ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, John Hebert. John was born on March 3, 1961 and passed away on January 3, 2021. May his memory live on forever in our hearts. 

Despite his courageous battle with cancer, John passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday January 3rd, with his family by his side. 

There is great sadness we all feel from losing such a great Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Friend and Coach, but we have peace knowing that he is no longer in any pain or suffering. John was an avid hockey player and coach with a love for hockey almost as deep as his first love; his high school sweetheart, Sandy. John was a fun, charismatic and caring man who always had a smile on his face. Although John will be deeply missed by his family, we know he is in a better place in heaven, likely lacing up his skates; with his leafs jersey on, getting ready for a game of hockey.

As per John's wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held to remember him and share stories once its safe to do so. In the interim please feel free to share any memories and photos in the Stories Tab to help us honour him.

Memorial contributions can be made in his honour to the Canadian Cancer Society. 
https://www.cancer.ca/en/donate/?region=on


March 3
March 3
Think Of You Often Johnny Boy.. Happy Heavenly Birthday Buddy... 
January 4
January 4
In my thoughts often my friend - truly missed but not forgotten.
January 4, 2023
January 4, 2023
Miss your laughter Johnny.  You kept us all going !  Thinking of you Bud.  
January 4, 2023
January 4, 2023
Can’t believe it’s 2 years yesterday. We missed his presence at TNH, but it was great to see Nicole and Daniel at the rink and a tribute drink after the game.

They both played with an extra zip - couldn’t help but think Johnny was watching and encouraging them on.
January 3, 2023
January 3, 2023
Can’t believe it’s been 2 years since our friend John has been gone. After reading all the tributes, it’s obvious he touched a lot of people over the years. High school was a long time ago, but the memories are still there. Here’s to John . 
January 3, 2023
January 3, 2023
Like many others, I continue to miss Johnnie and think of him (fondly) very often.
January 3, 2023
January 3, 2023
Always in my heart and memory buddy, miss you dearly. Your family and friends leave no doubt about the impact you had in their lives.
June 10, 2022
June 10, 2022
Sandy, Nicole and Daniel,

Gill and I are very sorry to miss the celebration of John's life this weekend. We are participating in the Ride to Conquer Cancer which on Saturday takes us from the CNE grounds to McMaster University in Hamilton and then on Sunday we cycle from there to Niagara Falls. John had hoped to participate in this event someday. It would of been an easy outing for him, given that he was an avid mountain biker. Gill and I have been training each Sunday for the past 2 months for this event and each time I get on my bike I think of John. I will do this on both days this weekend and even though I am very sad to know that John won't ever be physically with us I know that his spirit will be and that is somewhat comforting.

Love to you all,

Gord
June 6, 2022
June 6, 2022
Dear Sandy, Nicole, Daniel. I'm very sorry that i cannot celebrate John's memorial and celebration of life. I'm out of the country. John was an excellent man and a great teammate. I miss him very much, on and off the ice. Best wishes to you.
March 3, 2022
March 3, 2022
Not many days go by that I do not think of Johnny. A remarkable person whom I admire(d). He will always be missed.
March 3, 2022
March 3, 2022
Miss you my Friend, always in my heart.
January 3, 2022
January 3, 2022
Still hard to believe that you are gone. Truly sad and you are missed by me and many others.

Tony.
January 3, 2022
January 3, 2022
Miss you John, hard to to let go but your memory lives on with friends and Family, always will cherish the friendship and great memories we had. Will always think of you in the most wonderful way.
Head up-Stick down always working until the last whistle, Cheers buddy.
March 3, 2021
March 3, 2021
Happy Birthday Bud.
Miss you and still need your help but I know
your looking down at your family and friends.
Your leafs look good as you already know that.
You wont have to wear a Bruins shirt this year for sure.
March 3, 2021
March 3, 2021
Happy Birthday Uncle John, the family misses you. Thinking of you guys today.
January 28, 2021
January 28, 2021
Dear Sandy, Nicole and Daniel,

We were extremely saddened to hear about the passing of John. He was  such a genuine, wonderful person. He was as one would say "a one of a kind". Volunteering along side of John, you could always feel his enthousiasme and commitment to whatever cause he decided to embark on. He lived life authentically... He has left this earth much, much too early. .

