Neil Sherman
This page is our memorial to one of our earliest and most
enthusiastic members: Neil Sherman from New York City, who
passed away unexpectedly on January 11, 2001. He would've
celebrated his 40th birthday on January 21.
Neil and Donna at the Gotham Cup.
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I met Neil just once, at the Gotham Cup nearly two years
ago. Neil was an Ajacied of unforgetable character; just that
much brighter and happier, that much more enthusiastic. He made
a lasting impression on me with his smile, wit and good
humor.
In reading about his life, as described by his fiancee and
fellow Ajacied Donna Voss, I immediately recognize a soul-mate.
I'm so proud to have had Neil in our club, and I'm sorry that
I'm only now getting to know him better.
As Donna describes it, Neil was such an Ajax fanatic, that
when his friends asked how his day was, his first response
would be a report of how Ajax did in that day's match.
She told me a story about Neil which I think typifies the
spirit of American Ajacieden, full of optimism and friendly
pride.
"One morning, Neil went without me to watch a match at a bar
called Nevada Smith's. He was wearing a short blue army jacket
on which I had sewn a patch from his favorite Dutch soccer
team, Ajax. As was Neil's habit he'd always start a
conversation with anyone bearing Ajax on his or her clothing.
The guy sitting next to him noticed his patch and they started
talking. This guy turned out to be Glen McKelvey, who when he
heard that we had plans to travel to Amsterdam in the next
several months, immediately offered to set up an introduction
with his friends in Holland, Peter and Bianca.
Neil at the Amsterdam Arena
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"We traveled to Amsterdam in April and, through Glen,
arrangements were indeed made for us to meet Peter and Bianca.
Neil was thrilled beyond belief to have truly met someone who
precisely understood his passion for Ajax and Dutch soccer.
"Almost constantly, Peter and Neil shared stories via e-mail
and compared scores about the Dutch soccer matches. When Neil
returned to Amsterdam last June to watch the European
Championships with Peter and his friends, all of Peter's
friends were amazed that an American could have such a vast
knowledge of their sport."
You should read Neil's review of the book
Brilliant Orange on Amazon.com It really captures his love
of the sport. His review is called 'A feast for 'Total
Football' lovers' and is dated September 19, 2000. The first
time I read Neil's review, I ordered the book. Neil's passion
is contagious.
Neil was originally from the Washington DC area, and during
his childhood played soccer and developed a love/obsession for
the 1974 Dutch National team, and the Dutch concept of total
football. Neil played soccer at a very high level through high
school, won many awards, and saw some playing time at the
intercollegiate level during his first two years at William
& Mary college.
Neil's other great love was music. This was his major at
William & Mary, and the reason he came to New York about 12
years ago. He played with MANY bands in NY, and was still
playing at the time of his death, though he never realized his
dream of earning a living as a professional musician. Neil was
to be married this October to fellow Ajacied Donna Voss. He
loved his family devotedly, and Neil and Donna traveled to the
DC area frequently to visit. There is so much to this
incredibly wonderful, complex and superbly kind-hearted
person.
He is survived by his parents, Ed and Miriam, his sister Pam
and his brother Pete, sister-in-law Marianne, and a gorgeous
niece and two nephews, Sarah (8), Max (5), and Will (3).
Thank you all for reading this memorial to a true
Ajacied.
More Photos of Neil
Sherman
- Jim McGough
Ajax USA
Comments about this memorial
page
I was at the Gotham Cup but I'm sorry that I didn't meet
Neil, although he was probably sitting nearby. Our club will
miss you.
-- Martin Lewison (MLewison@utk.edu), January 30,
2001.
It is truly sad to read about the death of a man that was not
only dedicated to his passion for Ajax but to his family and
friends. Although I never met him, I share with you my
deepest condolences. I pray that your memories of him, his
joy and smiles will keep his spirit alive among all of you
that knew him.
An Ajax Fan in Texas, Eric.
-- Eric Kraan (ekraan@elp.rr.com), January
30, 2001.
Words are hard to find when someone dies so young. My thought
go out to his family, his fiancee and friends.
Thierry de Boer owner Ajax mailinglist co-worker
Ajaxmania
-- Thierry de Boer (thierrydeboer@ajaxmania.com),
January 31, 2001.
I remember taking a look at the Ajax USA website for the very
first time and instantly falling in love with this charming
club. A small, but very devoted group of Americans loving
'my' Ajax? It felt flattering, moving and it also felt a bit
weird.
Ajax USA has about 1,200 members. I think I've met six of
them in person. Neil was not one of them. I've never met him.
And it's sad to hear I never will. However, if you would ask
me to sum up as many names of Ajax USA members as possible,
Neil Sherman would definitely be one of them. Because, of all
those devoted American Ajax fans, he was part of the small
group that slightly more devoted than others.
