Final Face Off

FINAL FACE-OFF

RAYMOND EDWARD JOSEPH BRUNEL 1936 - 2010 Peacefully, on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at Riverview Health Centre, Raymond Brunel passed away at the age of 73 years. He is survived by his daughter Penni-Rae and son-in-law Patrick Ozuk, longtime friend and companion Dianne Zadorozny, siblings Norman (Isabelle), Rene (Sasha Petrie), Solange (Gilbert Lachance), Ida (Jack Bevan), sister-in-law Victoria, and Penni's mother, Kathleen Brunel. He was predeceased by his parents Alphonse and Marthe Brunel. Ray was born in St. Lupicin, MB and moved to St. Boniface in 1941. During his years in Junior Hockey, he set many records that will never be matched or exceeded. After Junior, Ray had a long and distinguished Professional Hockey Career playing from 1956 to 1970. After his Professional Career ended, Ray worked at Labatt's Brewery until his retirement. He remained active and physically fit his entire life and was well known for his physical prowess and exceptional sports skills. His passion for sports continued whether it was on the ice with the Old Timers, on the golf course at St. Boniface, on the baseball field with the FLASHBACKS or on the Racquetball Courts at St. Boniface College. In 1997 Ray was proudly inducted into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame. In honour of Ray's longtime membership with the Norwood Legion, we invite family and friends to join us in a Celebration of Ray's life to be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 1, 2010 at the Royal Canadian Legion, Norwood St. Boniface Branch No. 43, 134 Marion Street. We wish to extend our gratitude to the Doctors and Nurses at CancerCare and the Palliative Care Program for the care they provided Ray, with special thanks to Kris (PPC); Susan (SW); Nurses Rachael, Monique, Marisa, Alina, Tony; and Dr. Loiselle. Donations may be made to: W.R.H.A. Palliative Care Donation Fund care of Health Sciences Centre, RM S107-820 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1R9. Glen Lawn Funeral Home 982-7550

JOHN BOWNASS (RED) Peacefully with family by his side John passed away at the Health Sciences Centre on February 10, 2010 at the age of 79 years. John was predeceased by his parents Jack and Jean Bownass, brother Bob, and sister Kay. He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his beloved wife Margie; son Darryl, daughter Tracey (Andrew), grandchildren: Cory, Jason (Steph), great-grandson Kai, numerous nieces and nephews. John was born and raised in Elmwood. He was a counsellor and sports director for the Federal Government for 20 years. Prior to that his career was Hockey. He played for the New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens. His proudest moment in life was representing Canada with the Canada National Team. John enjoyed his retirement years; summers at the lake, tennis in Florida. A celebration of life was held on February 24, 2010 at Glen Lawn Funeral Home. A special thank you goes out to all the staff at Health Sciences Centre Rehab - 6th floor, and especially our Magnolia Group for all their support through Red's illness. Glen Lawn Funeral Home 982-7550

HARRY TAYLOR
Peacefully on November 16, 2009 at the age of 83. He is survived by Irene, his loving wife of 60 years; his daughter, Kathleen (Bernard); two sons, Ian (Rosemary) and Randy (Vivian); six grandchildren, James, Kristine, Michael, Bradley, Kyle and Ashley and two great-sons, Riley and Leeam. Harry began his professional hockey career with the Winnipeg Monarchs, winning the Memorial Cup in 1945 – 46, the Toronto Maple Leafs, winning the Stanley Cup in 1948 -49 and the Cleveland Barons, winning the Calder Cup in 1950 – 51. He retired from Trans Canada Pipe Lines in 1984, coming to Sidney with Irene in 1989.

GEORGE ALLARD

Former Executive Director of Manitoba Amateur Hockey Association, Mr. George Allard died suddenly on November 24, 2009.

Born in “The Pas”, Manitoba on February 23, 1930 George was recognized as an outstanding Junior A goaltender with the Black Hawks and Brandon and signed a “C” form with Chicago.

He organized and played for the Flin Flon Intermediates who were the National AA champions in 1965. George was also a player, volunteer coach/ manager from 1956-67. He managed the Flin Flon Junior Bombers for three years and also worked as a scout for the New York Rangers.

George Allard served as the MAHA Executive Director for nearly three decades as well volunteering as the Secretary-Treasurer of Manitoba Junior Hockey League from 1967-1977. Awarded the CAHA Order of Merit in 1985, he also served on committees such as the First World Junior and the Government of Canada Hockey Review.

George was considered a pioneer in the game of hockey and was recognized for his vision, commitment and contribution to the sport. George was elected to the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame in the Builders category in 1989. Hockey Manitoba recognized his long serving commitment to hockey and annually awards a scholarship in his name to a first year University student.

