Official Oldest Living NHLers List

[lafleurfan10]

Would like to have a formal list, I updated the list on the other thread and decided to move it here. Any help greatly appreciated.

#1. Lou Holmes 98 this year (does not sign) **OFFICIALLY THE OLDEST FORMER NHLER EVER**
#2. Al Suomi 96 this year

Al Suomi
5847 Sunset Ave
La Grange Highlands IL
60525-7118
USA

#3. Don Willson 95 this year (no address available)
#4. Bill Chadwick 94 this year (referee, invented hand signals) HHOF

Bill Chadwick
PO Box 789
Cutchogue, NY
11935-0789
USA


#5. Murray Armstrong 94 this year

Murray Armstrong
104 Augusta Circle
St. Augustine, FL
32086-8819
USA

#6. Pete Langelle 93 this year (no address available)
#7. Ernie Laforce 93 this year

Ernie Laforce
17 ch. Grenier, Apt. 150,
St. Albert, ON
K0A 3C0

#8. Oscar Aubuchon 93 this year (no address available)
#9. Red Carr 92 this year (no address available)
#10. Tony Bukovich 91 this year (no address available) reportedly lives in Florida
#11. Elmer Lach 91 this year HHOF

Elmer Lach
89 Bayview Avenue
Pointe-Claire, QC
H9S 5C4

#12. Milt Schmidt 91 this year (charges for autographs) HHOF

Milt Schmidt
10 Longwood Drive
Apartment 376
Westwood, MA
02090-1144
USA

#13. Connie Dion 91 this year

Connie Dion
333 Saint-Edmond Rue
Asbestos, QC
J1T 2A6

#14. John Mahaffy 91 this year

John Mahaffy
6 Argyle Avenue Apt 903
Saint Lambert, QC
J4P 2H5

#15. Herb Carnegie 90 this year
467-8 The Donway E
North York, ON
M3C 3R7

#16. Wally Stanowski 90 this year

Wally Stanowski
227 Mill Road
Toronto, ON
M9C 1Y3

#17. Edgar Laprade 90 this year HHOF

Edgar Laprade
12 Shuniah Street
Thunder Bay, ON
P7A 2Y8

#18. Ed Barry 90 this year

Ed Barry,
61 Pleasant Street
Needham, MA
02492-2950

#19. Emile Bouchard 89 this year HHOF

Emile Bouchard
c/o Montreal Canadiens
1275 Saint-Antoine Street West
Montreal, QC
H3C 5L2

#20. Jud McAtee 89 this year

Jerome "Jud" McAtee
56N. Badalona Drive
Hot Springs Village, AR
71909-2648
USA

#21. Bill Benson 89 this year (last living player to have only played with the Brooklyn Americans, too ill to sign)
#22. Bob Fillion 88 this year (requests $5 but not mandatory)

Bob Fillion
13 Rang des Chalets
Warwick, Quebec
J0A 1M0

#23. Tony Licari 88 this year

Tony Licari
811-1485 Baseline Rd.
Ottawa, ON
K2C 3L8

#24. Jean-Paul Gladu 88 this year

Jean-Paul Gladu
2070 Rue Bernard
Saint-Hyacinthe, QC
J2T 1G5

#25. Norm McAtee 88 this year

Norm McAtee,
727 Gloucester Road
Troy,OH
45373-1223
USA

#26. Murray Henderson 88 this year

Murray Henderson
18 Gatehead Road
North York, ON
M2J 2P5

#27. Howard Riopelle 88 this year

Howard Riopelle
4 Beechmont Court
Gloucester, ON
K1B 4B1

#28. Armand Gaudreault 88 this year

Armand Gaudreault
5900 3E Avenue East
Quebec, QC
G1H 7N7


#29. Johnny Bower 87 this year (charges $1 per signature)

Johnny Bower HHOF
c/o Bower Enterprises
3937 Parkgate Drive
Mississauga, ON
L5N 7B4

#30. Jim Conacher 86 this year

Jim Conacher
1408 Sandhurst Pl.
West Vancouver, BC
V7S 2P3

#31. Gaye Stewart 86 this year

Gaye Stewart
805-1237 North Shore Boulevard East
Burlington, ON
L7S 2H8

#32. Chuck Scherza 86 this year

Chuck Scherza
51 Manistee Street
Pawtucket, RI
02861-4011
USA

#33. Keith "Bingo" Allen 86 this year HHOF (can also be reached through Philly)

Keith Allen
10000 Highland Avenue
Long Beach Township NJ
08008-3166
USA

#34. Leo Reise Jr. 86 this year

Leo Reise Jr.
27 Cumming Court
Ancaster, ON
L9G 1V4

#35. Tod Campeau 86 this year

Tod Campeau
5 Rue Victoria E
Salaberry-De Valleyfield, QC
J6T 2L1.

there are probably more to add to this list let me know if there are other names not on here. from now on ill keep it down to the only those above the age of 85. There also should be a few players turning 85 this year if anyone has a more complete list, help is appreciated.