Sending you lots love and positive energy,
Rita, Paul and Adrienne (Leaside Wildcats of long ago)
January 25, 2021
January 25, 2021
To Sandy, Nicole and Daniel
Sandy, it was an honour to know your husband. He made a difference. We are all so sorry for your loss. John made a huge impact on our crew of fading hockey stars, firstly by schooling us in the game of hockey and by doing it with grace, humility and humour. Secondly in the fearlessness with which he fought cancer. Nothing was going to stop him from doing what he loved. It was really something watching him play, especially when Nicole and Daniel were playing as well. The three of you on the ice together on the same team…well, enough said. When we all get the green light to play again know that you both are welcome any time.
Peace,
Andrew Cash
January 22, 2021
January 22, 2021
Dear John family,

I've known John for over 25 years as a colleague from Montreal at ElectroSonic and especially at Matera. I always considered John a dear friend (even if he was a Leafs fan). I have great memories of our business trips and phone conversations, he always spoke about the 3 of you regarding work, school or sports. He was one of the nicest and funny person I've ever met in my life, except on a hockey rink I heard. I will miss him greatly.
My most sincere and heartfelt condolences.
Yves Caron
January 19, 2021
January 19, 2021
Sandy, Nicole and Daniel,
We were so sorry to hear of John's passing. We were so fortunate to meet John through Leaside. His hockey IQ was second-to-none and he was a true ambassador for the sport. We will miss our fellow Leafs fan. Our condolences go out to you.
Rob, Laura, Chris and Colleen Wilson
January 19, 2021
January 19, 2021
Dear Sandy, Nicole, Daniel. I am very sorry for your loss.
I hated playing hockey with John, unless we were team mates of course.
.... made me look foolish way too many times.
Always enjoyed having a pint with him post game. He's lived a life, and had some great stories. I was glad he shared his experiences through all of this. What courage! He was Cheerful, graceful and a true gentleman on and off the ice.
January 19, 2021
January 19, 2021
Sandy, My sincerest sympathies to you and your family. Take care, Donna.
January 17, 2021
January 17, 2021
To Sandy, Nicole, Daniel and the entire Hebert family, my most sincere and heartfelt condolences. It’s pretty obvious by all these posts how many lives John has touched and the love and affection for him. I to share those sentiments. He had an engaging personality and a wonderful sense of humour, he was generous and kind and made everyone around him feel welcome, a true friend to all! He was a fierce competitor with great will and determination, the type of person you’d want to have on your team or in your corner. He was a guy everyone respected and was an inspiration to us all! I am fortunate to have known him for so many years and have him as my friend! John will be sadly missed but the great memories we all have will live on!

“Rock ’em, Sock ’em, old time hockey! Lets go boys!” - John

Rest in peace buddy!
January 17, 2021
January 17, 2021
I extend sincere and deep condolences from our entire family - John, Jane, Katie and Connor. Our family benefitted greatly from John's kindness, support, selfless commitment to others, patience, and hockey acumen. I witnessed John coach hockey at a challenging and high level - and he consistently put the players first. Katie benefitted greatly from these years. The best part of that was that he coached alongside Nicole which showed for me that the example of community spirit, the willingness to give back, and a profound love of sport flows from one generation to the next. My warmest memories of John, Sandy, Nicole and Daniel are sharing time with them during the Sweden - Finland extravaganza. These are wonderful memories - made possible by John's leadership, coaching skill, and the warmth of family and friends. Although we have not seen each other recently, please know that we cherish our memories of John and we are proud to have known him.
January 17, 2021
January 17, 2021
Dear Sandy, Nicole and Daniel:

I am so, so sorry for your loss. John was a wonderful man with a great spirit! I got to know him through our regular Friday hockey game where he was an outstanding player - smart, unselfish, highly skilled and hard working - and our many post game chats at the Dora. He and I had much in common as we each have a son and daughter (Wildcats) who play hockey and we were both involved in coaching our kids. My kids are 5-10 years younger than Nicole and Daniel so I think John enjoyed hearing my more recent tales and I would always seek his advice on coaching related matters and appreciated his generosity and wisdom.  You could just feel his passion for the sport on and off the ice and see how he had passed that on to Nicole and Daniel.  I truly admired his quiet perseverance as he continued to play hockey as much as he possibly could between treatments, surgeries etc. He helped show us all to live each moment to the fullest and really appreciate the small things in life. You will be missed but not forgotten.

Again, my heartfelt condolences to Sandy, Nicole and Daniel.

