In Loving Memory : Leffel Kirkman
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing our beloved friend, Leffel Kirkman.
Leffel served on the Dartmouth Youth Soccer Board of Directors for over 20 years in various capacities as well as several years on the Southcoast Soccer League Board. Leffel was most known for his impeccable groundskeeping and mentoring of the younger generation of referees.
It wasn’t enough for Leffel to care for our DYSA Complex by tending to the grass and the upkeep of the fields, Leffel took pride in his responsibilities and cared for the grounds of our organization as if they were his own. Perhaps more importantly was how he gave his heart and soul to the organization through his years of coaching and cheering from the sidelines, all while building lifelong friendships through a mutual love of soccer.
Leffel cared about the experience that each player had during their time at DYSA and it showed with the time he dedicated to make it memorable for them. When he wasn’t busy at work on a DYSA project, he could be found at every fundraising function (with a special love for the Annual Soccer Ball), driving around the fields in the golfcart chatting with players and parents, photobombing team pictures, sneaking hot dogs from the concession stand or placing his famous “little red flags” on the fields that he didn’t want anyone practicing on.
When Leffel retired and moved to the sunny state of Florida, he often returned home to support his Dartmouth teams when they qualified for the State Championships and beamed with pride each time a team advanced.
It’s without a doubt that Dartmouth Soccer, players and families held a special place in Leffel’s heart as he will always hold a place in the hearts of each of us.
Thank you Leffel.
Leffel Kirkman Obituary