He participated on this discussion forum every once in a
while, just like Ben Bell, Rudy Hulsman, Andy Booden, Greg
(from Denver) and Joel Patrick Llosa. They are the fanatics,
and Neil was one of them. And, I know it sounds weird, I'll
never forget his Yahoo username: 'sherthing', with which Neil
made me smile. I bet he would have done that much more often
if we'd met personally.
Ajax USA has lost a very special member. Neil will be
remembered.
My condolences to Donna - and the rest of Neil's
family.
-- Menno (menno@ajax-usa.com), January
31, 2001.
Neil, I'm sure you are a "Godenzoon" in heaven now.
My condolences to everyone who knew Neil and I wish you
all the best in coping with this big loss.
-- Marco van Vliet (marco_van_vliet@yahoo.com),
January 31, 2001.
My heartfelt condolences to Neil Sherman's fiancee Donna, his
family ,and all who knew him. It was a great pleasure to read
Neil's insights and knowledge of the game ; which were
obvious to all who read his posts.His passion for our beloved
GODENZONEN was a pleasure to read. I sincerely regret never
having had the pleasure to meet such a devoted Ajacied. Our
club will sadly and sorely miss Neil.In the spirit of Neil, I
hope our club will leave no doubt that we have visited
Amsterdam and left our fellow AJAX fans a little deafer (from
the support we send forth). Somehow, I think the loudest roar
will be from Neil.
-- Ben Bell (Q4Crew@Aol.com), January 31,
2001.
I have the extreme pleasure of being able to say "I'm Neil
Sherman's friend." We played in bands together, in
Washington, DC, and remained friends when he moved to New
York. Obviously, his friendship, humor, and enthusiasm have
spread throughout the world to all of you. His love for
Donna, other family, and friends was clear to anyone who
spoke with him. He was a truly good man, and he will be truly
missed.
-- Neal Augenstein (NealAug1@aol.com), January 31,
2001.
This memorial is so special, I just wanted to say thank you.
I can vividly remember meeting Neil at Nevada Smiths and
being the only two people who cheered when Kanu went on for
Arsenal for the first time. We immediately hit it off and had
so much to talk about. It was incredible to find someone who
shared my feelings about ajax and dutch football. Neil was a
tremendous person and a great friend. I commend Donna for her
strength she is truly a beautiful person. Thank you for
bringing back some special memories of a special person.
-- glen mckelvey (gmckelvey@sandsbros.com),
January 31, 2001.
Thank you for this great memorial page. I have known Neil for
less than two years, since we met in Amsterdam in April 1999.
It was great to meet another American (after meeting Glen
ages ago) who was so in love with Ajax and the Dutch football
in general. We became very good friends and we were full of
plans for visiting football matches in Europe or the USA. It
makes me very sad that Neil won´t be joining us for
that anymore. This truly wonderful website describes what a
great person he was. Thank you again.
-- Peter trauschke (p.e.trauschke@dnb.com),
January 31, 2001.
I am Neil's cousin from California. My husband, Alan and I,
dearly loved our cousin Neil and cousin-to-be, Donna. We are
griefstricken by his loss, for Donna, for his family, and for
ourselves. But what a beautiful memorial tribute and and
gratifying it is to see him through these eyes. To all of you
who love him out of your shared passion for football, thank
you. May life smile kindly on you all. Sincerely, Susan
Kaplan
-- Susan Kaplan (susan@friends-of-the-family.org),
January 31, 2001.
Jim, This is a beautiful tribute. Thanks so much for doing
this. I was fortunate enough to be Neil's friend, and will
never forget his spark and lust for life. Most of all, I will
miss his love and support, which were unconditional.
-- John Rasnic (j.rasnic@worldnet.att.net),
January 31, 2001.
My deepest and most inner condolances to Neil and his loved
ones. Altho I have never met Neil in real live I can feel
Neil was a great personality.
"Ajacied 4-ever"
-- Tobi Cage (amsterdam_rules@hotmail.com),
January 31, 2001.
Neil knew the meaning of love and giving, and will be missed.
I thank you all for creating this forum.
David Kupfer
-- David Kupfer (DLKupfer@aol.com), January 31,
2001.
My condolences to everyone and I wish you all the best in
coping with this unexpected loss.
This summer (during Euro 2000) Peter T. introduced me to
'de Nees'. We immediately shared the same passion: dutch
football and febo.
I didn't know him for that long but I will remember him as
a spontaneous and kind person with an enormous passion for
Ajax, the Dutch national team and soccer in General.
Compliments for this memorial website.
-- Sjaak Hendricks (sjaak8@worldonline.nl),
February 01, 2001.
Thanks for the incredible and beautiful tribute to Neil.
Although I've never met you, your piece left me feeling like
we must be long- lost friends. I played music with Neil for
20 years, and speaking as one of his many friends, I can't
thank you enough for your effort.
