John Robert Popiden - Online Memorial Website

When we had our final Sat. class this year to become Refs. I really saw how dedicated the people were who ran this program, and John seemed to me to be the one who everybody looked up to. Brian had his uniform on to show how not to look, John showed how a respectful ref. should look. He was ready to be at the field all day it seemed. That's when I fully understood what a commitment John and all the other people teaching the class had for AYSO.
 After I took the test, it was John who I had to go to to see if I had passed. There was the question on the core values of AYSO and all you had to do was get three of them, I came up with two, but was just blank with the third. John ran the most patient game of sherades to get me to come up with "Fair Play". He also refused to let me walk away feeling clueless. "51, that's a solid B" is what John told me. And that day I walked away an AYSO referee.
 Thank you John Popiden

Thomas Wilkinson
Region 7 Referee 2009- 

John asked me to volunteer for AYSO 13 years ago when I was a first-year coach for my oldest son.  He was always there to provide guidance, relating stories from when he had coached his own sons.  He eventually nudged me along into a position on Region 7's board.  When I later served as RC, his calm demeanor and thoughtful advise helped me get through several challenges.  He always found time to contribute to ensure that teams were balanced and the region's policies were set up in the best interest of the youth in the program.  For many years after he served as RC he was the conscience of Region 7, speaking up on a regular basis to remind people that we needed to put the kids first.

 

I will remember John as someone who knew how to enjoy himself and who always had a smile on his face, especially when he was refereeing a soccer match.  He was an educator in all aspects of his life with students, faculty, administrators, youth soccer players, and aspiring referees all benefiting from his service.  I feel lucky to have known him as long as I did.  He will certainly be missed.

 

Spencer White

Region 7 RC ('99-01)

I will Always remember John and appreciate his patience and willingness to give to others. No conversation was ever cut short for someone more important. John spent untold hours helping AYSO kids and their families to enjoy the game of soccer; learning, laughing and playing!

Thank you to the family for sharing your husband and father with so many others.

John was a mentor and friend.

Matt Klasila
Former RC, Region 7