Table tennis fraternity mourns sudden ‘shocking’ death of table tennis president Godfrey Lothian

Godfrey Lothian, former president of the Jamaica Table Tennis Association (JTTA), died of a heart attack at his home today (June 15), sending shockwaves throughout the table tennis fraternity.

Lothian was elected JTTA president in 2013 and served three terms before he was ousted earlier this year following a Supreme Court ruling relating to the constitution of the association.

Full details of his sudden passing have not yet become available but initial reports said he was at home this morning when he complained of not feeling well. His wife later found him collapsed in his bedroom. He was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Andrew Lue, the current JTTA president, said he was both shocked and saddened by the news of Lothian’s death.

“I learnt a lot from him,” Lue said.

“This is shocking. We had our differences but I would not wish this on anyone.”

 He said the late president, whom he described as “very dynamic person”, was someone who gave his all to the sport.

Since the news of Lothian’s sudden passing became public, Lue said the table tennis fraternity and Lothian’s family have been receiving messages of support from associations across the Caribbean.

Also among those caught off guard by the news was Natalie Johnson, a former manager of the Junior National team under Lothian’s presidency.

“His passing is a real shock and my heart goes out to his family,” she said.

“I got involved with the table-tennis community because of my son, Azizi. I can categorically say that under Mr Lothian leadership the juniors excelled to the level where they competed internationally. He ensured that the juniors were exposed every chance he got. May his soul rest in peace.”

Dale Parham, former coach to the national cadet programme, described Lothian as a man of vision.

“It’s sad and shocking. Mr Lothian will be remembered for his ideas. He was innovative, full of ideas,” Parham said.

“He will also be remembered for the development of the prep and primary School leagues and for the cadet programme; I would say youth overall. He also promoted certification of coaches.”

‘THE FRATERNITY WILL NEVER FORGET HIM’

Kane Watson, Jamaica’s top player, revealed that his head was still spinning from the news, explaining that he was supposed to be reaching out to the former president for him to assist with an ongoing matter.

“Shocking. I just picked my phone and heard that he passed away suddenly. I don’t understand it. As time passes we will hear more. Condolences to his family. He was a stern president. He had a strong following and people who didn’t see things his way but he was committed to the cause and worked hard. He wanted better for table tennis,” Watson said.

“The fraternity will never forget him. News like this is shocking.”

Klao Bell-Lewis, the mother of Gianna and Tsenaye Lewis, who represent Jamaica at the junior level, said she was devastated by the news. She said Lothian did a lot to get young girls playing the sport.

“As a parent of girls, I am appreciative of Mr Lothian and his administration for creating a space where girls were welcomed and encouraged within the sport. His contribution to youth development through table tennis is significant,” she said