Obituary of Roger E. MacTavish Sr.

Roger E. MacTavish, Sr., 89, of Jamestown, NY formerly of Lakewood, NY, passed away Thursday, August 10, 2023 at Heritage Park Rehab & Skilled Nursing Facility. He was born March 20, 1934 in Johnsonburg, PA. The oldest child of Paul E. & Fern A. Crotzer MacTavish, his family located to the Jamestown area when he was 12. Roger was a 1953 graduate of Southwestern Central High School, where he was active in basketball, baseball and volleyball. Following high school, he was drafted to play the position of catcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers organization PONY league from 1953 to 1955 in Hornell and Olean, NY. He then went on to serve 2 years in the U.S. Navy. Throughout the years, he was employed at Blackstone Corp., Tradeco Dist., Don Gage, Inc., and AVI Food Systems, Inc. He dedicated his life to his love of basketball which began at the age of 17. He was a well-known local basketball official at the high school and college level for more than 66 years. During those years he held many positions at the local and national level of IAABO, the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials. He served as the local IAABO Board 39 President from 1969-1973 and the boards rules interpreter for more than 25 years. He was also a member of CBOA, the College Basketball Officials Association, since 1967. He held the position of IAABO national rules examination committee chairperson for more than 33 years. In 1990 he was appointed to prepare and implement the NCAA rules examination for officials, which he did for more than 28 years. In 2000, the executive committee made him a lifetime member of the national IABBO organization. His knowledge of basketball rules made him the "go to" person for basketball officials from all over the country. When a basketball rule was called into question, he was always very willing and happy to pass on his knowledge, discussing and clarifying any rule. He was inducted into the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame (CSHOF) in 2011 and was a past member of the Lakewood Rod & Gun. He is survived by his children, Tamara (Mike) Williams, Meredith MacTavish, and Roger MacTavish II; grandchildren, Kari Seiberg and Jordan Seiberg; great grandson, Maxis Bindics and his father Matthew Bindics; step-grandsons, Benjamin (Marissa) Williams and Jacob Williams; step-great grandchildren, Eleanor Williams and Jack Williams; his siblings, Thomas MacTavish, Cynthia(Alan)Watson and Paula (Dan) Gorman; as well as several nieces, nephews and many cousins. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years Marion, on July 18, 2008. The family would like to thank the entire staff at Heritage Park Rehab & Skilled Nursing, especially Emily, as well as Rose with Hospice, for the kindness and care given to Roger while in their care. No visitation will be observed. A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family. Inurnment will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Lind Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider making a memorial contribution in Roger's name to the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame, 15 W. Third St., Jamestown, NY 14701; Star Hospice House, 20 W. Fairmount Ave, Lakewood, NY 14750; or your favorite charity.