Former Canadian Bisley Team Commandant and Toronto Maple Leaf legend passed away on May 11th in Toronto, at the age of 79.
Ron was an active supporter of the DCRA for a number of years, assisting Canadian Palma and Bisley Teams with their fund raising efforts. Former Bisley Team member and strong advocate for the DCRA, Jim Spratley, introduced Ron to the DCRA and through their energy well attended annual golf tournaments were held that many hockey legends participated in, including Johnny Bower, Bobby Baun, Paul Henderson, Rick Vaive, Wilf Paiement, Pierre Pilote and many others.
Ron captained the 2013 Canadian Team to Bisley where he was introduced to life at Bisley, the Canadian Pavilion, Team routines and the competitive component that he was no stranger to throughout his own career as a Toronto Maple Leaf. Ron jumped in and helped out whenever asked, made a point of knowing everyone on the Team and was an inspiration to all providing excellent words of encouragement when it was required. It didn’t take long before everyone thought of him as a ‘hockey legend’ but as just another member of the Team. His low key confident demeanour stood out to all.
Ron was no stranger to the military as his father was a member of the Canadian Air Force. He grew up dealing with his own physical challenges being born with a club foot but after numerous visits to Toronto hospitals he eventually became one of the NHL’s best skaters. He played 1,034 games in the NHL, all with the Leafs, his sweater number 6 has not been worn by another player since his retirement in 1981. He scored 20 goals or more 10 out of 11 years, was a three time Stanley Cup winner plus was a member of the winning 1972 Canadian Team that beat Russia in that incredible eight game series. Ron was part of an effective line that also included Paul Henderson and Bobby Clark that clicked and was effective throughout the series. He was one of the first players to jump off the bench to celebrate the winning goal scored by Paul Henderson with 21 seconds remaining. What incredible memories.
He was a true gentleman, who continued to support the game as a Hockey Hall of Fame ambassador and NHL alumni contributor for decades up to his death. As Jim Spratley and Alain Marion would say, he was always available to lend an ear, his heart and help. His contributions were impactful through his many charities and initiatives.
By; Des Vamplew
