Champion Goldy dies at 99; personified name as athlete, person

Champ Goldy led off world's first M90 relay, handing off to Orville Rogers in North Carolina.

Champ Goldy led off world’s first M90 relay, handing off to Orville Rogers in North Carolina.

A star at Michigan nationals was Champion Goldy Sr., a modest minister who represented all our hopes for active old age. Now I’m sad to report he won’t achieve his own goal — competing at age 100. Wednesday morning, USATFMasters tweeted the news: “Rev. Champion Goldy passed away last night at 99 years & 10 months old. May he Rest in Peace.” I waited for a more official report before sharing the news. That came in this newspaper obituary. He’s a long part of our sport’s history, who deserves induction into our Hall of Fame. I spoke to Champ several times in Grand Rapids. He was usually in a wheelchair, but he ran and threw on his feet. He was quiet but still well-spoken and witty. He was part of the first-ever M90 4×1 relay team at 2014 nationals that I enjoyed covering. I’m shocked by his passing and hope to learn more soon. Until then, join me in wishing strength and comfort for his family and friends.

Here’s the Louisville Courier-Post report:

The Reverend Champion Benjamin Goldy, Sr.

AGE: 99 • Longtime Haddonfield Resident

On November 7, 2016, Beloved husband of Evelyn Toler Goldy and the late Audrey (Nee Holler); Loving father of A. Susan Goldy of Mechanicsburg, PA and Champion, Jr. of W. Deptford, NJ; Cherished grandfather of Caitlin Quattrocchi and Dear brother of Grace Goldy of Monroe, NC. Pre-deceased by his first wife and the mother of his children, Audrey (nee Holler).

Champ was a dedicated minister whose trust in his Faith served him, his family, congregations and others well for many decades. He began as the minister for Adelphia Church, then served the New Gretna Circuit in the SJ Conference, Asbury Park, Oakhurst, Palmyra, Pitman, East Brunswick, Haddonfield United Methodist Church and Embury Methodist Church. He was also District Superintendent of the Camden, Metro district serving Audubon & Moorestown. Additionally, Champ was well known for being a “Champ.”

He participated for nearly 30 years at the Penn Relays and other competitions in numerous track and field events including the 100, 200 and 400 runs, javelin, discus and shot put. Champ was still active as a Minister and an athlete until a few months ago.

Champ’s family will receive friends on Saturday, Nov. 19th, 9:30-10:45 in Felten Parlor, at the Haddonfield United Methodist Church 29 Warwick Rd., Haddonfield, NJ where his service will follow at 11 AM in the sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Champ may be made to the United Methodist Communities Fndn., 3311 State Route 33, Neptune, NJ 07753 or the Rita & Harry Greenberger Fndn., Inc., PO Box 340, Ocean View, DE 19970.
Published in Courier-Post from Nov. 10 to Nov. 16, 2016

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November 10, 2016

4 Responses

  1. Peter L. Taylor - November 10, 2016

    What a man “The Champ” was. I visited with him numerous times and always enjoyed my interactions with this man of God. It was my privilege to stay overnight at his home in Haddonfield, NJ, on occasion. There I got to enjoy the company of his wife Evelyn and his son “Young Champ.”

    Champ Goldy, as he referred to himself, was a determined man who believed in helping others, and thus being a minister was a wonderful fit for him. He was known for doing his sprint practices on the streets of Haddonfield (never heard of him practicing on the track), and he got some great results.

    Champ, it will be my honor to visit you for a final time on the 19th up in Haddonfield.

    Peter L. Taylor

  2. Dick Soller - November 10, 2016

    So sad to hear of the Champ’s passing. I’ve run in many combined age group sprint races with him and had gotten to know and admire him as an athlete and an inspiring individual. May he rest in peace.

    Dick Soller

  3. Jeff Davison - November 10, 2016

    Prayers of comfort for his family,friends, congregation, track friends and his friends from the Philly Masters club.

    I enjoyed watching him compete several years ago in Boston indoors … great attitude.

  4. Geo Roudebush - February 12, 2017

    Just now calling Goldy to see if he was going to the Penn Relays Now I see he will be supervising. Fun to have been running together.

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