Colin

January 15, 2021
January 15, 2021
Like a few others, I too have known John since high school. Some great memories for sure. Last fall, my wife and I had the opportunity to host John and Sandy for dinner. They both looked great and were so upbeat and positive. We spent a few hours talking and it will be a time that I can cherish forever. My deepest condolences to Sandy, Nicole and Daniel on your loss. Sincerely, Deb and Steve Izumi
January 13, 2021
January 13, 2021
Dear Sandy, have been thinking of you and hoping you are doing ok under the circumstances. What a lovely tribute and photos of your husband. It's easy to see what great person and family man he was. To you, your family, and all who knew him, I extend my sincerest sympathies. Take care, Elizabeth
January 12, 2021
January 12, 2021
Sandy, Nicole and Daniel

Very Sad to hear the news of John’s passing and my deepest condolences .
I met John in the early 90’s and we worked together at two companies .
He was always enthusiastic , positive , energetic and a great person to be around .

An all around nice guy who was very proud of his family and will be greatly missed .
January 12, 2021
January 12, 2021
There are many ways I could describe John. I knew him through hockey and he was of course an exceptional player. I also grew to admire his strength and humour as he tackled his health problems. But I was most impressed by his generosity. I loved playing with John because he would pass me the puck, even though he knew it was a low percentage play. I doubt he knew how much I appreciated that. I will miss him greatly, both on and off the ice.
January 12, 2021
January 12, 2021
Sandy, Nicole and Daniel, my deepest condolences. I was very saddened to hear of John's passing. I am so very sorry for your loss. I have only know John a few years but have so many great memories of playing a spirited hockey game with John and then sharing some laughs and a pint or two. John was so talented and such a fierce competitor on the ice, and everyone's friend off the ice. I could see John had a great love for hockey and for life, but as I got to know him better I realized he had an even greater love and pride for his family. He battled his illness with so much courage and strength and persistence and positivity. He was a great role model and inspiration for me. Johnny, I will miss you but never forget you. Rest in peace.
January 11, 2021
January 11, 2021
Great sadness in learning of John Hebert's passing.

Tireless and longtime volunteer in the community on several fronts, fabulous teammate on the ice and in the change room, devoted family man and of course the consummate Leafs fan.  This is the John I came to know all those years ago.

What always struck me on a personal level was how patient, understanding and positive John was with people around him.  He listened to what everybody had to say and then had his say when the time was right. Along with that went his marvelous and slightly mischievous sense of humour.  Anybody hearing the uproarious laughter emanating from the change room after every Thursday 3-on-3 hockey game years ago was evidence enough of how John herds a bunch of old cats together and plays a central role in making it a playful and welcoming experience for all.

Sandy, Nicole, Daniel. My deepest sympathies for your loss. 

John, long may you skate.

January 10, 2021
January 10, 2021
Well, we always lose the good ones.
Johnny was truly one of the good ones in every way. A class act before and after and during game ( well unless you did something to set him off lol )
Some of us at Tuesday night hockey have played every week for 10,20,30 even 40 years and Im thankful had the chance to be around him all this years was great. His energy was contagious. He always made time for everyone and always asked and cared how everyone else was doing . His kids Daniel and Nicole have been regulars with us for almost 10 years now and they have the same respectful, positivity and integrity that Johnny has.

Even in the midst of COVID we were able to squeeze in a few get togethers at the Rhino and the golf course and always a treat .

We will miss him greatly but take comfort in the fact we will see his spirit when hockey resumes in Nicole and Daniel.

Sandy, Nicole, Daniel- please take comfort that your husband/father was truly a terrific person and everyone will miss him greatly and he will forever be part of us weekly at Tuesday night hockey. Perhaps more accurately he was Tuesday night hockey, we just got to be privileged guests once a week.

We miss you Johnny

Derek



January 10, 2021
January 10, 2021
Dear Sandy, Nicole, Daniel and all of your extended family. I am very sorry for your loss. I loved playing hockey with John. He was an extraordinarily gifted hockey player, with amazing talent, grit, determination, and grace -- on and off the ice. He was a gentleman and a caring father and husband. He always made me feel welcome, and I looked forward to his big smile and hearty laugh in the dressing room. I'll miss him tremendously and wish you all peace and comfort as you heal.
All the best
Ron Deibert
January 9, 2021
January 9, 2021
Sandy, Daniel, Nicole, my deepest sympathy to you all, I am so sad for your tremendous loss.
All of these pictures of John tell some great visual stories of a fun-loving man who cherished and adored each of you.
 
I remember in our High School days John's laugh was infectious, he had a hilarious joke for all occasions and always had a smile on his face.

