COBDEN — A Memorial for two local hockey greats was held prior to the Muskrat Voyageur versus Valley Storm bantam game at the Astrolabe Arena on Sunday afternoon.
Ron Ethier, 76, of Westmeath died Oct. 17 and Garry Ryan, 76, of Pembroke died June 25.
“They were both involved in hockey and their communities their whole lives,” said Ron Laronde. “These are two men who should be respected and this is a way of honouring them.”
Mr. Laronde knew both men well and felt it was appropriate to host a short memorial service on the ice with families members present.
Once the family members were gathered on the ice, and the two hockey teams, along with young hockey players spread out amongst the Muskrats, Mr. Laronde invited Debbie Ryan to say a few words about her father.
Throughout his life, Mr. Ryan gave his community “his most precious commodity” and that was himself, she said.
“He gave his time and energy to various charities in the community and built countless relationships along the way. That is his legacy to his children, grandchildren and generations to come. It is his legacy to you.”
Mr. Ryan was a volunteer at the well-known SabStock music festival and, she added, at 75 years old, he may hold the record as the oldest volunteer at a rock concert.
Mr. Ryan was an active member with the Beachburg Lions Club, participating in bingos, bike-a-thons, pancake breakfasts and the Beachburg Fair, Ms. Ryan said.
A few days before his death, Mr. Ryan, in a wheelchair and with an oxygen tank, was pushed around the Beachburg fairgrounds by his grandchildren for the Cancer for Life Relay.
Mr. Ryan was active in the more than hockey, Ms. Ryan said. He coached softball when his young sons played. He also coached the Greenwood hockey players and assisted with the Muskrat All-Stars. At his grandchildren’s games, he was best known for selling 50-50 tickets and shouting at the referees — then after the game thanking those same referees for their good work on the ice.
In March, her father laced up his skates and goalie pads for the final time, after having played four or five times throughout the season. Ms. Ryan noted there are three generations of hockey players on the ice playing together and raising money for charity through the showcased event, Beachburg Oldtimers against the Greenwood Oldtimers. Her father took over running it 16 years ago, then his sons, John and Terry, and eventually his grandsons, helped.
When young Blair Mick experienced a life-changing accident playing hockey, it was her father who was in the middle of the fundraising efforts, she recalled.
“Our dad would want you to leave with a message,” Ms. Ryan said. “Volunteering was the legacy that Garry Ryan left with us all. And, not just to volunteer but to volunteer with enthusiasm and commitment. His hope would be that each of us find the same fulfillment in volunteering and building relationships as he did.
“We thank you for remembering him.”
Stompin’ Tom then came over the loudspeaker singing The Hockey Song.
Mr. Laronde spoke briefly about Mr. Ethier, who was three years younger than his own father.
“My dad was a unique person and Ron was the same.”
Comparing Mr. Ryan to Mr. Ethier, he said one was as quiet as the other was loud.
“Talk about two different men,” he said. “Ron was very quiet, but I’m pretty sure with his four sons he wasn’t.”
“He was a great man.”
“Ron was a good man,” he added. “I was proud to be his friend.
“What he did for the Westmeath community, he just did so much”
He chose Friendship, written and performed by the late Sab, for Mr. Ethier’s song.
“Please listen to the words of this song, because Sab wrote this song, knowing he was dying, to his wife,” Mr. Laronde said. “I’m pretty sure Gail, if Ron could write a song, it would be this song.”
At the end of the song, the three hockey teams then shook the hand of the family members.
The Muskrat Voyageurs were defeated 4-2 by Valley Storm.
