Over the decades, the name Jack Follweiler had become synonymous with Northern Lehigh sporting events.

Follweiler, 78, of Slatington, died unexpectedly Saturday at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville as the result of a brain aneurysm after becoming ill Friday.A staunch supporter of athletics, Raymond "Jack" Follweiler could always be counted on to support the Bulldogs in their athletic pursuits.Especially when it came to his grandchildren, whether he would watch them on the football field, ball diamond or race car track.Follweiler went to see his grandson Kyle Follweiler race at Big Diamond Raceway in Minersville this past Friday when he became ill.He was transported to the hospital from the track, where Kyle won the race.He was the husband of the late Catherine "Babe" (Genovese) Follweiler, who died in 2007.Kyle, a 2004 graduate of Northern Lehigh, said he'll miss his grandfather dearly."His heart was always in a good place, whether it be with family members, the community, and of the organizations that he was involved with," Kyle said."He loved being a part of Slatington and anything one member of his family was doing at that particular moment."Kyle added, "I think anybody would tell you from the community there was nothing that he wouldn't do or he wasn't proud to be a part of."Obviously, he loved football, he loved the football program; I recall him being at soccer games or track meets or anything that involved Slatington," he said. "Just this past year, we had the 150th anniversary of Slatington; he couldn't be more proud than to be a part of that."Follweiler served as a director on the Northern Lehigh School Board, a seat he had occupied for nearly 12 years.Northern Lehigh School District Superintendent Michael Michaels said Follweiler "always made his decisions on what was best for the kids.""It's a huge loss, because Jack was a lifelong resident here of our school district," Michaels said. "He was involved in so many things."Michaels added, "I'm going to personally miss him tremendously."He was a great friend, a great board member, and he was great for Northern Lehigh," he said. "It is a sad time for all of us."Michaels said Follweiler loved his sports, and most especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in district sporting events."He was one of the big Northern Lehigh sports fans; you would always see him at all sporting events," he said. "He lived for watching his grandchildren when they played sports here at Northern Lehigh."A graduate of the Slatington High School Class of 1955, Follweiler was also an accomplished athlete at Slatington High School, where he was a member of the iron man basketball team, as well as a running back for the football team, at which time he was selected to the All Lehigh Valley football team.Follweiler also served as a member of the Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit Board. He was also an active member of the Slatington Lions Club, Slatington Mason Lodge 440 F & AM, and the Slatington Moose.Additionally, he was also serving as current Habtman for Grundsau Lodge 18, was a member of the Emerald Fire Company, and was a member of the Slatington Skeet Club.Family and friends will pay their respects from 3-5 p.m. Saturday at Harding Funeral Home, 25-27 N. Second St. Slatington.In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to Northern Lehigh Football c/o Joe Tout, 20 Fern Terrace, Nesquehoning PA 18240.