OXFORD – Two years after John Lobdell’s death, three of his long-time friends and former classmates are hosting their second fundraising golf tournament on Aug. 21 to raise money for the two sons Lobdell left behind.

Growing up, Nathaniel Emerson and John Lobdell were inseparable. They were best friends and partners-in-crime, whose high school exploits were nothing short of legendary in the Oxford community they both called home.
Through the years, “Nat” and John stuck by each other through thick and thin, staying close as they started their own families, and even becoming closer still after Lobdell moved south, trading in the rolling hills of his native upstate New York for the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.
It’s no surprise, therefore, that Emerson was by his friend’s side as he faced the toughest battle of his life -– fighting the colon cancer which cost Lobdell and his wife Emma much of their savings and, in the end, his life.
At a memorial service following Lobdell’s death in September of 2008, Emerson spoke eloquently about his long-time friend. While he may be gone, he is surely not forgotten. In the year and the half since his passing, Emerson has made it something of a personal goal to fulfill what was one of Lobdell’s greatest wishes for his two sons, Brody and Mason.
“John was always adamant that his boys would never have to worry about their education,” he said, explaining why he created The Brody/Mason Fund.
Last year, with the help of fellow Oxford graduates Tim O’Brien and Mat Mayhew, Emerson organized a fundraising golf tournament which raised $14,000. Those scholarship dollars have been deposited in “a dedicated investment specifically for the boys,” he explained.
According to Emerson, Lobdell would be pleased with what his friends accomplished so far.
“He’d be happy to know so many people have come forth to support this,” he said.
But Emerson, O’Brien, Mayhew and others who knew Lobdell well aren’t done yet. They are planning to beef up the boys’ scholarship fund even with the proceeds from the second annual Brody/Mason Fund Golf Outing, which will be held on Saturday, Aug. 21 at Blue Stone Golf Course in Oxford. Also lending a hand to organize the event is Jason Bradley, another former classmate, whose family owns and operates the course.
According to the organizers, a number of generous sponsors have already signed on to support the event. That includes two Marquee Sponsors – Zillacom, a telecommunications company owned in part by another Oxford grad, and Communication Components Inc. – both of which were secured by O’Brien.
“Tim’s drummed up a lot of support,” Emerson said, crediting O’Brien for “the bulk” of the money raised so far this year.
Other sponsors include local businesses like Hoppie’s and Bartle’s Pharmacy, he said. Other businesses – such as Roma’s, The Stadium, Gallery 3-2-1 and AIM Fitness – have donated prizes for the event. And, according to Emerson, there are still sponsorships available, including for hole sponsors.
Those interested in golfing in the captain and crew tournament still have time to register, but he recommends doing it sooner, rather than later.
“The teams are signing up fast,” he explained. He also encourages anyone who verbally indicated they would be participating to contact either him or the golf course to confirm their registration.
Check in will begin at noon on the day of the event, with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. The cost to participate is $70 per golfer, which includes greens fees and cart rental, as well as a post-tournament awards dinner. On-course beverages will be provided to participants free of charge, courtesy of Ridge Trucking and Logistics.
Non golfers are invited to attend the dinner, at a cost of $25 per person.
For more information, to register or to become a sponsor, contact Emerson at 843-8735 or via email at nathanielemerson@live.com.