Keep a look out for club members David Webb and Debbie Malkin playing at the US TT Open in Las Vegas, starting today through December 21. Streaming on at least three streams, check out the USATT channel.
Club member news
Former club member, Ronald Donkervoort, doing well in Spain
Heard from Ronald the other day and he sent these great pics of him at his new club in the Córdoba area of Spain.
Ronald at his new club in Spain
Ronald at his new club in Spain
Safe travels and happy retirement for Ronald Donkervoort
Long-time SCTTC member Ronald Donkervoort is leaving the farming, the rain, and more to retire in southern Spain. We are all jealous and hope he doesn’t forget us! Maybe he’ll send some photos/videos of playing table tennis in Spain. We had a great send off a couple weeks ago. He will be missed.
Club member Debbie Malkin takes 1st at LYTTC Barry Dattel Memorial 2023
In January 2023, our very own Debbie scored 1st Place in the under 1300 category at a competition (LYTTC Barry Dattel Memorial) in New Jersey! Congrats!
Nice article about our very own Dutchman, Ronald Donkervoort
Club member Debbie won at Swan Warriors December Open 2019
Congrats to Debbie! She was the Champion in the USATT Under 1100 Singles. This was at the Swan competition in Sunnyvale last weekend. Maybe next time we can get some video!
Club member Paco, heads for the island life
Paco (left) and Ed (right), on Paco’s last day at the SCTTC.
Long-time SCTTC member, Paco Bonilla, is trading in the Santa Cruz life for life in Hawaii. We will miss him and his crazy serves, but wish him well and enjoyment of the island life. Thanks to those who brought in cake and cookies!
Letter read at service for Willie
Thank you to David Rudesill for allowing us to post this here. I think it represents what a lot of thought of Willie’s generosity.
Dear friends,
I regret not being here in person, but it’s very important to me to share how much Willy has meant over the course of my life.
I walked into the Santa Cruz table tennis club as an adolescent, 13 or 14 years years old. I was greeted by men with smiling faces and encouragement to play this sport that ties our lives together. I’ve always know Richard as “Willy” and along with Jim Langley, Jon Pierre, Stephan Pollard, and many others, I was welcomed into what has become a second family for me.
Willy sits at the center table of this ping pong family of ours. I see his big smile, that grin of encouragement. He was a man that lived with a sparkle in his eye and he was always only encouraging of me and my brother as we progressed over the years. Willy never said a word of discouragement to anyone. He was an ambassador to the Santa Cruz Table Tennis Club and a man of supreme integrity and character. Willy always encouraged me to improve, and back in the day always stood just beyond the barrier rooting me on to beat Hans, or Jim, or Charlie, or Chris, or Peter…a list of amazing men that I cannot entirely name right now. But Willy was steadfast in his support of my brother and I, clapping and cheering when we did well, offering some helpful advice if I lost in the 5th.
There are people in this life that are not blood related, but in time become like family. Willy is such a man to me, and I will forever hold him in the inner sanctum of my heart as a fatherly man who ushered me through adolescence and then my twenties with smiles, laughs, fun, and unwavering integrity.
When I think of Willy I think of how he played table tennis; his back hand serve, his pendulum serve…Willy played table tennis like lightning waiting to strike, and when he went all in he threw the entirety of himself into a backhand punch or Forehand slam that was like getting hit by Mike Tyson. When he went for the kill the ball did not come back.
Willy loved the game of table tennis, it’s what brought us together in life, the thread that connects our lives. Somewhere along the way I loved him like an uncle or godfather and I can picture his radiant, caring smile right now, and I will Willy’s smile and love for life with me for the remainder of my own.
I’m very sad he’s left us, it’s very emotional to write these words and I’m glad that he’s surrounded by his table tennis brothers and sisters that loved him so much.
With love, David Rudesill
Club president, Richard “Willie” Williams, has died
PLAYERS – After a long illness, our amazing club president of 26 years, Richard “Willie” Williams passed away the day before Christmas. He will be missed by all. Below are the details on the services planned in his honor both to take place January 3 & 4. It is likely that the club will be closed on Thursday evening (I will post an update if this changes).
There are two services for Willie next week as follows:
Willie’s “wake,” or “viewing”
Come say goodbye to Willie and stand up and speak to share our memories of Willie.
DATE:
Thursday, January 3 from 6 – 7 p.m.
LOCATION:
Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel
1050 Cayuga St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Funeral and reception
DATE:
Friday, January 4 at 11 a.m. with lunch at the church after the funeral
LOCATION:
Resurrection Church
7600 Soquel Dr.
Aptos, CA 95003
Willie’s family is asking that, if you are so inclined, donations be made
IN MEMORY OF RICHARD WILLIAMS to
Cabrillo Civics Clubs of California (for scholarships)
c/o Rachel Tatro, Scholarship Chair
2970 Brookstone Way
Sacramento, CA 96833
OR
CPDES Hall (Portuguese Hall)
216 Evergreen Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
And a personal note… Willie was one of the first people most people met when they went to the club, and I was no exception. Though I had the basics of the game down when I arrived, Willie spent a good number of hours teaching me to how to really play. In later years, he may not have been quite as fast, but he was still skilled and could still offer useful advice. He was generous with his time, and was kind to anyone who walked in the door. I know I am not the only one who will miss his presence. My condolences to his family.
Happy 75th to Willie!
Willie’s 75th
Long-time club president Richard Williams, AKA Willie, turned 75 this week. A great party with club friends and food! Thanks to everyone who brought munchies and celebrated with us!