The Cornwall Sports Hall of Fame recognizes the the athletes who have recently died by posting their obituaries here on our In Memoriam page.

We often get inquiries from family, genealogists and sports historians looking for information and we are happy to furnish as much information as we can. If you are researching, please contact us and we will endeavor to help you with your quest.

Gilles Leger

The CSHOF is saddened to learn of the passing of Class of 1994 inductee Gilles Leger

“The hockey world mourns the passing of Gilles Leger, whose career in professional hockey spanned six decades as a coach, general manager, pro scout and other Hockey Operations positions for teams in the NHL, AHL and WHA,” the league wrote in its statement. As a youth, Gilles was a Junior NY Cafe Aces Champion in 58-59, he played semi-pro football with Massena Warriors between 62-64 and Champions in 62-63. He made Champion in 1953, 59-60, 70 and 71 while playing hockey for numerous teams and the Courtaulds Mill team in 63-64. In basketball, he was with the Cornwall League Champions in 1964. He was a hockey coach at St. Francis Xavier University from 67-72. Gilles moved to professional ranks in 1972 as an assistant coach with Ottawa Nationals of the World Hockey Association. Leger worked for the Quebec Nordiques — starting as director of player development in 1979 before shifting to assistant general manager in 1984 and serving in that role for the next 11 seasons. As an author Gilles wrote about the experience and his association with the arrival of the Stastny brothers from Czechoslovakia. Gilles spent 20 years as a scout for the New York Rangers. Gilles died August 6, 2024. He was 83 years old.

The CSHOF extends condolences to the family and friends of Gilles Leger.

Obituary – from the files of the CSHOF and New York Post Andrew Crane

Billy Carter

The CSHOF is saddened to learn of the passing of Class of 1977 inductee Bill ‘Billy’ Carter

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bill Carter on Tuesday June 25, 2024 at home in Ingleside at the age of 86. Beloved husband of the late Diane Carter (nee Gowsell). Loving father of Jeff Carter (Leigh-Ann) of Ingleside, and the late Steven Carter (Erin of Ingleside). Cherished grandfather of Emma, Adam, Owen and Olivia. Dear brother of Donald Forbes, Nancy Forbes, and Susan Forbes. Predeceased by his parents Gordon and Jean Carter (nee Forbes).
Bill was a dedicated and skilled hockey player known for his speed, sportsmanship, and hockey sense. Bill began his career playing in Cornwall, Ontario, as a member of the OCOT organization. In 1952, he joined the Montreal Canadiens organization where he spent several years developing his craft. In 1958, skating for Sam Pollock’s Hull-Ottawa team, Bill played an instrumental role in the series that saw the team win the Memorial Cup.
Following the Memorial Cup win, Bill continued his professional career playing for the Rochester Americans, Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, Seattle Totems, Memphis-Omaha, Buffalo Bisons, and the Denver Spurs. Bill retired from Hockey in 1969 and returned to Cornwall with his family. He joined RBC Dominion Securities as an investment broker where he worked until his retirement.
During his retirement Bill enjoyed playing golf at the Cornwall Golf and Country Club, cheering for the Ottawa Senators, and travelling to various sporting venues with Diane to watch their grandchildren pursue their athletic interests. Billy Carter was inducted into the CSHOF in 1977.

The CSHOF extends condolences to the family and friends of Bill Carter.

Obituary – Wilson’s funeral Home

Mike ‘Crusher’ Conway

The CSHOF is saddened to learn of the passing of Class of 2010 inductee Michael ‘Crusher’ Conway

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael “Crusher” Conway on Monday June 3, 2024 at home, surrounded by his family at the age of 68. Beloved husband of Colleen for 39 years. Dear father of Kelsey Herrington (Stephen), Brett Conway and Courtney Conway. Loving brother of Susan Tobia (Bernard) and Cathy Conway. Cherished son-in-law of Sheila Wells, brother-in-law of Cheryl Parisien and Joanne Wells. He will be sadly missed by his nieces and nephews Eric, Christie, Matthew and Sarah and 6 great-nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by parents Russell “Rusty” and Kathleen “Kay” Conway (nee Malloy). Mike played with the Cornwall Royals Hockey team from 1972-1975 serving as the team captain in his final year. After graduating from CCVS, he earned degrees at McMaster and Queen’s University. He obtained his welding certification from St. Lawrence College, where he then worked locally at Domtar and Laframboise. He returned to CCVS to teach for many years. In 2010, he was inducted into the Cornwall Sports Hall of Fame.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life for Mike will be held on Sunday June 23rd, 2024.

The CSHOF extends condolences to the family and friends of Michael Conway.

Obituary – Wilson Funeral Home

Frank Marton

The CSHOF is saddened to learn of the passing of Class of 1992 inductee Frank Marton.

