Ryz Obuchowicz, beloved husband, father, and USRowing referee, passed away on Friday October 24, 2014 following a year of battling acute myeloid leukemia. A graduate of Boston College, retired Jeopardy Champion, and avid darts player, Ryz became involved in rowing when his son, David, and daughter, Gracy, took up the sport at West Springfield High School in Springfield, Va.
He started as a referee candidate in 1994 and advanced to be a Referee Clinician. Ryz was recognized by USRowing in 2007 as the recipient of the Julian Wolf Award for his contributions to rowing.
Ryz's primary focus was on the scholastic level, particularly in the National Capital area regattas and the SRAA Championships but he also officiated at numerous USRowing championships and trials events. He was the Vice-President of the SRAA Board of Directors. He was a board member and the referee representative on the VASRA Board of Directors, and served several terms as President of the West Springfield Crew Boosters.
He was the VASRA Regatta Director 2011-2013. As the referee liaison, he coordinated spring and summer schedules for all sprint regattas in the Baltimore/DC area. As a Clinician, he was involved with both recruiting and training referees and his efforts led to an increase in both the recruitment of new referees and the participation of previously licensed referees.
As a referee, he was a wizard at the finish line. As a loyal friend, there could be none better. He will be missed terribly by his wife Jennifer Little, David Obuchowicz and Gracy Obuchowicz, as well as his friends and fellow referees. A Memorial celebrating Ryz will be held at Sandy Run Regional Park on the Occoquan Reservoir on Saturday November 15 at 10am (10450 Van Thompson Rd, Fairfax Station, VA 22039). The family has asked referees to attend in uniform or a polo shirt (Ryz's dual wardrobe choices). In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the leukemia/lymphoma society or a contribution to the family via PayPal at the email address: [email protected] Following the ceremony, we will convene at Madigan's (201 Mill St, Occoquan, VA 22125) for a final toast to our friend (cash bar). Please contact fellow referee Kathleen Dameo ([email protected]) if you would like to speak at the Memorial or to be included in the headcount for Madigan's.
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