RIP Jon Stevenson

[PTW winner]

Per twitter.
God bless you and your loved ones.

[808]

From: AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour (facebook page)
2 hours ago

Devastating news to report from the beach volleyball community: Jon Stevenson, founding member of the AVP, passed away today. Stevenson won 21 Open titles, served on the AVP Board of Directors from 1984 until 1995 and was elected Player President in 1989. After serving six consecutive terms, he was named Executive Director in 1995.

Former AVP Commissioner Mike Dodd had this to say about Jonny the Steve: "Jon was a dear and loyal friend to me... he had the heart of a lion and was a champion as a player, coach and teacher of the game. May he rest in peace."

The sport lost one of its own today. A true pioneer who may have understood the state of the game better than anyone: "If we don't know where we came from, how can we possibly know where we're going?" -JonnySteve (from a message to AVP just last month)

Rest in peace, JonnySteve. You will be dearly missed.

[azvb]

How sad. We are losing a lot of volleyball folks this year. Must be some great leagues going on in the afterlife.

[jgrout]

At least I learned one thing from l'affaire Wopat: to speak naught but good of the dead where anyone might be looking.

[Disclaimer: I know nothing about this other than what I've read on the referenced links. I meant that I wasn't going to speculate about or comment on dead people in public fora.]

[dorothymantooth]

Its my understanding was found dead in his sister in laws house, where he was helping her take care of her children. No word on cause of death. Very sad.

[Odin]

Quite shocking and sad news. He posted here just yesterday.

None can deny his passion for volleyball was incredible.

[baldyballer]

I have had several experiences with Jon. But most memorable was a round of golf in Vegas around 20 years ago. He explained to me some similarities between volleyball and golf, and some other unique views that served him well as a player and a coach. Jon faced many challenges over his lifetime. But the fact that he would spend time with so many people like he did with me while I was so young and inexperienced showed his passion for the sport. I for one thank Jon and pray for his family.

[Rocky]

Sorry to hear about this. RIP Jon.

[jake]

I knew Jon,...that is to say I spoke to him maybe six times during his coaching career at CAL POLY.

He was a devoted coach and cared deeply for the welfare of his players and the program.
Someone that respected the game and demanded the same from his players,...also, I think a little miss understood, too!

God bless, Jon.

GoPOLY!!!

[Phaedrus]

Does anyone have a link to a press release of an obit? I can't seem to find anything "official" that states this news.

[OptimusPrime]

RIP

There are news reports but none that does justice to a great man we will miss!! The world lost a great and misunderstood legend. I for one am very saddened for all of us...

[Not Me]

www.newtimesslo.com/breaking-news/7957/former-cal-poly-volleyball-coach-dead-at-54/

[jgrout]

Not exactly drawing-room Italian... more like what you'd hear in a locker room.

It doesn't give any more data about what happened on Sunday than the story above... in some areas, it has less... but it does give more context.

blog.quotidiano.net/rabotti/2012/06/26/cosi-si-suicidano-anche-i-sogni/

[dorothymantooth]

Jun 26, 2012 16:17:53 GMT -5 Not Me said:

www.newtimesslo.com/breaking-news/7957/former-cal-poly-volleyball-coach-dead-at-54/

You would think in this short article they wouldnt focus on the negative in his life. He was a pioneer, a legend and a very succesful coach.

[jgrout]

Have you read their earlier articles about him? If they weren't leading the charge to fire him at Cal Poly SLO, they were running side by side with those who were.