Jade Donaldson: Celebration of His Life

From today's edition of the Gloucester Daily Times, including partial obituary and arrangements:

"Jade was passionate about baseball and took pride in his 30-year involvement with the Rockport Townies and Inter-Town League Baseball. As a player, coach, and eventual general manager of the Townies, he helped build the team into a league powerhouse that won numerous championships. Although he took the game seriously, Jade always made it fun, which was why his players loved playing for him. Off the field, he served on various league committees, raised funds for uniforms and equipment, and even designed the lobster logo for the Townies ball caps. Jade rarely missed a game, and later in life he could be found every Sunday of the summer at Evan Field in Rockport, his beloved dog Coco by his side, taking in the game and enjoying a cigar. This was his idea of the perfect way to spend an evening. For his dedication and contributions, Jade was inducted into the I.T.L. Hall of Fame in 2006."

ARRANGEMENTS: A memorial service to celebrate Jade's life will be held at the Elks at Bass Rocks, 97-101 Atlantic Road, Gloucester, on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008 from 1 to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jade Donaldson Memorial Scholarship Fund, Rockport High School Guidance Office, c/o George Ramsden, 24 Jerdens Lane, Rockport, MA 01966; and the VNA Care Network and Hospice, 5 Federal St., Danvers, MA 01923. Funeral arrangements are by the Burgess and Mackey Funeral Home, 201 Main St., Rockport.

ITL, Townies Mourn Loss of Long-Time Friend

The ITL lost an important figure on Tuesday, as Jade Donaldson of Rockport passed away after an extended illness. Jade wore many hats for the Townies and the ITL - as the starting second baseman for the 1980 ITL championship team, later as the Townies' manager and ITL executive, and most recently as President of the Rockport Townies. After decades of dedication to the team, Jade was recognized as the unquestioned heart and soul of the Townies. Visit http://www.gloucestertimes.com/ in the coming days for arrangements.