[TannisS]

Here are my pre-1920's birthdate players.

I've got question marks (ie. no offical confirmation) beside:

Ed Ouelette
George Abbott
Jack Howard
Adie LaFrance
Gordon Reid
George Brown
Gaston Leroux
Don Willson
Ronnie Hudson
Paul Gauthier
Bob Whitelaw
Al "Red" Carr
Stanford Smith
Tony Bukovich
Stuart Smith
Larry Thibeault
David Mackay
Jackie Mann
Jack Adams
Les Ramsay
Harold Brown
John Webster

with these alive:

Louis Holmes (unable to sign)
Al Suomi
Murray Armstrong
Pete Langelle
Elmer Lach
Milt Schmidt
John Mahaffy
Connie Dion
Wally Stanowski
Edgar Laprade
Ed Barry
Jud McAtee
Bill Benson (unable to sign)
Emile Bouchard

[TannisS]

Also, Bill Chadwick is still alive, and I have addresses for both Gaudreault and Campeau. MSN me about them!!!

[felixcujo]

Great job, both of you! I can report recent (last few weeks or so) successes from Elmer Lach and Emile "Butch" Bouchard.

Keep up the good work!
Tim

[TTM_HABS]

Continue your great work!

I have receive a mail by Émile ''Butch'' Bouchard this week

[scottboa]

#3. Clint Smith 96 this year HHOF (reportedly does not sign) HHOF

I had no problem getting Mr. Smith to autograph a photograph
in May 2006, at the following address.

Clint Smith
501-199 Belleview Ave.
West Vancouver, BC V7V 1B7

Scott Boa
Ingersoll, Ontario

[lafleurfan10]

Clint Smith has dementia and no longer signs as of 2008 I believe.

[TannisS]

Clint Smith has dementia and no longer signs as of 2008 I believe.

I have to agree with this. It will be very, very rare that you will receive him TTM anymore.

[TannisS]

While it was pretty obvious, being 100 years old if he were still alive, it looks as though SIHR has Hal Picketts as "deceased" although no death date beside it.

Also see that Wikipedia has Al Huggins as "date of death unknown" so, if he were alive, would be 98, but is another one possibly deceased.

2 players off the list?

[lafleurfan10]

I have both of those players listed as deceased, also added Connie Dion to the list.

[TannisS]

Connie Dion? Since when?

[lafleurfan10]

No I mean I added him to the currently living list.

[TannisS]

No I mean I added him to the currently living list.

Oooh, ha ha, yeah, he's definitely living!!! :)

[lafleurfan10]

Added 2 names to the list.

coming in at #8 on the list we have Ernie Laforce who played one game for Montreal in the 1942/43 season

and coming in at #30 is Jim Conacher.

[Bishop19]

has the Keith Allen addy been tested recently? i'm ashamed to say i grew up on Long Beach Island (where long beach twp is) and still live in the area and NEVER knew he resided there. being a big Flyers fan...i am ashamed of myself!


Keith Allen
10000 Highland Avenue
Long Beach Township NJ
08008-3166
USA

[lafleurfan10]

I am not entirely sure of that address but I am sure that he still signs c/o the Flyers.

[TannisS]

has the Keith Allen addy been tested recently? i'm ashamed to say i grew up on Long Beach Island (where long beach twp is) and still live in the area and NEVER knew he resided there. being a big Flyers fan...i am ashamed of myself!


Keith Allen
10000 Highland Avenue
Long Beach Township NJ
08008-3166
USA

I believe that Keith Allen address is still accurate. However, I did receive him in 15 days through the Flyers in September. :)

[Bishop19]

i looked up the Long Beach Twp addy on mapquest and its literally right behind a supermarket that i still service for work, so i thought i could save money on shipping a puck by dropping it in his mailbox since i'm right there twice a week anyway. maybe i'll just drop a letter and return envelope asking if it's his residence before leaving the puck in his box.
thanks for the help!!!

[ohioleafsfan64]

Had success with Allen addy Feb 2008. Postmarked from Florida...probably a snowbird!!

[Bishop19]

alright thanks. the area where is house is, is mostly summer homes anyway, so i'm sure that's all it is for him. good thing summer starts next month!

[bftslpk]

All I can come up with for Tony Bukovich is information that 66-year old Roberta Bukovich lives in Clearwater, FL and that Anthony John Bukovich is a member of the household. Free online services won't show me her address. To complicate matters, apparently Clearwater, Clearwater Beach and Largo all show the listing. Anybody live down that way that could check the real estate or property tax listings?

[TannisS]

There is an Anthony J Bukovich Jr also living in Florida:

690 Island Way, Apt 1010
Clearwater Beach, FL 33767-1929

perhaps someone can give them a call?

