IN MEMORIAM
Bud Somerville, Photo by: Michael Burns
[EAGAN, MN, October 17th, 2023] — In recent weeks, two members of the curling community who made significant, important contributions to our sport have passed away. We send sympathy and condolences to their families, friends, club members, and teammates.
Bud Somerville, 1937-2023
Bud Somerville was appropriately described by Olympian Chris Plys as a “curling icon.” In 1965, Somerville skipped his team of Bill Strum, Al Gagne and Tom Wright to victory at the 1965 Scotch Cup—the de facto World Championship of that era—in Perth, Scotland. It was the first time that Canada had been defeated for the title.
Somerville also captured national titles in 1968, 1969, 1974 and 1981. He captured a second world championship in 1974, defeating Sweden 11-4 in the final. In fact, his teams posted consistent results at every world championship they reached, earning a silver medal in 1969 and 1981, and a bronze medal in 1968.
In 1992, Somerville and his son Tim joined Strum and his son Mike to compete as Team USA at the 1992 Games in Albertville, France, finishing in third place when curling was a demonstration event.
Somerville was honored with a moment of silence at the Members’ Meeting on October 13th, the day of his passing.
Seppo Sormunen, 1949-2023
Long-time curler and builder of the game Seppo Sormunen passed away unexpectedly while curling in Rice Lake, WI.
Born in Finland and a graduate of Dartmouth College, Sormunen was active as a player, volunteer, and administrator for many sports, including curling.
Sormunen was a gentleman on and off the ice, competing regularly in national championships and events across the country. With a warm smile and a friendly nature, he created lasting bonds with teammates and opponents alike. He also took great pride in the success of his daughter, decorated curler and Olympian Aileen Geving, who has competed at the highest levels of the game and serves as a member of the USA Curling Board of Directors.
Seppo Sormunen, Photo by: Will Dimmit
About USA Curling
Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Eagan, Minnesota, USA Curling is the National Governing body for the Olympic sport of curling and the Paralympic sport of wheelchair curling in the United States. The mission of USA Curling is to grow, strengthen, and advocate for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of curling in the United States by prioritizing accessibility and programmatic development from grassroots to podium. USA Curling is sponsored by Columbia Sportswear, Twin Cities Orthopedics, Training HAUS, Toyota, Thorne, ISS (Ice, Sports & Solar), Rock Solid Productions, Jet Ice, and Laurie Artiss. USA Curling is a proud member of the World Curling Federation and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. To learn more, visit usacurling.org.
