The Ontario Volleyball Association (OVA) is deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Dean Oberle on December 30, 2024, after a 6 month battle with cancer.

A beloved and respected member of our Ontario referee community, Dean would be seen overseeing our indoor courts as a referee, mentor, clinician and as a Referee Development Team member at the Ontario Championships. 

Already a high level umpire with Baseball Canada since the early 2000’s and attending various elite baseball competitions, Dean wanted another challenge and became a Volleyball Canada referee in 2013.  He received his Provincial badge in 2014 and his Regional badge in 2018.   

Anyone who has met Dean, will all say the same thing….he had an ever present smile, laughter and a positive/optimistic outlook.  Always available to give an opinion or offer advice, you would always see Dean at a table surrounded by other referees, young and old…and as if on cue, you would periodically hear that Dean Oberle laugh to lighten the mood.  Dean’s energy was infectious and he impacted more people than he ever realized, whether on or off the court.  

Dean’s impact on the sport was more than just being a volleyball referee as the people he touched weren’t just fellow referees, but his outreach was to coaches, athletes and parents at all levels/ages.  Dean’s impact on the sport of volleyball in Ontario was a message of positivity and optimism, no matter the challenges facing us as referees, athletes or coaches…and remembering its just a game.

Dean is survived by his wife Cheryl, son Shawn, daughter Amanda (Adam) Jones and their beloved puppy, Beau.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday January 31, 2025.  Details will be shared shortly by social media and word of mouth.

Rest in Peace Dean.