He is remembered as an amazing person who would do anything to help anyone.

"Gone too soon my friend, cheers until we meet again."

January 9, 2021
January 9, 2021
Hopeful. Optimistic. Quietly determined. This is how I will remember John because this is how he faced his diagnosis. Kind, thoughtful and patient too. But mostly I will remember the many hours in hospitals spent talking about john’s family. Antics with the dogs, game nights into the early morning hours, family meals, cottage holidays, jobs, relationships....tales told lovingly by a man whose foundation was his family. To all of you, I am sorry for this heartbreaking loss.
Gill Grant
January 9, 2021
January 9, 2021
Was sorry to hear of John's passing. Great guy that I knew through business... and hockey for a lot of years. Condolences to his family and may John rest in peace.
January 8, 2021
January 8, 2021
Sandy, Nicole, and Daniel my heart goes out to you and I wish you comfort and peace in the days and weeks ahead. John will be so, so missed by everyone whose life he touched. I met him through hockey, like so many of us, and he was an enormous support to me as I navigated the Leaside Wildcats board and everything that came with that responsibility. John was kind and passionate, funny and honest, hardworking, and a true friend and valued colleague. He may have loved the Leafs, and I the Habs, but we could be friends despite that one difference. Together we brought a much-needed Junior team to Leaside and that is one small part of his legacy. Arguably, his work (and Nicole's) with our youngest players, was as important if not as visible. You are in my thoughts at this difficult time. - Jennifer
January 8, 2021
January 8, 2021
Sad to hear. The love he had for his family was ever present in everything he did. Condolences to Sandy Nicole and Daniel. John and I coached together when our daughters Nicole and Mariah played together at Leaside. Lots of great memories made, lots of life lessons learned together. God Bless.
January 8, 2021
January 8, 2021
I have thought about this for a few days now and although there are so many great stories I thought of to share from the many years, I find it too difficult to share them now.

I’ve lost a friend who showed me true courage, strength and humility... and saying goodbye physically hurts.

I’m glad I got to tell you that I love you buddy.
January 8, 2021
January 8, 2021
To Sandy, Nicole and Daniel, my deepest sympathies and condolences to you all.  You'll be in my prayers. May you continue to have courage, strength and support for each other during this difficult time. May John rest in eternal paradise.
January 8, 2021
January 8, 2021
Dear Sandy, Nicole and Daniel,
My deepest condolences for your profound loss.
It was my great pleasure to serve with John on the Board of Directors and as a volunteer in the Toronto Leaside Girls Hockey Association for many years. I think we first met when Nicole was a Peewee and John was coaching Nicole's rep team with our old friend David Huntus. There can be no doubt as to John's extensive hockey knowledge and coaching talent, but my best and favorite memories of John have nothing to do with elite hockey. When we started the learn-to-play program at Leaside, we were short of volunteers to assist with our 5 and 6 year old beginners. It wasn't hard to recruit John. He'd come out on Sunday morning at 7am, usually with Nicole in tow (or vice versa) and they'd spend the next couple of hours on the ice helping the little girls get up on their skates which often meant kneeling on the ice to give support. He had a very gentle, caring and pleasant nature, which made him especially effective. The legacy of this generosity -- most of the girls developed a love for the game and many later volunteered as instructors. He was a great guy. It was a privilege to know and work with him.
Take care and all the best.
Ron
January 8, 2021
January 8, 2021
I am so saddened to hear about John's death, and will remember him as one of the stalwarts of our Tuesday morning St. Mike's skates for as long as I play hockey. I loved playing with him - he kept you on your toes because of his skill and energy, and was a great presence in the dressing room.

We will never forget you, John!

