The Cornwall Sports Hall of Fame recognizes the the athletes who have recently died by posting their obituaries here on our In Memory Of 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.
Frank Marton
The CSHOF is saddened to learn of the passing of Class of 1992 inductee Frank Marton.
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.
The CSHOF extends condolences to the family and friends of Frank Marton.
Obituary – Lahaie & Sullivan Cornwall, Ontario.
Doug Billing
The CSHOF is saddened to learn of the passing of Class of 1984 inductee Douglas ‘Doug’ Billing.
On August 23, 2023, the world grew a little quieter as we said goodbye to a man who could light up any room with his smile and wit, Doug Billing.
Doug was born on May 22, 1939 in Ottawa ON the son of Jack and LaRue Billing. Raised in Cornwall with his adored brother John, he was a gifted athlete whose gridiron exploits led to him to the University of North Carolina and later St. Francis Xavier. He was enshrined in both the Cornwall and Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame – a testament to his talent and dedication.
Doug came to Brockville to teach at the newly opened Thousand Islands Secondary School where he touched the lives of thousands of students as a Teacher, Guidance Counsellor, and the role most special to him – Coach.
While in Brockville he met the love of his life Linda and they raised three sons in a town he was immensely proud to call home. The Billing homestead was a special place fondly remembered by many friends and family where the door was always open and the environment was welcoming.
In 2015, Doug said goodbye to his beloved Linda, but he continued to find joy in life. He moved to Kingston, where he could enjoy the company of his dear brother, with breathtaking views of Lake Ontario and the majestic St. Lawrence River.
He leaves a cavernous hole in the lives of sons Sean (Nancy), Ryan (Lindsay), Brent (Lindsay) brother John (Suzanne) and his two beloved grandchildren Cameron and Harper. In keeping with his wishes, a celebration of life will be held at the Keystorm Pub in Brockville ON (2 Court House Ave) on Saturday September 23rd from 3pm-5pm. In keeping with Doug’s personality, you are invited to stay after this time and celebrate a man that impacted so many.
The CSHOF extends condolences to the family and friends of Doug Billing.
Obituary – Barclay Funeral Home Brockville, Ontario.
David Murphy
The CSHOF is saddened to learn of 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.
The CSHOF extends condolences to the family and friends of David Murphy.
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.