Frank passed away peacefully with his wife Elizabeth (Zsoka) by his side on Monday December 18, 2023 at his home in Budapest, Hungary at the age of 91 years. Dear husband of the late Jeannette Marton (née Brunet). Loving father of Lise Brunet Allaire (Louis), Barbara Bissonnette (Pierre) and Sandra Contant (Daniel). Cherished grandfather of Jacques, Nicole, Mario (Katherine), Eric, Kristiane (Josh), Stephane, Emilie, Justin and Madison. Son of the late Ferenc and Borbala (née Sztropko) Marton. Predeceased by his son Ronald Marton. 

Frank arrived in Canada in 1957. He chose Canada because he was able to earn a living as a furrier. He was quickly able to adapt to a new country and was able to learn the language as he immersed himself in the Canadian way of life. He met his first wife, Jeannette Brunet who he married in 1962. During this time, he worked at Courtaulds for 30 years until the plant closed in 1992. After the passing of Jeannette, Frank married Elizabeth in 2002. The two traveled across Canada, the United States and Europe. 

Frank is remembered by many soccer enthusiasts in the area as he was a founding member of the Cornwall City Soccer Club. In 1973, at a time where there had been no soccer at a senior level for over 20 years, Frank put together a team that was composed of local and international players. Shortly after he founded the Cornwall and District Soccer Association, as well as the Cornwall City Indoor Soccer League. For these achievements, he was inducted into the Cornwall Sports Hall of Fame in 1992. (Soccer/Builder). The house on Guy Street became the hub of the soccer community for many years.

Not only did Frank leave a mark on the soccer community, but he left his children with wonderful memories and qualities. He was a hardworking man who taught his children the importance of family, loyalty, and community. He had a true sense of adventure and a genuine love of Canada as he sported his Canadian pin on his shirt when he traveled abroad.

Obituary – Lahaie & Sullivan Cornwall, Ontario.

The CSHOF extends condolences to the family and friends of Frank Marton.

Doug Billing

David Murphy

The CSHOF is saddened by the passing of our executive board member David Murphy.

On November 13, 2022, after a courageous battle against cancer he passed peacefully with family and friends by his side, at Cornwall Hospice at 50 years of age. David was an advocate and promoter of his hometown; former Councilor for the City of Cornwall, Chamber of Cornwall President Award winner, local community leader and volunteer Platinum Jubilee Medallion recipient and Legend of the year “Mad Dog Murphy” Lifetime Achievement Award winner and he will posthumously inducted into the Cornwall Sports Hall of Fame (Class of 2024) Beloved father, best friend and biggest fan of Julia Murphy. Cherished brother of Denise Beaudette-Manley (Allen), Michael Woods Jr., Rodney Beaudette, Joey Woods (Sylvie), Jason Murphy (Tasha) and Christopher Beaudette (Jen). Dear son of the late Patrick James Murphy and the late Catherine (née Derochie) Murphy and step son of Judy Murphy and Michael Woods. Loving nephew of Aline Meyer (Randy), Sue Helmer (David), Debbie Matte (Jean), Wayne Derochie, Jerome Murphy, Arthur Murphy (the late Marlene), Lawrence Murphy (Claire), Joan MacGillivray (Bob), Annie Krueger, Brian Murphy, the late Bruce Derochie, the late Barb Tyo (the late Lionel). David will be sadly missed by many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Obituary Lahaie & Sullivan funeral homes

The CSHOF extends condolences to the family and friends of David Murphy.

Orval Tessier

The CSHOF is saddened to learn of the passing of Class of 1968 inductee Orval Tessier

Orval passed away peacefully at the Glen Stor Dun Lodge, Cornwall on Thursday, August 25, 2022. Orval Ray Tessier of Cornwall; age 89 years. Beloved husband of Charlotte Tessier (nee Chouinard). Loving father of Adele McLeod of Cornwall, Andre Tessier (Sarah) of Nova Scotia, Michel Tessier (Sharon Jasper), and Julie Brunet (Pierre) both of Summerstown. Cherished grandfather of Chris (Nicole), Melissa, Melanie (Wayne), Christine (Adam), Elise (Stu), Jordan (Cheyene), and great grandfather of Autumn, Indra, Reilly, Isaac, Alexei, Scarlet, Lila, and Esca. Dear brother of Ray Tessier (Pauline) of Cornwall. Dear son of the late Hector and Emela Tessier (nee Fortier). Visitation will be held at the Wilson Funeral Home 822 Pitt St., Cornwall (613-938-3888) on Thursday, September 1, 2022, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., and on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until time of the Funeral Service in the Chapel of the Wilson Funeral Home at 11 am. Interment will follow in the Nativity Cemetery, Cornwall. As expressions of sympathy Memorial Donations to the Alzheimer’s Society would be appreciated by the family.

The CSHOF extends condolences to the family and friends of Orval Tessier.

Robert ‘Bob’ Kilger

The CSHOF is saddened to learn of the passing of Class of 1992 inductee Robert ‘Bob’ Kilger.

