Where do I even start? My first memories of Roman were from when I was a lot (lot) younger and playing in the youth leagues. Fast forward many, many years and he was refereeing my games again at the APEX center and then we became colleagues when I started refereeing there too. No matter the day, Roman always greeted me with a smile and a hug and was ready to share a joke he had lined up. I never saw him without a smile. He was a chatterbox on the sidelines and shared stories of his family with our entire soccer community. Roman is a part of the culture at APEX and, while he will be sorely missed on the field, his legacy will live on.
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Roman took our family under his wing in 2009 when we moved into the neighborhood. We loved visiting with him and swapping stories, King bolete mushrooms and foraging tales, garden share swaps, sense of humor and jokes, and always felt safe knowing he was watching over our block. We feel so blessed to know the Halaba family. He is deeply missed. Sending prayers and will hold Roman in our hearts.
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I have been playing women's indoor soccer for many years at the APEX Field house. Roman - always kind, always caring, always a smile, and a person with an obvious love for soccer. A talented and fair Referee. Thanks Roman I would always say as the game ended. I know that many, many players feel the same way. Dear family, I am sorry for your loss - he will be greatly missed. Julie
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My thoughts and prayers are with Roman's family and friends. I've known Roman his entire time at Apex... me as player and him has referee. He was always our favorite and someone you could rely on to be fair and consistent. His presence will be sorely missed.
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Roman was such a light! It always made my day to run into him at soccer and just say hi. I loved when he was reffing our game - he brought jokes and humor, soccer stories and I appreciated that he always checked on people to make sure we were ok and not injured if there was an bad play. His love of his family was always shared. He will be greatly missed.
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I will truly miss Roman on the field. He has been refereeing my games since I was about 12 years old. He's truly an amazing soul. My condolences to the family he is leaving behind.
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I loved visiting with Roman as I caught my breath in the box during our indoor games. He loved life and was a joy to be around. His smile, silly jokes, and quick laughter always lifted my spirit and were something I looked forward to while playing. He is missed already. I am praying for his family and friends as they walk into this new season of life. May God grant you laughter as you celebrate his life, peace as you rest in the promises of God's Word, and hope in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior who paid our debts on the cross and guaranteed heaven for all who trust and believe in Him.
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Roman was one of the first referees I met when I started playing soccer at Apex. It was immediately apparent that he had a strong passion for the game, sportsmanship, and friendship. He was always a pleasure to be around. Even in heated game moments, he could not be phased and maintained his friendly attitude.
I remember hilarious moments when we, as 30+ amateur soccer players, would have silly plays on the field or terrible shots and Roman would join in the laughter and playful teasing in the aftermath.
He will be sorely missed!
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Theresa,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Your husband is now in Heaven with your beautiful mother, Janina, of whom I was very fond of at Little Sisters. She will help take good care of him.
May God Bless you and give you peace. 🌹
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I knew Roman for the last 10 years as a wonderful referee at Apex. Besides being incredibly kind and fair, he was always ready with a joke for those of us on the sidelines. He was a real pillar of the Apex soccer community and it won't be the same without him. Thank you Roman for spending so much of your time bringing joy to all of us who love the game.
In response to "How did you first meet Roman?"
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