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Ian Naismith Obituary
The Naismith International Basketball Foundation announced the death on its website and listed Ian Naismith's age as 72.
Naismith died of a heart attack while on a train journey from western Massachusetts that took him to New York. The NIBF says Naismith was discovered unresponsive after the train had pulled into Penn Station.
The North Carolina-based foundation Naismith ran gained attention in 2010 when it sold James Naismith's original 13 rules of basketball at auction for more than $4 million to help its work.
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
66 Entries
Marc Lee Winnig
April 9, 2025
He was my neighbor and a friend.
He is missed. My dogs loved him too.
Clare Campbell
March 10, 2019
Just found out that Ian pass away. We were good friends to him & his wife Renee. So sad to hear RIP my friend
Cherie Schaewe
January 18, 2018
Well I am very late as I just learned of Ians passing. I met Ian back in 2006. I was his wife's nurse and Ian was so kind and even gave my little boy (at the time) an autographed picture of him and Jordan. I was just telling someone the story the other day. Rest In Peace Ian. God bless.
HECTOR perdomo
May 23, 2017
Ian i am doing my best to continue your dreams and your passion - hope you see that i am trying my best friend!
How you can show support
Aart Dekker
October 31, 2014
I'm completely taken by surprise, did not get the news Ian died. I probably was on the road, and not many in The Netherlands knew him, so nobody informed me later.
I met Ian in 2002 in Indianapolis, when the World Cup took place there. We spent quite some time twice, he signed the books and replica of the original rules with a personal message: "We meet again". I had in the back of my mind that I should bring him over to The Netherlands with his traveling exhibition - I felt people in The Netherlands should see that, meet him.
He told me about the plan to sell the rules, expected to get around 1M for them, he wanted to invest that money in promoting good sportmanship. I tried to follow that process and saw it took much longer than he expected, and the sum was much higher...
He seemd so young and full of energy back then. What a loss! Feel sad...
Dan Cameron
November 5, 2012
So sorry and so sorry i had not heard sooner. Fortunately I had the pleasure of meeting and hanging with Ian a couple dozen plus times at The Port in Barrington, IL. One of the nicest, greatest and loving men I have ever met. Great story teller too. God Bless him and his foundation.
August 10, 2012
I am afraid I am very late to this message board. Please allow me to express my condolences to the family and loved ones. I met Ian at the RDU airport and we struck up an immediate friendship. We had a few conversations by phone, met one other time and talked about his many project ideas. Our loss is great. Please allow me to offer my services, should there be any way I can help continue his work. I really believed in what he said and how he felt, and not just about basketball. About life. Daniel Allen [email protected]
Jerry Epperly
July 22, 2012
We were friends for more then 50 years and I miss him everyday. A nicer man can not be found. Jerry Epperly
June 24, 2012
Ian was my friend not a day goes by that I don't think of the good times we had u gave me the nickname Mr Tee lol u wear a true friend thanks for a great time with the little time we had God bless ur soul ur friend Mr Tee aka trell dove
Tim Richards
April 16, 2012
I knew Ian the better part of a decade. We worked together on basketball projects and became friends over the course of our business dealings - we lost touch over the last year or so and I just found out today about his passing. He was a strong willed man who believed in the game his grandfather invented and what it stood for - sportsmanship. Hopefully someone will carry on his crusade to keep his grandfather's ideals alive. You will be missed by all who knew you - rest in peace old friend.
Misty Waters
April 14, 2012
Ian- I am just now able to write my thoughts to you. My heart is in pieces. In the 39 years that i have been alive, I have never had a friend like you. You were my bestfriend, my confidante, my courage...you were my rock. You made me a better person. You made me stronger and able to face things that I didnt always want to. I will forever cherish the good times that we had-from long talks out on your back deck as we watched the sun go down over the ocean to simple days where all we did was grab lunch and pay bills. Haha. I miss you more than you know. You were loved by many and you affected everyones life in some way. I always called you "king midas" because everything and everyone you touched turned to gold. I pick up my phone daily to. call you and then i remember that you no longer will be on the other end to joke and laugh and carry on (boy, did we laugh). You were unfailingly special to my heart and my life and i will never be able to replace my bestfriend. You will always hold that title for as long as I live. I love you with everything I have in me and I vow to keep your memory alive. I'll see you again someday(and I promise to bring my famous banana pudding-lol). I'll meet you at the Ponderosa...but until then, I will fly the "Naismith flag" (haha)proudly in your honor. I love you buddy. You are missed trmendously.