On November 29, 2021 with heavy hearts that we announce Bob’s passing following a courageous battle with cancer in the care of his cherished wife Courtney May. Bob was predeceased by his parents, William “Bill” and Laurette Kilger. Bob will be forever missed by Courtney, his three sons Jason (Lisa), Ryan (Lucie), Chad (Jana), grandchildren Kaylem, Jacob, Cason, Reid, Brynn, Kennady, Kaden and Lydia and his two stepsons Liam and Seamus (Heather Smith), each of whom brought him pride beyond measure. He will also be remembered by the mother of his children Bernice Snyder (Jim Secord) and mother-in-law Clare White. Survived by his brother Paul (Pat), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and many cousins, nephews and nieces.

Born and raised in Cornwall, Bob developed a passion for hockey, playing Jr. A in Toronto (Knob Hill Farms) and two seasons with the Oshawa Generals. After his playing days he was scouted by the National Hockey League where he worked for ten seasons, first as a linesman and later as a referee. He then turned to coaching his hometown Cornwall Royals, and in his inaugural season they won the team’s third memorial cup (1980-81). In 1992 Bob was inducted into Cornwall’s Sports Hall of Fame.

In 1988 Bob pursued his passion for politics, serving as member of Parliament for the riding of Stormont-Dundas for four consecutive terms. Bob always considered it a privilege and honour to represent his riding in the House of Commons for nearly sixteen years, his greatest parliamentary privilege was serving as Deputy Speaker. Bob went on to become the Mayor of Cornwall between 2006 to 2014. In total Bob dedicated 24 years of his life to public service.

In his later years Bob took immeasurable pride in all things related to his family. Annual football trips with his three sons, watching his stepsons grow into fine young men, sharing time with the twins, attending football games, hockey games, and swim meets and keeping track of the latest Lego build. This was his joy and allowed him to be true to his motto – life is good.

The CSHOF extends condolences to the family and friends of Bob Kilger.

Vernon ‘Red’ Theoret

The CSHOF is saddened to learn of the passing of Class of 1996 inductee Vernon Theoret.

On February 10, 2020, Vernon “Red” Euclide Theoret was born in 1926 in Cornwall, and began his boxing career in the 1930’s at St. Columban’s Hall Holy Name Club.

He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force boxing team in 1944, and fought in Air Force tournaments. He competed in the Welterweight Division (147 lbs) and won all six fights. Vernon fought competitively from 1944 to 1954; he had 41 fights, losing only one, while taking three Navy titles: the 1950 Pacific Command Middleweight title, the 1952 Atlantic Command Middleweight title, and the 1954 Atlantic Command Middleweight title.

In 1946, after the war was over, he was discharged from the Army, and continued to box. He won his next three fights, at the SD&G Armory, in Alexandria, Ontario, and at the Cornwall Arena.

He moved to Brantford, Ontario in 1947, and fought and won three welterweight bouts. In 1948, he went to work at the Blind River Lumber Camp. While there, he moved up to Middleweight Division (160 lbs) and won both boxing matches he fought in.

In 1950, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy, and won three tournament fights. He was was drafted to H.M.C.S. Ontario at Naden Victoria, BC, where he won the West Coast Navy Middleweight Championship.

In 1952, he was stationed in England on the H.M.C.S. Magnificent aircraft carrier. While there, he fought and won against a Royal Navy boxer, as well in an Irish tournament.

In 1954, he was back in H.M.C.S. Stadacona Halifax for the Atlantic Command Championships, where he took the Middleweight title. Later that year he was stationed at the Jacksonville Florida Naval Base on the destroyer H.M.C.S. Micmac, and took the gold medal there. That was his last fight, and he was discharged in 1955.

The CSHOF extends condolences to the family and friends of Vernon “Red” Theoret.

Maurice “Moe the Toe” Racine

The CSHOF is saddened to learn of the passing of Class of 1968 inductee Moe Racine.

Maurice “Moe the Toe” Racine at the Ottawa Hospital – Civic Campus on Sunday, March 4, 2018 at the age of 80 years. Beloved husband of 59 years to Donna (née Donihee) Racine. Loved father of Thom (Karen), Scott (Lisa), Lee Ann Racine (Stéphane St-Amant), and Bruce (Lori). Sadly, missed by his 6 grandchildren Jarrett (Terah Lyn Standring), Jordan, Hunter, Amélie, Logan and Kaliana. Loving son of the late Hector and Dora (née Brisson) Racine. Dear brother of Lisette Racine (Claude Chevrier). Predeceased by his siblings Bernard (Aline) (late Marguerite), Ghislaine Budka, Gilles (Jeannette), and Huguette Muldoon. Dear son-in-law of the late H.T. “Tom” Donihee and Dorothy Tilton. Dear brother-in-law of Tilton Donihee (Anna Marie) & Patrick Donihee (Suzanne). Four time Grey Cup Champion Moe was inducted to the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame (1984 ) and Canadian Football Hall of Fame (2014) After his 17-year Hall of Fame Canadian Football League career, he was a long time and very proud member of the Kiwanis Club of Ottawa and Chairman of the Canadian Automobile Association Ottawa Branch.

Obituary – Wilson Funeral Home

The CSHOF extends condolences to the family and friends of Moe Racine.