I knew of Neil's love for soccer, but not did not realize
its depth. As I look over all of my photos from years past,
the once-foreign team logos & T-shirts he used to wear
are now familiar to me because of your website.
I'm sure you've heard that those of us who attended his
funeral all wore a "brilliant orange" ribbon in memory of his
love for Dutch Football. I think it was Donna's idea, and I
now understand the gesture. Knowing Neil for so long, and
discovering one more side of this very complex and passionate
individual over the past two weeks has been a great comfort
to me.
Consider me ajacied (but do I have to wear the hat?)
PS - Call your friends & family and tell them how
important they are to you.
-- Ed Lull (LULLMSIC@aol.com), February 01,
2001.
Wow!! What a great club, what a tribute, what nice words,
what wonderful pictures, and what an absolutely great guy.
Thanks for this tribute.
Neil when you read this, know that I miss you alot. Do you
remember last August sitting on the sands of Dewey Beach?
...taking in the waves, sights, suds, and stogies? I do and
will never forget all the great times we spent there. We will
be there in 2001, but I know it won't be the same.
Cuz
-- Cuz (chamberlin@erols.com),
February 01, 2001.
While I can't say that I was fortunate enough to know Neil, I
can say that I'm proud to be part of a club that would have
him as a member. My condolensces to all those related to Neil
and a thank you to Jim for making Ajax-USA a special
place.
-- Rick Liebling (sportspr@yahoo.com), February
02, 2001.
A pray for his family, friends and specialy Donna his wife.
May the light be with you.
With all respect to one who dies to soon. A nice thanks to
one who believes in soccer. A man believes in Ajax,
why....maybe Cruyff knows the answer.
Ajax suport, Groningen, the Netherlands.
-- Mike, February 03, 2001.
I have known Neil since he was staying at Peter in Amsterdam
during the European Championship 2000. Together we saw some
matches, drunk some beers, played a soccer match ourselfs at
the Weteringplantsoen and had a lot of fun. After Neil got
back home we sometimes had e- mail contact. In one e-mail,
Neil said that he would come over again for the World
Campionship 2006 in Germany "to hang out with all of you
Nederlanders". I regret it very much that this is not gonna
happen. I wish Donna, family and friends all the best.
-- Michiel van Cruijsen (m.van.cruijsen@wolmail.nl),
February 06, 2001.
Jim, you've done a very nice job with this memorial.
I never met Neil, but there's no doubt when you read his
thoughts in the communications that we would have shared many
thoughts and feelings about football.
Death is always tragic, but a young one always doubly so.
My heart goes out to Donna, his friends, his family. I wish
you all strength.
-- Rudy (rudy.hulsman@tricon-yum.com),
February 06, 2001.
I've been continually impressed with the responses to this
memorial page. Read these comments all together, and you get
the clear sense of a superlative human being. One quote from
William Wordsworth seems to apply perfectly to the person
described in this page: "That best portion of a good man's
life: his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and
love."
I lost my brother and best friend in October of last year.
His death has changed my life forever. I still feel his
presence every day, and continue to be enriched by his memory
in a hundred unpredictable ways. I'm sure Neil's family and
friends will continue to learn from him for the rest of their
lives.
We like to say that Ajax fans are just a bit better than
the rest, but Neil Sherman was a cut above the rest. We're
honored to be associated with his name, and we'll never
forget him.
-- Jim (adjmcg@yahoo.com), February 08,
2001.
Neil was my sister Marianne's brother-in-law. Though I only
met him once, maybe twice, he stayed in touch about two,
three times a year. He'd e-mail me when I'd get a new job, or
when my daughter was born, always around the holidays. We
always enjoyed receiving his Christmas cards. I always felt
like he was someone I could call when I got to NYC and go out
and have a beer with as if I'd seen a month ago. He made me
feel like family. He was definitely cool. He valued family.
I'm sorry I never did get to know him better. From what I've
heard, my mom and dad got to know him and really enjoyed him.
Donna, there's not very much I can say other than I'm so
sorry for your loss and please know you and his family have
been in my prayers. I know Pete, Marianne and the kids loved
him very much. From reading the above e-mails, it looks as
though Neil had the same affect on many people.
Here's a thought for everyone, ...if ever you come across
someone like Neil, someone who tries to reach out and touch
you, someone who invites you to be their friend, take the
time to do so. There were always excuses why I never had the
time to give him a call when I was in NYC. They were baloney.
Next time I will give who ever it is a call.
Neil, I'm sorry I never called, but thanks for trying and
thanks for the lesson.
Donna and Jim, thanks for including me in the list of
e-mails to share this memorial.
-- Pete Lachapelle (plachapelle@pizzatoday.com),
February 09, 2001.
