MATTHEW CLIFTON

A great man indeed, a big reason why I still play ball to this day, a teacher, friend coach, mentor, and uncle. He and my Dad were the closest of good buddies. Gone to be never forgotten. Matt, thanks for the start.

Matt, you are the father of Masters Basketball in B.C. and a wonderful human being. I remember well the Over The Hill Gang teams playing in the small elementary school gym years ago wth Billy Joe and Vince and Rod Thomson and Al Birtles and Jim Turriff and of course your great friend Slick and so many others. You will always have a special place in my heart.

Matt, thanks for coming into my law office thirty years ago with the crazy idea of starting a Masters Basketball League in Vancouver. All the people still playing today should know they've had years of pleasure all due to your efforts, and those of your team mates on the "Over the Hill Gang". It's my hope that someday the B.C. Basketball Hall of Fame will have your name in it.

Thanks, Matt for allowing me to play in those exhibition games against the U.S. Navy teams. Your humanity, sense of humour, and genuine concern for others were traits I added to my character as a maturing Black Man. I have always looked up to you (Billy Joe, and Slick). Thanks for your visit (s) to Britannia during my Principalship. When you entered the office (they knew you were my VIP!) it was the highlight of my day!

Randy Clark