January 8, 2021
January 8, 2021
We are so shocked and saddened to read about John's passing. Our hearts go out to Sandy, Nicole and Daniel. Go figure the last time we saw John was in a hockey arena! We knew the Herbert's from hockey life. He was our daughters coach with the Wildcats and I was the trainer for the team. My husband would run into him at Ted Reeve and he was always interested in our family hockey stories. His compassion for the game was paramount as he coached and lead well, but taught so many the fundamentals and privilege of the game. He brought the best talent out in our daughter's game and that of many other young players. He was fair and honest. He knew the game well. He worked very hard to make the most out every game, practice and training session. Moreover, he was a great person. Full of joy, laughter, and love for his family and friends. We have lost a good one! Sincerely, Patti, Mark, Sara Trevor
January 8, 2021
January 8, 2021
Sandy, Nicole and Daniel.
I am at a loss to find the right words. My very deepest condolences to you and to John's extended family. What a wonderful, energetic, interested and involved man, genuinely caring and aware, so quietly strong and reliable, in every way. I will find it hard to believe he is gone and will miss him very much.
With deepest sympathy,
Brian
January 8, 2021
January 8, 2021
Dear Sandy, Nicole and Daniel, our deepest condolences on your great loss. John was always a happy, funny person. I had my first motorcycle ride on the back of one of John's bikes. I still remember riding all the way up to Bracebridge holding on to dear life; that was John, live and enjoy life. In recent years I have seen the strength and courage in John without complaining which was truly inspiring to witness. We will miss you, and the world is a sadder place without you. Rest in peace my friend. Love Helen, Cesare and Vito
January 8, 2021
January 8, 2021
Sandy - I am so sorry, I can't imagine what this must be like. I am thinking of you and your family, and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. We are all here to support you, with whatever you need.
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March 3
March 3
Think Of You Often Johnny Boy.. Happy Heavenly Birthday Buddy... 
January 4
January 4
In my thoughts often my friend - truly missed but not forgotten.
His Life

John Hebert

January 5, 2021
Early Life:
John grew up in Toronto, ON, with family ties in Shediac NB. 
He attended Monarch CI, where he met his high school sweetheart and wife Sandy. John and Sandy have stayed together since high school for over 40 years, making a wonderful life together.  

Work:
John worked in the Electronics Industry in Sales for majority of his career. He loved all of his jobs and numerous companies he worked for. We always said he was a born sales guy as he was so outgoing and could talk to anyone, making friends everywhere he went. John always said he was grateful for all his jobs, people he met and travelling opportunities.  

Hockey:
As many of you know, for John, hockey was life. There was nothing John loved more (well maybe his family but its a close call). John grew up playing hockey and continued throughout his adult life. He even managed to play while battling stage 4 cancer. Managing to still be better than most of the guys on the ice. He has told us, numerous times if it weren't for hockey he would not have met so many great people. Most of whom he remained very close friends with till the end.

Tuesday Night hockey at McCormick was something John looked forward to every week. John started playing with this group of guys over 40 years ago and always enjoyed the conversations over drinks after the game at the Rhino. As they grew older both Daniel and Nicole were able to join him in this Tuesday night league, and having both his kids playing right along side of him was a highlight for John. 

Tuesday mornings at St.Mikes. John played with these guys for over 10 years. He would always say he hated waking up that early, especially in the winter, but was always so glad when he did. 

Thursday Night hockey in Richmond Hill. John often reminisced about the great chemistry on and off the ice and often would hang-out in the dressing room chatting until the wee hours. 

Friday Afternoons at East York. John always said it was the best way to start the weekend, playing two hours and then ending up at the Dora Keogh pub afterwards for drinks and great conversation. 

Hobbies/ Interests
John was always the life of the party, always wanting everyone to have a great time. He had a great love of music as he prided in having almost 6000 songs on his Itunes. His family agrees though that Metallica and the Tragically Hip were definitely his favourite go-to's.  

He had a love for motorcycles (albeit to Sandy's dismay) since he was young. John enjoyed his annual Friday the 13th rides to Port Dover to partake in everything motorcycle related. He made friends everywhere he went and John really cherished his latter afternoons spent fixing up and restoring his Honda.

John loved adventure, and always looked forward to the annual Hebert camping trip with Sandy, Daniel and Nicole. Whether it be cliff jumping in Elora Gorge with Daniel, Hiking or playing cards together as a family on a rainy camping day John enjoyed every minute. Especially since he never lost a game of rummy. 

He loved spending time with his family, and always made sure to never miss any of Daniel and Nicole's hockey practices or soccer games. John was a dedicated father and coach, and devoted countless hours volunteering his time with many organizations over the years, including partaking in the board of directors for Leaside hockey. He enjoyed throwing BBQs in the backyard, gathering family and friends for good food, a few drinks, and a game of darts.


Family/life 
John will be remembered as a loving, kind, out-going, funny husband, father, son, brother and friend. Even while battling cancer, recovering from the numerous surgeries and on-going chemo and radiation treatments, John never complained and often was smiling and joking around with anyone around him. Often times, its hard to fathom why such an amazing person is taken so soon. The only solace I can take peace in, is that he lived more than most people do in his short years on this earth. My dad did not believe in God, but he did believe in the Hockey Gods and I know he is already playing hockey where ever he is. 

