Gordy Kennedy, a long-time sports official from Cedar Rapids, died March 31 at Mercy Medical Center from a sudden illness. He was 60.

Kennedy worked many youth, middle school and varsity athletic events during his 19 years as a sports official. He worked basketball, baseball, softball and volleyball and was a member of both the Cedar Rapids Athletic Officials Association and Iowa City Athletics Officials Association. He also was a volunteer for Iowa Special Olympics and worked with autistic and special needs children in the Cedar Rapids Community School District.

"To me, Gordy symbolized what we all should be as officials ... humble, loyal to his fellow officials, passionate about the games, and a love for working with kids," ICAOA Executive Secretary Josh Berka said in an email. "Gordy Kennedy will certainly be missed, not just as a fellow official, but as a friend to many of us."

Kennedy was born April 15, 1950, in Cedar Rapids. He graduated from Regis High School in 1968 and Loras College in 1972. He worked for Farmstead Foods and then for the Cedar Rapids Community School District, mostly recently at Franklin Middle School.

Visitation is Monday (April 4) from 4 to 8 p.m. at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services with a vigil service at 7 p.m. Funeral mass is Tuesday (April 5) at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Burial is at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Iowa Special Olympics.

The family requests that those attending the visitation wear the colors and clothing of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Gordy's favorite team.