I have many fond memories of Simcoe and Turkey Point, and many of those involve golf. I always remember waiting for Dad and Grandpa to return from their golf games, with excited anticipation. My first question was always, without fail, "Who won?" As much as I loved my grandpa, I was always cheering for my dad. I don't think he ever won, and even if he did, he probably wouldn't have announced it. A humble man, for sure. As an ironic sidenote, I always though both dad and grandpa were really dumb for drinking beer after golf. Didn't they know that Orange Crush was way cheaper?

The Early Years

   I first met your Dad on the ballfield in 1956. Ken played peewee for Simcoe Optimist
and I played for Jarvis Lions. Simcoe was allowed to pick up 3 players from Jarvis and I was one of the 3. Ken (Walshie, Waldo), played third base and I was the shortstop. Close on the diamond and we became much closer off. We became best friends. You would never hear it from your Dad, but he was a very good ball player and great at hockey.

     We won the All Ontario Championship that year against Belleville. A championship team seems to bond people for life, and that's what happened to Waldo and I.


The Early Teen Years

     In hockey, Waldo played for Simcoe and I for Port Dover. As fate would have it, I was allowed to try out for the Simcoe All Star Bantam Team. Your Dad and I teamed up on defense and remained partners thru to our last year of Junior.

     Throughout the years from bantam to midget, Waldo's only and older brother Keith (Knobby) played Jr. 'A' for Hamilton Red Wings. He was our hero. During the hockey season Keith lived in Hamilton, which freed up his bed at the home of Harry and Ruth Walsh. Since we played on the same town league team Saturday morning, I was a Friday nite guest of the Walsh's on several occasions.


The Jr. Years

     Some of the best years of our lives. Playing both ball and hockey - hockey was the sport we loved most. Junior Hockey brought more than sports; it brought driving privileges, independence, girls, etc… or in Waldo's case a girl (Sharon). Unbeknownst to Keith we spent a few nites at his cottage in Turkey Point just behind Murphy's Restaurant. We had beer, music and food. We were truly best of friends.


After Junior

     Our lives went in separate directions after Junior. Ken started his work career and I went across the border to school. During this time, Ken and Sharon married. I was honoured to be an usher at their wedding. Ken's career took them to Toronto, and mine to London. A few years later, as luck would have it, I was transferred to Toronto and Ken and Sharon opened their home to me until I found my own place. I'm sure I overstayed my welcome, but they were most gracious and generous.

     Due to work, we later ended up in different parts of the country and did not see each other for 8 plus years. Fortunately,I was transferred back to London and this gave us the opportunity to re-connect.

     We arranged for lunch and a golf game with our mutual friend and team mate Wayne Neidrauer. The jokes and lies were flying. It was like we had never been apart. During the past few years the three of us have gotten together for lunch on a regular basis and talk about the good ole days... especially the Jr. Hockey Championship.

     One of the stories I remember vividly was that Waldo was a great hip checker. Opposition players said even though you knew it was coming from a mile away, it was impossible to avoid - most ended up on their ass sliding across the ice.

     Waldo was so easy going and if anything bothered him he didn't let on. He was always in a good frame of mind, had a great sense of humour and was a pleasure to be around. I am very proud to say that he was my best friend.

I will miss him.


Mitch

My deepest condolences to Sharon and her family and friends for the loss of a loving husband, father and friend, whom I also had the opportunity to meet when visiting my dear friends in Canada Chris and Beth Kuller. I can still remember that good-hearted, easy-going and down to earth man when we were having coffee on that porch! May he rest in peace!   I attach a photo of Ken and Sharon waving bye-bye to Beth, Chris and me after our pleasant stay in their welcoming home a couple of years ago.   Maggie from Sweden