Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1283597
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020 11 first take wac foundation / staircase art "Roger was a very special person, particularly with respect to the WAC and particularly with respect to bas- ketball," friend and WAC member Jim Farmer recalls. Jim moved to Seattle in 1976 and began working at the same firm as Roger. "Within a week, Roger was marching me down to the WAC and signing me up to join," Jim says. On the court, Roger stood out for his strength and resilience, playing long aer doctors told him his knees could no longer take it. "He was a hard-nosed player that loved the game," says Kirk. When Roger pushed for the idea of an over-40 league, it created an avenue for many members to keep playing the sport. "None of that would exist if it weren't for the energy and the organiza- tional skills of Roger Kelly," Jim says. "I think it's eminently appropriate to name the basketball court aer him." Roger's wife, Linda, lives not far from the WAC. She recalls the Club's over- whelming support following Roger's death, including hosting his wake as well as a celebration of his life. Linda can e WAC Foundation is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit founded to preserve and enhance the WAC Club- house, built in 1930 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Donations to the foun- dation are tax deductible and directly fund Clubhouse improvement projects. Learn more and donate at wac.net/foundation. Grand Staircase installation celebrates athletic excellence Delayed from spring, paintings will hang in the Clubhouse starting in October think of no better tribute to Roger's lega- cy than the naming of Roger Kelly Court. "When he died, I walked around Seward Park and noticed there were benches that had plaques at the base of them in remembrance of husbands and fathers," Linda says. "I thought about that seriously. en I decided no. Roger would never have sat on a park bench for very long. He would much rather be moving and keeping healthy." e Roger Kelly Court logo features a basketball and a four-leaf clover. "We're thrilled to recognize WAC basketball legend Roger Kelly by naming the Paintings by artist Barbara Trenta- lange will be on display in the Grand Staircase Gallery beginning in October. Barbara, a WAC member, embarked on her current project, "PNW Athletes," aer her daughter expressed dismay at the lack of female representation in some of her previous work. "She was five at the time and was unimpressed that there wasn't any representation of female athletes," Barbara recalls. e female-focused "PNW Athletes" celebrates the tireless commitment and talent of women athletes in the region. e series includes players from the Reign FC, dancers from Pacific North- west Ballet, and velodrome cyclists. "When I saw the Grand Staircase Gallery at the WAC, I immediately thought my paintings would be an inspiration to all the young female athletes at the Club," Barbara says. Her WAC installation, which also will include paintings outside of the "PNW Athletes" series, was originally scheduled for spring but was post- poned due to the statewide COVID-19 shutdown. —Learn more about Barbara at barbaratrentalange.com. Read our previous story at wac.net/wac-wire/ celebrating-strength. The WAC Foundation C O U R T E S Y B A R B A R A T R E N T A L A N G E basketball court in his honor," says WAC Foundation President Tammy Young. "e generous gis of his family and friends recognize Roger's lasting contribution to the WAC." WAC President & CEO Chuck Nelson agrees, saying: "is is a great example of member legacies being honored through the WAC Foundation." u Roger Kelly, left. Check out those ties!