the boys
April 10, 2012
Ian...the boys from Hudson-McCoy will miss your always appreciated presence and your love of music. Rest in peace.
CHRIS WATERS
April 6, 2012
A very great man! He will be missed tremendously
Wanda Smith
April 2, 2012
So sorry for your family's loss. Although I only met Ian a short time ago, I really enjoyed our talks. Sorry you never got your coconut pie. R.I.P.
Jim Sheppard
April 2, 2012
I had the honor of meeting Ian Naismith
over lunch in 2011. He was passionate about keeping the game his grandfather had invented on the right path regarding good sportsmanship and high morals. To say he was an interesting
character was certainly an understatement.
Jim Sheppard
Board of Directors
Illinois Basketball Hall of Fame Museum
LAKELAND FHSAA 2008-2009
HECTOR PERDOMO
April 1, 2012
HELLO EVERYONE, I WAS READING ALL OF THE ENTRIES AND CAN SURELY SAY THAT WE ALL HAVE A PLACE FOR YON IN OUR LIVES- FROM THE ONE GUY- DAVE- THAT WAS ABLE TO BE WITH HIM WHEN HE WAS YOUNG AND STRONG, TO THE TIME HE REALIZED WHAT HE NEEDED TO BE DONE! FROM THE FRIENDS THAT MET HIM AND HIS BEAUTIFUL WIFE RENEE, TO THE LITTLE BOY THAT WAS IN AW- WITH JUST A SIMPLE PIN FROM HIS PALM! BELOW IS THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR HIS FINAL RESTING PLACE !IT IS BESIDE THE WOMAN HE COULDN'T REPLACE! MY NAME IS HECTOR PERDOMO AND I CAN STILL REMEMBER THE DAY WHEN I STOP FOR THE THIRD TIME AND TOOK OVER - HIS STATUE AND BRIEFCASE FROM HIS ARM- I FOUND OUT LATER THAT HE KICKED A CAB BECAUSE HE THOUGHT THE RULES WERE GONE! I CANNOT TAKE THE PAIN THAT HE IS GONE- I MISS HIM SOO MUCH JUST WISH THAT HE COULD BE NEXT TO US AND FINISH THE DREAM HE STARTED WITH HIS GRANDFATHERS CHARM! VALLAS CON DIOS MI AMIGO!UNTIL I - C -U - RENEE AND THE ONE THAT STARTED IT ALL! BALDY-407-219-1739 PLEASE YOUTUBE- MASTER NIBF AND SEE THE TOUR OF WHAT WE WORKED ON-
BELOW ARE THE FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS IF YOU CAN MAKE IT-
April 10 visitation from 10:00 to Noon (or 1 pm).....Service Noon to 1 pm. (or 1 pm to 2pm) followed by trip to cemetary. Some local accommodation will be made after cemetery in Barrington, Il
Funeral Home is Ahlgrim Family Funeral Services in Lake Zurich. Il 847 540-8871
address
415 S. Buesching Blvd
Lake Zurick, IL60047
Your Texas Buddy
Jerry Epperly
April 1, 2012
Rest in Peace my driend, 50 years is not bad for a friendship to last. I will miss you
March 31, 2012
Rest in Peace Ian. I was so blessed to have had the opportunity to meet you. I can honestly say I have never met a more sincere and humble man with such a drive to make a difference in the lives of others. God has welcomed you home.
Sue & Steve Ryan
March 30, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to Ian's family. We have so many wonderful memories from the Chicago CTO. What a wonderful man.
Jacqueline Curcio
March 29, 2012
I'm sorry I waited so long. We're gonna get that steak some day, kid.