John leaves behind his loving wife Sandy, children Nicole and Daniel, mother Ella, brother Bob and many close family and friends. 
Recent stories

Another Hebert Story5

January 11, 2021
Just By Chance 
I ran across Mr Hockey in this website. He sounded so much like my father so I thought I would share a bit of his history since as you can see my dad and I iproudly carry the Hebert name that my grandfather brought to Detroit from Belle River so many years ago.
My dad loved sports, he started all 4 of us siblings with speedskating so we toured Michigan every winter to attend the many winter carnivals in the small towns "upNorth" When I got to the age where it was obvious that I was not going to the Olympics, my dad was eager to keep me and my brother on skates so he organized a hockey team in the newly organized league for teen age boys> The league played all its first season games at Olympia Stadium. We had the first and only black hockey player on our team.
Later, after college we had a team in an industrial league that played at Gordie Howe's rink in the suburbs. My dad play on the team and got into the most fights as players from other teams would tease him and call him "Old Man".
I'm sure John and my dad will enjoy exchanging stories up yonder. And if any of hid decendents ever get to the bay area of CA, give me a shout and it will be my treat to take you to a Sharks game (when Covid is over)
 



Mr Hockey

January 8, 2021
My deepest condolences to Sandy, Nicole and Daniel and to the Hebert family.
In the 30+ years I've known Johnny, I'll always remember the moments we shared playing
in the beer league with the Nighthawks winter through summer, to tourney's in such places as Ponte Claire, Trenton, Ottawa & Montreal and of course Tuesday nights at McCormick in beautiful Parkdale. To golfing down in Hilton Head where all he'd use is his trusty 6 iron,
quite efficiently to my surprise.
But nothing was more evident to me was his love for his family and his passion for the game of hockey. He played with such tenacity that on most nights he'd be come out of the scrum bleeding from the bridge of his nose. Never back down from anything or anyone, no matter how BIG. Traits passed down to Nicole and Daniel as witnessed. These are some of the memories I'll treasure about John.
Rest in Peace Captain, Coach, Commissioner and dear Friend.

JOHNNAY!!!

January 7, 2021
I met John Hebert in 1992 at Tuesday Night Hockey at McCormicks Arena. A tradition that started back in 1982 and continued till COVID-19 interrupted our lives last March. Tragically now I feel that the heart of Tuesday Night Hockey has been taken from us with the news of Johnny’s passing.

Yes that’s right. To all of us his name is Johnny. Never John during hockey. Just like I am Louie. It’s our hockey names. Over the years as he walked in the dressing room I would great him with a “JOHNNAY!!!”

It was obvious right off the bat from the warm up the he was a smooth and natural skater. During the game I also learned how great a hockey player he was as well. Over the years I had been a recipient of many of his hooks over the years. Johnny loved to score and always played forward. I usually played defence. We would battle each other like two competitors do playing for the Stanley Cup. That elusive Imaginary Cup that all used-to-be’s or never-was’s play for when playing shinny.  His dressing room banter, stories about work and family, were always fun to listen to. He was a natural leader in the room as well. A welcome addition to TNH is Nicole and Daniel. The apple does not fall for from the tree. All of the Hebert grit were factory installed to both of his two beautiful children who are both what we like to call the “Regulars”.

The Tuesday night tradition of after hockey beers was just as important to Johnny as much as playing the game. Johnny and I both took turns needling anybody who didn’t come. This is where I really got to know John Hebert the man. A deeply honourable and honest man. A caring and loving husband and father. A real friend who always gave it to you straight. Without the BS but without being insulting. A rare gift.

A few years ago we were all shocked to learn about his cancer. I’ll never forget him telling us in the dressing room as we were lacing up. We were teasing him about having a routine colonoscopy when his face was blank. He was trying to smile as he told us the news. I swallowed hard, held back the tears. I followed his lead and went out for the skate. He battled cancer as as hard as he played and lived his life. He bounced back so many times I thought he was Superman. In the end what I’ve come to realize is that John Hebert was a SuperHuman.
Johnny I will miss you but I will never forget you. You were a good friend and confident over the years. remember, if I get the puck behind the net, start skating up and curl into the centre so I can feed you the puck.
Your friend with love, Lou Ceccato
RIP Johnny
My deepest condolences to Sandy, Nicole, Daniel xo ❤️

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