Since I was born in Amsterdam there's only one club I could
be supporting: AJAX ! I really didn't know about the
existence of an USA supporting group for 'my' team. People
living across the ocean and totally in love with a dutch
soccer team !?! How can that be ?
Visiting your Ajax-USA website for the first time my
attention was immediately drawn to the Remembering Neil
Sherman hyperlink. I must say I got gooze bumps reading it.
What a wonderful tribute ! My condolances to his fiancee and
the rest of his family. Not only did the Ajax-USA support
group lose one of it's best members, from the description I
read in the tribute the world has lost one of it's better
citizens !
-- Peter Mulder (mulder.peter@wanadoo.nl),
February 09, 2001.
To Neil's freinds and family,
You'll never walk alone.
My heartfelt condolences, Joel
-- Joel Patrick Llosa (jpllosa@ntsp.nec.co.jp),
February 12, 2001.
Dear Donna,
At first we feel for you because of Neil's passing away!
We hope you can manage now and in the future. We are the
parents-in-law of Glen McKelvey and our daughter send us this
page. We donot think we met him but i know from Glen that he
had some marvelous times with Neil and enjoyed it very much
to be his friend. The first visit to a dutch game here in
Holland, i know for sure they will miss him very much! That
was a good message : The "Godenzoon" is in heaven now!!! We
wish you strength for the future and a lot of good/happy
thoughts of your Neil.
-- Peter en Marga Deen (phj.deen@hccnet.nl), February
12, 2001.
For Donna and Neils relatives,
I heard about Neil's death through Peter Trauschke.
Silence afterwards.
I met Neil last summer, Peter Trauschke introduced me to
him. We had a couple of beers at a cafe next to a small
bridge near Peter and my place. We only talked about football
and Neil loved it. He was like one big smile these couple of
hours. The first moment I met him it was clear. This man
loved football and more he was just a great guy. We made an
appointment to play football in the "Vondelpark"! He was
really looking forward to it. Because of the rain I cancelled
it; I'm saying now: stupid me!
Donna and relatives, I wish you all the best! I didn't
know Neil further more but he made a great impression to me.
I will remember him!
-- Lucas Hendricks (Lucas@altera.nl), February 26,
2001.
Neil,
We're here in Amsterdam, and we're thinking of you! We
know you're here with us! We'll pour a beer and drink a toast
in your honor. Ajax fans never walk alone, ever.
Mazzel! - jim
-- Jim (jim@ajax-usa.com), April 22,
2001.
On Sunday evening, just before we were going to the Melkweg
to see a Stephen Malkmus concert, we drank a toast to Neil.
Even though I thought we were doing it with a smile, we were
completely silent for a few moments.
One of our group said that Neil would absolutely have
joined us on this trip: two Ajax games and a Holland game.
Yes, he would have been here if he would have had the chance.
And - being a great music fan and a very social guy - he
would have joined us for the concert as well.
Even though I've never met Neil, it suddenly felt as if
someone was missing. Today's the Holland vs Cyprus game in
Eindhoven. Neil, we understand you can't be physcially with
us tonight. That's okay. But you have to promise us you'll
watch, will ya?
We have ten tickets for the game, but we'll watch it with
eleven. Because we're, in a way, a football team - that's
why.
-- Menno (menno@ajax-usa.com), April
25, 2001.
Today, June 01 2001, is the day Donna and I agreed would be
the right day to remove the link to Neil's page from the Ajax
USA home page. It seems appropriate to both of us to do so
today, on the day Donna herself is literally moving on to her
own place.
Neil's page will remain right where it is, and will now be
linked from the new Features
page.
-- Jim (jim@ajax-usa.com), June 01,
2001.
I have wondered what Neil has been up to for a long time. I
am sorry, and very,very sad, to find out that he is "up to"
heaven...
I knew Neil through Jr High and High school--we were in
lots of the same classes, and every Spanish class...I had
heard that Neil couldn't quite bring himself to attend any of
our high-school reunions. I myself attended a whopping two of
them, and was disappointed each time when Neil did not turn
up, to have the chance to catch up. I used to run in to Neil
pretty regularly around the DC area through our college
years, mostly at concerts (we shared a similar taste in
music, I suppose)...but eventually the old grapevine withers
and news of old friends/acquaintances is harder and harder to
come by. And life takes us all off in so many different
directions...
So I suppose I am left to remember Neil through the eyes
of a 17-year-old girl (who harbored a crush) who shared alot
of time in classes, who still associates him with Spanish
class...
Neil, te amo. And as we say in my Greek Orthodox faith,
"...may your memory be eternal."
Thank you for keeping his memory, for his memorial. My
belated but very heartfelt condolences to you, to Donna Voss
(who must be very special), to Neil's family and
friends(extended family).
An old friend,
-- Kathy Hughes (
koukla61@attbi.com),
September 01, 2002.
