by Carla Wilson / Times Colonist
A roast of the late George Jones will run online on Tuesday to raise money for a scholarship dedicated to post-secondary students involved in rugby.
Jones died in May at age 86. The Victoria resident was known for his prowess as a tax lawyer, his life-long commitment to the sports community in general and particularly rugby, and for his sense of humour.
The roast was filmed on Sept. 10 outdoors to allow for social distancing. The video will be posted on YouTube at 6 p.m. on Tuesday.
Son Brett Jones, the master of ceremonies, said participants will be sending out live messages via twitter.com/MemorialJones when the video goes live. It will run for less than an hour.
The goal is to raise $90,000 toward the scholarship fund through the Rugby Canada Foundation, his son said.
George Jones was especially keen to see women in sports given the same recognition as men, Brett Jones said.
Filming the video was “absolutely phenomenal,” he said. “The speakers were all so good — funny and heartfelt.”
Roasters include former Saanich fire chief Dave Ward; friend Mike Holmes; Doug Tate, UVic men’s rugby team coach; well-known rugby player Karl Fix; and friend Maegan Thompson.
The scholarship, which aims to assist college and university students, has already raised $5,000.
To donate, go online to canadianrugbyfoundation.ca/index.php/funds/donating-to-funds (be sure to specify that the donation is for the scholarship), contact Brett Jones via email at brettjones@shaw.ca, or send a cheque to:
The George F. Jones Scholarship
Canadian Rugby Foundation
709 Yates St.
PO Box 8003
Victoria, B.C.
V8W 3R7
Tax receipts will be issued for donations of more than $20.
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