He is survived by his wife Doris and their 6 children along with 14 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

http://www.passagesmb.com/obituary_details.cfm?ObitID=157766

BERNARD GREBINSKY
GREBINSKY , Bernard Joseph June 20, 1932 - March 11, 2009 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bernie Grebinsky, our beloved father, brother, husband and grandfather. Bernie will be sadly missed by his loving partner, Marion Dingwall and her family, Karen (Harry) Finkel and their children Kirstie and Mark of Winnipeg. Also left to cherish Bernie's memory are his children and grandchildren; Bernie's daughter Cathy (Brett) Marklund and grandchildren Kelsey and Cale of Calgary, and his son Jeff (Donna) Grebinsky and grandchildren Katelyn and Michael of Red Deer. Also fondly remembering Bernie are his brothers Mike (Margaret) Grebinsky of Calgary, Paul (Mary) Grebinsky of Victoria, Vern (Bess) Grebinsky and sister Emily (Ken) LeValley of Regina, along with many nieces, nephews and extended family. Bernie was predeceased by his parents Frank and Anastasia "Nellie" Grebinsky, sister Frances Stefanic and brothers Ed and Bill Grebinsky. Bernie was born in Foam Lake, Saskatchewan in 1932, and in 1936 moved to Regina. It was in Regina that a long career in hockey began, as both a player and a coach. Bernie played four seasons with the Regina Pats beginning in 1947, making two Memorial Cup appearances. It was then on to the pros for Bernie, first with the Spokane Flyers followed by the Vancouver Canucks. In 1963 while working with O'Keefe Breweries he was transferred to Winnipeg and joined the Winnipeg Maroons. That season the team went on to win the Allan Cup then traveled overseas, representing Canada as good will ambassadors playing hockey throughout Europe. This would be the first of two such trips the Maroons would make to Europe. In 1967 Bernie coached the Selkirk Steelers of the MJHL, during their inaugural season. He was transferred to Edmonton in 1970 followed a year later by a move to Calgary. In 1973 he returned to Winnipeg working in the home renovation industry and of course playing hockey, now with the "Oldtimers". Wanting to slow down some and already working in Selkirk with the Window Factory, he and Marion moved to Winnipeg Beach in 2002. There they bought a house that had been built in 1927 and preceded to renovate it turning the house into a cozy country home. Always one to be busy, Bernie worked, golfed and enjoyed life right to the end. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2009 at 12:00 noon in the Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street, Winnipeg. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL. Telephone: 1-204-586-8044.

WILLIAM ADDISON 1908 - 2009 Peacefully on January 6, 2009 at Grace Hospital, William (Bill) passed away, making his way to be with his creator.
Even though he has had a long and full life, he will be missed dearly by all family and friends. He was a loving, husband, brother, father, grandfather and great- grandfather. He was predeceased by his wife Laura in 1991 and son William Jr. in 1993.
Leaving to cherish and celebrate his life, sister Velma (Chester) son Donald (Judy), grandsons Dwayne (Leslie), Don (Tracy), Doug, granddaughter Denise, (Perry Retzlaff), grandsons Darryl (Chelsea), Billy, great-grandchildren Ashleen, Kimberley, Victoria, Austin, Caitlin, Tiffany and Faith along with many relatives and close friends.
William (Bill) was born in Carberry, MB, April 13, 1908. Living in the Carberry, Brandon and Roseland areas for the first 30 years of his life, working on farms and enjoying baseball as a catcher. Bill was a very good catcher for the men's team and his wife Laura was the pitcher for the women's team, both very competitive, traveling to various towns in Manitoba playing tournaments.
Bill a veteran was proud to serve his country overseas for six years during the Second World War, specializing in artillery. Bill and Laura bought a home on Lipton St. in the West End of Winnipeg in 1945. The love of sport continued to inspire him throughout his life. Bill was involved in the West End Orioles Community Club, Winnipeg Pony League baseball, Manager of the Winnipeg Braves hockey team, which in the 1958-1959 season won the Memorial Cup, defeating the Peterborough Petes and the famous coach, Scotty Bowman. The last Manitoba team to win the Memorial Cup. Bill was very proud of the players on this team for their accomplishments on and off the ice. More importantly, the people they grew to be. They were a part of the family.
Bill was inducted into Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame in 1985 as a Builder. Bill was the President of the MAHA and was the founding and acting commissioner of the MJHL league for over 20 years. The league honoured him for his hard work and commitment to the MJHL, by naming a division after him, The Addison Division. Bill worked for Ray O Vac as a Personnel Manager and retired in 1973.
At this time the family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and staff at the following locations, Health Sciences Centre, Deer Lodge and Grace Hospital and the management and staff at Sturgeon Creek Retirement Residence. You all have been very kind, respectful and helpful. A very special thank you to our very dear friends Gary and Carol Cribbs, who have helped and been there for both Bill and the family in an amazing, selfless way and did so for many years. Thanks to all other family and friends who have also been so helpful and kind.
The funeral service will take place Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at Westwood Community Church, 401 Westwood Drive, Winnipeg, MB. The family would like to invite those attending, to share a comment or story about Bill. A reception will follow. Private interment with family will take place at a later date at Chapel Lawn. Chapel Lawn 885-9715

