Judo Ontario Mourns the Passing of Fran McCrodden

It is with deep saddness that Judo Ontario announces the passing of Fran McCrodden, a respected volunteer and leader whose service strengthened judo in Ontario for more than four decades.

Fran’s judo journey began in the early 1970s when she enrolled her children at Tora Martial Arts Club in Brampton. Her support quickly grew into a lifelong commitment to the sport, driven by her belief in judo values and community.

At the club level, Fran was elected the first female Director of Tora Martial Arts Club in 1980. She coordinated athlete transportation, fundraising, and event logistics, and organized training camps featuring distinguished visiting judoka from around the world.

Fran also served as Tournament Director of the Tora Invitational Tournament from 1979 to 2000, providing 21 years of leadership that elevated the event into one of Ontario’s premier club tournaments.

Her service extended throughout the province. She held the roles of Regional Secretary and Treasurer for the Central West Judo Region (1990–1996), was elected as a Councillor to Judo Ontario in 1996 and continued as Regional Director for the Central West Region from 1996 onward. Fran also supported referee development by attending seminars and coordinating referee training at regional and provincial events.

Fran served as Team Manager for multiple major multi-sport Games teams, including provincial, national, and Commonwealth Games delegations from 1991 to 1998, ensuring athletes and staff were fully supported behind the scenes.

Her contributions were widely recognized, including honours from Judo Ontario, Judo Canada, and the City of Brampton. Her legacy lives on through the countless judoka, officials, volunteers, and families she inspired and supported throughout her remarkable journey.

On behalf of Judo Ontario, we extend our sincere condolences to Fran’s family, friends, teammates, students, and all those whose lives were touched by her leadership and generosity. We honour her service with profound respect and gratitude.

With solemn respect and remembrance,

Judo Ontario

Achievements & Service to Judo (Summary)

• Tournament Director, Tora Invitational Tournament (1979–2000)

• First female Director, Tora Martial Arts Club (1980)

• Regional Secretary & Treasurer, Central West Judo Region (1990–1996)

• Elected Councillor, Judo Ontario (1996)

• Regional Director, Central West Region (1996)

• Team Manager for major Games teams, including the Commonwealth Games Judo Team (1991–1998)

• Namesake of the Fran McCrodden Volunteer of the Year Award

• Recipient of the Judo Canada Hero Award and City of Brampton Sport Hall of Fame (2000)

• Long-standing ambassador and champion of Ontario judo