Grandfathers For Golf, based in San Jacinto, CA, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to teaching underprivileged children (and all others) how to play the game of golf, which promotes fellowship, health, discipline, and sportsmanship. We work with school districts to arrange busing to participating golf courses, primarily Golden Era Golf Course in San Jacinto, and Echo Hills Golf Course in Hemet. We also work with the Southern California Golf Association (SCGA) and its Youth on Course program.
Passing of Bill Schilling, former GfG Head
Former Grandfathers for Golf President Bill Schilling passed away in Arizona on June 10. His time and energy and expertise had a profound effect on making Grandfathers for Golf the hugely successful program that it is today.
From recent President Tony Viola:
Bill was involved with GfG during the “formative” years. He served as a volunteer to work with the kids and as “Head” of GfG prior to me taking over and incorporating GfG to its present form. Bill was invaluable to me as he kept me on the straight and narrow. I tended to go off half-cocked sometimes during those early days. Bill remained with us until his relocation to Arizona several years ago. He always stopped by either at Soboba Springs Golf Course or Golden Era Golf Course to see us whenever he was back in town. He and I periodically exchanged emails for me to keep him informed. He followed our website too. He will be missed. Especially by those of us still around who knew him. His legacy will remain a part of GfG as long as it exits.
From Bill’s Daughter:
My name Becky Lodewyck and I am Bill Schilling’s daughter. I’m sorry to share that my Dad passed away June 10th in Show Low, Arizona. He was fine (and golfing!) in early May and his health just took a turn. He was a long-time member of Grandfathers for Golf. He loved the camaraderie with fellow golfers and being able to share his love of the sport. The opportunity to mentor kids and inspire a new generation of golfers brought him great joy.
His services were earlier this week (on the 18th). We felt the best way to honor Dad was to request that donations be made to Grandfathers for Golf in lieu of flowers. A few individuals have shared with us that they have donated but were unable to indicate that the donation was in honor of Dad, then Mom and I realized he would have wanted us to let you know as well.
We were able hold his services in the funeral home in which he grew up in Erie, Illinois. His obituary and other information is available at: https://www.schillingfuneralhome.com/obituaries/william-bill-schilling
My Dad loved the opportunity to volunteer with Grandfathers for Golf. He often spoke of his experiences with the organization, its members, and the kids. Thank you for doing what you do!
Warm regards,
Becky Lodewyck
GfG Awards Scholarship to Timmy Parker!
Timmy Parker and his Tahquitz High golf coach Joe Tretter
Not only was Timmy an active participant in the Grandfather for Golf youth program, but he has had exceptional achievements throughout his high school golf career at Tahquitz High. He started as the team’s number two golfer but quickly rose to the top, leading the team during his junior and senior years. Over the past two seasons, he guided the team to multiple sub-200 scores, with a school-low of 189. Timmy capped off his senior year by winning the league championship as an individual and being named the league’s MVP. He also advanced to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), in which he competed in the Individual Regional Tournament. Timmy’s dedication and leadership have made a lasting impact on the team.
Timmy will be formally recognized for his achievements along with other outstanding youth at the Hemet Sportsman’s Banquet on June 12. The Hemet Sportsman’s Club is a nonprofit organization that works year-round to promote and salute youth sports in the San Jacinto Valley and Anza.