Karn Dhillon (left) who has reffed in parts of the last six decades posed at KitsFest with the late Felix Gonzales. Dhillon eulogizes his friend, who passed suddenly this week, remembering him for his huge heart and his love for his family. (Photo by Tim Braund property of Tim Braund Photography 2021. All Rights Reserved)
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VL Podcast 02.24.21: Veteran referee Karn Dhillon, who reflects on the sudden passing of friend Felix Gonzalez, speaks to the tight-knit bond of BC’s hoops community

Welcome to the latest edition of the Varsity Letters podcast.

Today we chat with longtime basketball referee Karn Dhillon on a variety of topics spanning a career that began not too soon after he graduated from Vancouver’s Sir Winston Churchill in the late 1970s.

Dhillon also eulogizes his friend, longtime and well-loved referee Felix Gonzalez whose sudden passing has rocked the tight-knit B.C. basketball community.

In addition, Dhillon speaks to the pride he has for the Pink Whistle campaign which has shown just how united the B.C. hoops family has been over the past decade in raising funds for cancer research. And he offers words of wisdom to those contemplating taking the plunge into the world of basketball officiating.


Varsity Letters, Canada’s only podcast dedicated solely to provincial university and high school sports coverage, is produced by Gabriel Lynn, and available at Apple Music, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Our theme music, Generation Next, is written and performed exclusively for Varsity Letters by Chad Joiner and the MEI Screaming Eagles marching band.

If you’re reading this story or viewing these photos on any website other than one belonging to a university athletic department, it has been taken without appropriate permission. In these challenging times, true journalism will survive only through your dedicated support and loyalty. VarsityLetters.ca and all of its exclusive content has been created to serve B.C.’s high school and university sports community with hard work, integrity and respect. Feel free to drop us a line any time at howardtsumura@gmail.com.

3 thoughts on “VL Podcast 02.24.21: Veteran referee Karn Dhillon, who reflects on the sudden passing of friend Felix Gonzalez, speaks to the tight-knit bond of BC’s hoops community

  1. Thank you Howard and Karn for sharing this to all of us. Officiating not only burns calories, it builds camaraderie and keeps you involved in the game we all love.
    #BeLikeFelix on and off the court.

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