The Ontario Volleyball Association (OVA) is deeply saddened to share the news of the sudden passing of our Denise Klenk, who left us on October 31, 2024.

A longstanding member of our referee community, she has been an ever present figure overseeing our indoor and beach courts as a referee, assignor and passing on her knowledge as a Referee Development Team member.

In a final act of incredible generosity, Denise chose to be an organ donor. Her liver, kidneys, and eyes are expected to bring new hope and life to four individuals, ensuring that her legacy of kindness and compassion will continue to touch lives.

Denise was a Volleyball Canada referee since 2002. She became a National Referee in 2012 (both indoor and beach) and was the first recipient of the OVA Sylvia Jaksetic Female Official of the Year Award in 2013. Denise was an accomplished indoor and beach referee, being nominated to and participating in several events, to name a few: U19 Beach World Championships in Bermuda, NORCECA beach events, 2014 CCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship and various appearances in World League and VNL.

Over the years, on the administrative side, Denise was involved as Ontario’s beach volleyball assignor, Referee Development Team, Ontario Championships (RIM Park) assignor, R6 OVA assignor, and Renfrew County assignor. She was also a Head Coach of the 15UG Ottawa Fusion Red team.

Denise is survived by her husband and fellow indoor and beach referee George Sarrazin, and their two daughters Madison and Kendra.