March 29, 2012
Ian I am happy that you went peacfully and are now reunited with your greatest love Renee. You will be truly missed.
March 28, 2012
Basketball is a fun and amazing game to play or watch. So sorry to hear of Mr. Naismith's passing. May his family have comfort in prayer. Psalms 65:2
Robert Foley
March 28, 2012
I had the honor to know and work with Ian for over 15 years, his passion and vision were second to none. So sorry for his passing and I will miss our monthly conversations. My thoughts and prayers are will the entire Naismith Family. In Ian's memory, I will continue to speak and demonstrate through clinics that we teach the intent of how the game is to be played and strive to keep the game pure
Bob Foley - Concord Twp OH
March 28, 2012
At a time such as this, our family is wishing yours the love and support that only our Grand Creator can give to the highest degree. Know that all of you are cared about, and we would like to convey our deepest sympathies to the entire Naismith family.
E.W
March 28, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
March 27, 2012
May the peace of God that excels all thought comfort the family members of Ian Naismith during this difficult time.
Libby Caviness
March 27, 2012
We met Ian this past summer in NC at a car show....15 minutes we now cherish. Thanks for all you did for our youth Mr. Naismith.
M Beard
March 27, 2012
May the families of Mr. Naismith have the support and love that is needed at this time, may our Heavenly Father give you the power beyond what is normal, to endure this most difficult time in your lives. - I am sorry for your loss.
March 27, 2012
Had the opportunity to meet him a few years ago at the NCAA Hall of Champions in Indianapolis. He seemed like a really nice guy, and I really enjoyed talking to him! Sad to read this news.
Jack,Renee,Hunter Synan
March 26, 2012
We only knew Ian for a short while but we enjoyed spending time with him. He is a remarkable man. We will miss seeing him at Emerald Isle.
Cindy Messer
March 26, 2012
My family knew Ian a short time but he made a life long impression on us all. My son had never experienced 120 mph in a car until he rode with Ian and he loved it. He had a big laugh and a big heart. Rest in Peace Ian.
minnie minnie
March 26, 2012
Hello
is me,minnie i am happy to see you mail at this site i we like to no you ples contact me at my mail inbox,[email protected],
KEN&MARY O'DANIEL
March 26, 2012
WE ARE SENDING OUR LOVE,PRAYERS,&CONDOLENCES TO THE NAISMITH FAMILY,FRIENDS,&ALL WHO KNEW MR. NAISMITH.&THANKS SO MUCH TO GRANDFATHER NAISMITH FOR INVENTING BASKETBALL.
Barbara Mabie Kaler
March 26, 2012
Farewell Ian, praying you will enjoy your new journey. Remember Ray High School? You told me about your grandfather then.
Barbara Mabie Kaler
San Antonio, Texas
March 26, 2012
MAY HE SIT AT THE SIDE OF HIS GRANDFATHER& REST IN PEACE, CARSON NAPIER N.N. VA.
March 26, 2012
My condolences to the family. May your fond memories of him bring you peace as well as the comfort that our heavenly father gives.
Nelson Isley
March 25, 2012
So very sorry to hear about Ian. We just talked on the phone last week and my friendship with Renee and him go back a long way. He was one of my best friends and will be missed. May God bless you.
Nelson Isley
Reidsville, NC
Debbie Carter
March 25, 2012
We had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Naismith about one year ago. He was very kind to my son, now age 5, and gave him a Naismith pin, which delighted him as he is a basketball fan.
Andrea Wyatt
March 25, 2012
As I raise my son,12, he absolutely loves the game and lives,eats and breathes basketball! We just had a conversation about its founder and how it was invented. I'm sad to hear of the loss your family is endured! My sympathies to your family and also thanks to Ian for continuing a family tradition!!
March 25, 2012
May he rest in peace. Romans 15:33
March 24, 2012
With sincere condolences to the Naismith family during your time of grief...Psalm 46:1...God is for us a refuge and strength, A help that is readily to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.
