both the association and the hearts of all who knew her. "The Ice Queen" or "Social Director" as she was fondly known was an intricate part of JDF.

Deb put in hundreds of hours every season with all aspects of the association. Every coach and manager had Debbie on speed dial and she answered each question with a cheerful response. It was all about the kids for Deb and she made sure that every player’s best interest was taken care of.

The Bantam House Teams dedicated our Tournament on March 26-28 to Debbie because of the impact she has had on their lives on and off the ice.

We are hoping to organize this tournament each and every year around the end of the Hockey Season for a different division each year to allow all parents, players and volunteers’ the feeling that this tournament has given us, the tournament committee 2009/2010. We have chosen to raise and donate all our proceeds from this annual tournament towards A4K (Athletics for Kids). This year’s tournament raised over $11,000.

Debbie would have put her heart and soul into this kind of tournament, just because this was what Deb was about. To help all children to play a sport they love without any holdbacks.

Debbie, we miss you and will never forget who you were or what you stood for! We will carry on your name for as long as possible through our children and our children’s children… You were one of a kind, my dear!

Debbie Rand Cooper Oct 6th 1963-November 4th 2009