ELLIOTT (SPECS) CHORLEY

The death of Elliott (Specs) Chorley of Killarney, beloved husband of Lynda, passed away suddenly in Brandon on Friday, December 5, 2008 at the age of 77 years. A memorial service will be held at Central United Church, 327 - 8th Street, Brandon on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. A private interment will take place prior to the service in Rosewood Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Specs may be made to the Shamrock Centre, Box 820, Killarney, Manitoba R0K 1G0 or to a charity of choice. Funeral arrangements are in care of Brockie Donovan (204) 727-0694. Messages of condolence may be placed at: www.brockiedonovan.com

WILLIAM (BILL) BYRN'S ROBINSON

WILLIAM (BILL) BYRN'S ROBINSON On Wednesday, June 25, 2008, Bill passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer at the Seven Oaks Hospital at the age of 86 years. Remaining to forever cherish Bill's memory are his wife Beryl; brother George (Loretta); sisters Dorothy Thompson of Edmonton and Margery Manners; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters Josephine Funk and Margaret Cooper; brothers Lawrence, Desmond, Garfield, Kingsley and Robert; as well as his father Jack Robinson and mother Pearl. Bill was born in Cartwright, Manitoba on August 31, 1921. He was a lover of hockey ever since he was a boy. He began playing Playground hockey at the age of 12. At the age of 13, Bill played on the teams formed by the late Father Levesque, travelling through Europe. The teams were named after the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens. He was an outstanding centreman and played Junior Hockey with the Winnipeg Rangers and played on the 1941 Memorial Cup team. After winning the Memorial Cup, Bill joined the Navy and played alongside Billy Mosienko with the Quebec Aces. He also won 2 Allan Cups with the Quebec Aces and another with the Ottawa Senators. He subsequently went to England and played for the Harringay Racers in London. Bill then returned to Winnipeg and played with and coached the Winnipeg Maroons. He also coached the Winnipeg Warriors in 1960-61. From 1957 to 1970, he coached the University of Manitoba Bisons, which team, in 1965, won the Canadian Collegiate Championship. In 1972 Bill became the Director of Player Personnel of the original Winnipeg Jets Hockey Team. He was directly involved in the negotiations and signing of all hockey players during the formative years of the World Hockey Association, including such greats as Anders Hedberg and Ulf Nilsson, who, together with Bobby Hull, formed the Million Dollar Line. He later sought out and signed the late Lars-Erik Sjoberg, an all-star defenceman from the Swedish National team, who was later known as The Little General. Bill remained with the Jets until his retirement. He was inducted into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame in 1985.

KEN REARDON

MONTREAL — Former Montreal Canadiens defenceman Ken Reardon has died following a lengthy illness, the team announced Saturday. He was 86.

Noted for his rugged play, Reardon was a two-time NHL first all-star during his seven-year career, which included a pair of Stanley Cup championships. He also earned three second-team all-star nods.

Reardon, who hailed from Manitoba, had his career temporarily halted after he joined the Canadian Army in 1942. He retired from the league in 1950 and remained with the franchise as a scout, manager and vice-president during the Canadiens' run of Stanley Cup titles from 1956-60.

Reardon, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1966, finished with 26 goals and 96 assists in 341 career games.

TOM JOHNSON

Tom Johnson, the Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman who coached the Boston Bruins to their last Stanley Cup title in 1972, has died. He was 79.

The Bruins said Saturday that Johnson died Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at his Falmouth home. The team didn't disclose the cause of death.

The former Montreal and Boston defenseman was a player, coach and executive with the Bruins for more than three decades until he retired in 1998.

"If we all are allowed an ultimate friend, mentor, confidant and teacher, Tom Johnson was all of those to me," said Harry Sinden, Boston's former coach and general manager who is now an adviser. "The Bruins and all of hockey have lost a great person."

Johnson, a native of Baldur, Manitoba, played 15 years for the Canadiens during the late 1940s and 1950s, winning six Stanley Cups and the 1959 Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman.

GEORGE DEPRES

MANITOBA Sports Hall of Famer George Depres, who was once described as "a man who has never believed in doing one thing at a time," died Sunday, March 2, 2008 at the Grace Hospital. He was 80. Depres was general manager of Winnipeg Enterprises Corporation from 1979 to 1994. Under the WEC banner were such facilities as Winnipeg Stadium, Winnipeg Arena, Velodrome and the Highlander Sportsplex. Depres' tenure was a busy period. Included were the expansion of the arena in 1979 to accommodate the Winnipeg Jets' move to the NHL, the construction of the Blue and Gold banquet facility, the conversion of the Highlander from a curling club to a multi-sport facility for curling, hockey and figure skating, and alterations in the northwest corner of the stadium to provide a home for the Winnipeg Goldeyes, who had returned to the Northern League in 1994. Also Select-A-Seat, the first computerized ticketing system, was developed. Previously, Depres quarterbacked the Winnipeg Rods junior football club, while at the same time serving as an assistant coach of the St. Paul's College Crusaders. While playing for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, he was an assistant coach with the Rods. Depres' playing career was cut short due to a knee injury, but that didn't stop him from coaching the Rods in five Canadian junior championship games, winning the title in 1955, '56 and '61. They were finalists in 1954 and '59.