Alan Loiben
March 24, 2012
Ian and Renee were clients, business associates, and dear friends. I can thank them for my best love interest whom I met when they insisted that I attend the CTO Ball when they became engaged. I pray their souls are together forever.
Wanda Henry
March 24, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are for the family friends of Ian Naismith during this bereaved time. May the God of all comfort be with you all at this sad time.
Harry Moore
March 24, 2012
Ian did much more than keep the rules of the game safe. He preserved the ideals of sportsmanship and moral character that might have been irreversibly lost without his intervention. The world is a poorer place with his passing. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones and all who love the game of basketball.
Ruth Ann Gray
March 24, 2012
I send my deepest sympathy to Ian's family. I have so many wonderful, fond memories of times with Ian and Renee over the years that I knew them. Rest in peace now, Ian.
Patty Snider
March 24, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. He had a beautiful family. p. snider newnan ga
Kate & Jim Ficke
March 24, 2012
Ian and his fiancee Renee DiGiulio were such giving people. The memories of our times together in St. Kitts at the Children's Summer Camp and the CTO Chicago Chapter will always be bright! Ian was larger than life and he will be missed by those who knew him.
March 24, 2012
I first met Ian in 1965 when I was in high school in Corpus. I worked for him and he drove a lincoln continental convertible hot rod...what a sight and what a guy. I rehooked up with him in the '90's and we spent some time together promoting Purdue's coach Gene Keady. I have a load of photos from that time and would love to share them with the family. He truely was a friendly, bigger-than-life guy and my friend...and I'll miss him. My best to his family at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
P.J. Di Fabio
[email protected]
S. Pembrook
March 24, 2012
Please except my condolences at this time, I'm sorry for the lost of your loved one.
Carol Whitson
March 24, 2012
So sorry for your loss...
March 24, 2012
TO THE FAMILY OF IAN NAISMITH, I EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY AT THIS VERY DIFFICULT AND PAINFUL TIME,PLEASE FIND COMFORT AT ISAIAH 45:18.HOUSTON,TX.
March 24, 2012
We will miss Ian very much. He became and always will be a dear friend. He is now with God and at peace. May his vision live on forever.
Al and Brenda
Cedar Point, NC
Pamela Fairbanks
March 24, 2012
You will forever be missed! Love our chats over the years. :)
March 24, 2012
I am so sorry for your lost. May you and your family rely on God in this time if grief.
March 24, 2012
He boarded the Train for what would be his Final Journey, and arrived at his True Destination in the most Peaceful Way.....how beautiful!
Denise M. Dean - Binghamton, New York
LR
March 24, 2012
"God is near to those that are broken at heart; And those who are crushed in spirit he saves"
My Sincere Sympathy,
David Jordan
March 24, 2012
Ian gave me my first job away from my families business in 1976, when he owned Lonestar Kenworth. He was a hoot to work for. Taught me about working hard and playing hard. I enjoyed knowing you Ian. RIP my friend. Condolences to his family.
G G
March 24, 2012
There are no word that can be said or written that can take the pain away but there is one thing for sure, the God of comfort has promised that He will remove death and pain, for he has promise and His word is truth. Please know I'm sorry for your loss.
Mary Jo Cook
March 24, 2012
My Father was a Basketball Coach for over 50 years. It is in our blood and we love the game. Thank you and your family for our many years of happiness. God be with your family.
l p(rev.21:4)
March 24, 2012
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Scott Chamberland
March 24, 2012
Rest in Peace
Jim Krueger
March 24, 2012
God bless you for all your work from the bottom of Canada's heart thank you
Susan
March 23, 2012
Praying for God to give peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Rogette Branam
March 23, 2012
Only knew you for a short time, but loved your determination to keep your grandfathers image above what basketball is today. I will miss you, but have great pictures and history of our time together.
Rogette Branam, resident of Holton Kansas, birthplace of Frances Pomeroy Naismith.
March 23, 2012
His grand father gave us the greatest team sport ever It all started in Canada
Maggi Ridsdale Hooked on the Hoops
March 23, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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