Wednesday, August 21, 2024
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Lynn, that is a wonderful description of your dad. For me, your mom and dad were fixtures of my growing up and of our neighbourhood. Braye’s Groceteria defined our neighbourhood in many ways, the two level counter at the front, meat counter at the back with meat slicer in view, sides of beef coming in through the side door in the rear. Lots of runs to the store for mom, or popping in with childhood friends to get a treat. And of course, you lived just around the corner from us.
When I moved back to CB with my own family, I spent wonderful time with Jack as he helped my young son with a school research project into the history of hockey in CB. His scrap books came out, and we learned so much about the building of Humber Gardens, his involvement in the NAHA, his refereeing career, and his trip with a few others to Nova Scotia to persuade Danky Dorrington to come to CB, that changed the face of hockey in the city.
In 2018, I spent time with Jack when the city hosted Hockey Day in Canada and I chaired the local organizing committee. He was at Mountainview when the visit occurred, and it was so nice to see him again with his scrap books on a table as he met the former NHL stars, talked all things hockey in the city, and posed with the Stanley Cup. A couple of pictures from that day attached.
My condolences to you and the entire Braye family, And a nod to Jack for taking time, making a difference, and being such an important part of so many people in the neighbourhood, including me.