Over the past few weeks, the Ontario track and field community has experienced some of the greatest highs, and some very deep lows. Athletics Ontario and the Athletics Ontario Official Executive Committee are deeply saddened to share the loss of two great members of the Ontario officials community, Mervin Witter and Jaan Olav Roos.
Mervin Witter dedicated years of his life to Athletics Canada and Athletics Ontario, as a Level Five Starter and a Level Two Race Walk Judge. He had the privilege of starting races involving some of the world’s greatest sprinters, such as Mark McKoy, Donovan Bailey, Don Drummond (USA), Desai Williams, Bruny Surin, Glenroy Gilbert, Ben Johnson, Andrew Carson (USA), Ainsley Crawford (Trinidad), Karen Clark, Carlton Chambers, Angela Bailey, Molly Killingbeck, Angella Taylor-Issajenko, Perdita Felicien, Priscilla Lopes-Schliep, and his own daughter Erica Witter who is a Canadian Olympian.
In February of 2021, Mervin “Merv” Witter reluctantly decided to put down his starters pistol, after having some health complications that impacted his shooting hand. His retirement was celebrated, and many fond memories were shared, on an Officials Town Hall that month, which can be viewed here.
“He was such a strong presence on the track” said Athletics Ontario Officials Executive Committee Vice-Chair, Lynn McFerran. “I enjoyed working with him. His smile and laugh filled the room.”
Jaan Olav Roos came to Canada in 1950. He was a Racewalking Judge and a very high-level Master’s athlete in Racewalking. He established the Ontario Racewalking Club in 1984 and was President for almost 20 years, and a registered officials for many years alike. His love for competition and racing took him from running to cross-country skiing to racewalking. He was also an accomplish M.D. specializing in Respirology and later on as a family Doctor and coroner. You can read more about Jaan and his many accomplishments here.
“He will be sadly missed by the racewalking and officials community” said Athletics Ontario Official and Ontario Racewalkers Association coach, Lily Whalen.
Athletics Ontario offers its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of both gentlemen.
