Former Canadian junior, field hockey ambassador Mark Roydhouse passes away

Field Hockey Canada joins the British Columbian and Canadian field hockey community in mourning former Canadian Junior National Team player, and local field hockey volunteer Mark Roydhouse, who passed away suddenly last week.

Roydhouse competing with the Canadian Junior National Team in the 1970s and 1980s and has always been a large advocate of Canada’s National Program. His son, Chris (also knows as CJ), followed in his father’s footsteps and played for the Junior Canadian Team when it participated in the 2014 Junior World Cup.

“He was a very loving man and he was always the first person to make someone laugh if you were with him,” said Chris in a statement on his Facebook page. “I will always think of my dad and the impact he has had on my sporting career and especially field hockey.”

Mark was always quick to support Canadian field hockey. He served as a coach, umpire, manager, and volunteer. He was a positive figure and mentor to many of the athletes involved.

In addition to his involvement with the Canadian National Program, Roydhouse was a member of the Vancouver Rowing Club Jokers field hockey team and was a member of the Field Sport Federation with the Vancouver Park Board, advocating for field hockey.

“Mark was a long-time Joker, and played for BC and Canada. Many of you may have known him more recently as a coach or an umpire,” the Jokers said in a statement. “He was well known and respected throughout the field hockey community and he will be greatly missed.”

Mark’s life will be celebrated in a service at 7pm on Friday, March 18th in the Harbour Room at the Vancouver Rowing Club. Everyone is welcome.