The late Justin Merritt wore many hats during his many years in Rankin Inlet, including that of a hamlet councillor, senior administrative officer, finance comptroller, hockey official and softball umpire.
He was also a husband, Dad, grandfather, brother, uncle and cousin at the time of his passing on Dec. 27, 2022.
Merritt's memory as a unique, talented and dedicated softball umpire was honoured in Rankin Inlet in August when the community's ball diamond was renamed as Justin Merritt Ball Park.
Numerous family members gathered at the diamond to mark the occasion, including Justin's longtime wife, Dorothy, son, James, and daughters, Laura and Jocelyn.
James said when he first heard the news of the ball diamond being renamed after his father, he was touched.
He said he's not sure whose idea it was to rename the diamond, but he's grateful for the honour.
"I was 100 per cent so proud when I got the news," said James. "It was a very nice and special gesture by them. That's for sure.
"Lorne (Kusugak) and Harry (Towtongie) both spoke a little bit at the ceremony and they mentioned hockey more than the ball park.
"Dad was so well-known around here as both a great ball umpire and a hockey official. He would have been so proud of this."
James said his dad loved to umpire ball and referee hockey.
He said he loved sports in general and umpiring and officiating kept him involved.
"He said he never umped or reffed for the money. He just loved the game, and he always liked to stay involved in sports and the community.
"He loved being out there and a part of the action. It may even have helped to keep him feeling young."
James said he never once felt any pressure when he was pitching and his dad was umpiring. Nor did he feel any when his dad was officiating a hockey game involving his team.
He said in either situation, if he messed up during the game, he'd hear about it later.
"If anything, he was always harder on my team than anybody else, especially if it was league playoffs or a tournament.
"And, I know one thing for sure, when I was at bat, I had a wider strike zone than anyone else. The ball could be two feet outside and it was still a strike.
"He used to say to me, if you can hit it, then it's a strike, basically. He enjoyed it so much.
"When umpiring, he'd get right into it. He'd be right in your face yelling out strike three. He loved calling guys out on strikes and ringing them up. I think that was his favourite part of umpiring."
James said he was always proud of his dad and his sports activities.
He said his dad taught him a great deal about sports and he enjoyed every minute they had together on the ball diamond and hockey rink.
"It was huge, what he brought to a game. Having his name on that sign is pretty cool and it's also pretty special for me.
"It's hard to put into words what this means to me, but I don't think I could be any more proud."