(727) 298-8651

He also played professional hockey - he had a tryout with the Leafs!

[lafleurfan10]

Updated the list, to remove Clint Smith

[siksyko]

If #34. Tod Campeau is the one who played for the Habs I had a success from him on March 30th (taking 20 days) at;

Tod Campeau
5 Rue Victoria E
Salaberry-De Valleyfield, QC
J6T 2L1.

[lafleurfan10]

Thanks! List will be updated in a minute.

[centerice]

Just wondering if anyone has had success with Ed Dorohoy , Dick Gamble and Vern Kaiser.If so would love to get there addresses. Thankyou.P.S.love the sight.

[lafleurfan10]

I have Dick Gamble listed as:

Dick Gamble
51 W Main St
Le Roy, NY 14482-1305
USA

No address that I can see for Ed Dohoroy or Vern Kaiser.

[lafleurfan10]

Called, the Bukovich number, no answer, will try again later.

[centerice]

I have Dick Gamble listed as:

Dick Gamble
51 W Main St
Le Roy, NY 14482-1305
USA

No address that I can see for Ed Dohoroy or Vern Kaiser.

That is a great help!

[TannisS]

I received Dick Gamble in November in 16 days at:

51 East Main St.
Le Roy, NY 14482

As for Vern Kaiser, he lives 15 mintues from me, but I sent to him in August 2008 and never received anything back.

Lastly, I received Ed Dorohoy back in 64 days in March 2009 at:

70 Chown Place
Victoria, BC V9A 1H5

[centerice]

I received Dick Gamble in November in 16 days at:

51 East Main St.
Le Roy, NY 14482

As for Vern Kaiser, he lives 15 mintues from me, but I sent to him in August 2008 and never received anything back.

Lastly, I received Ed Dorohoy back in 64 days in March 2009 at:

70 Chown Place
Victoria, BC V9A 1H5

thanks for the info.much appreciated.will try the addys.

[GordieHoweHatTrick]

hockey reference doesn't show a date of death for Gaston Leroux b.1913 -played with 2 games with the Canadiens in 1935-36 season. I know some players have already died even though it doesn't show a date of death. wikipedia says he is a "retired" ice hockey player, so maybe he is still alive... because if he did die, wouldn't it say he "was" a ice hockey player ?

[lafleurfan10]

I find it unlikely that he would still be alive, I think its more that because he only played 2 games in the NHL that if he died no one mentioned it.

[Mystery Man]

hockey reference doesn't show a date of death for Gaston Leroux b.1913 -played with 2 games with the Canadiens in 1935-36 season. I know some players have already died even though it doesn't show a date of death. wikipedia says he is a "retired" ice hockey player, so maybe he is still alive... because if he did die, wouldn't it say he "was" a ice hockey player ?

Wikipedia is wholly inconsistent... I've seen ones that write "was a former" ice hockey player, so I wouldn't put too much stock into it. I agree with lafleurfan10 in that he's likely dead - unfortunately, if he died in Canada, then he can't be traced by the SSDI, and I didn't find him in Rootsweb either.

[lafleurfan10]

For me the cutoff date is 1915 anyone older than that I don't put much effort into trying to find.

[GordieHoweHatTrick]

For me the cutoff date is 1915 anyone older than that I don't put much effort into trying to find.

I read somewhere that there was a success ttm with in the last month of the oldest living MLB player who turns 100 this year, so who knows lol

[TannisS]

I read somewhere that there was a success ttm with in the last month of the oldest living MLB player who turns 100 this year, so who knows lol

I'm hesitant to mark anyone off as well. Al Suomi is still signing (1913) and so was Ray Getliffe (1914) before he passed away. :/

[lafleurfan10]

Just added the address for Connie Dion 2nd oldest living goalie.

[spartacus]

Just added the address for Connie Dion 2nd oldest living goalie.

who is the oldest living goalie?

[93stanleycup]

I had no problem getting Mr. Smith to autograph a photograph
in May 2006, at the following address.

Clint Smith
501-199 Belleview Ave.
West Vancouver, BC V7V 1B7

Scott Boa
Ingersoll, Ontario

Just read on the Blackhawks website that Mr. Smith passed away on May 22

[rachat024]

That's a great list. Thank you so much for sharing.

pret auto (http://pret-auto.org)

[lafleurfan10]

Oldest living goalie is Tony Bukovich, he supposedly resides in Largo Florida with his daughter but no one seems to have contact information.

[spartacus]

harvey has jan 04 2007 as his death date.

[lafleurfan10]

Ithink that's an error on Harvey's list.
Tony's brother Joe Bukovich died in January of 2007, I'm sure Tony is still alive, but I don't have his Largo adress.

Tony Bukovich is still alive. He lives in Largo, FL, with his daughter. Most sources say he was born in 1916 or 1917, but his daughter said he had celebrated his 90th birthday in 2005.


Hope this helps.

[spartacus]

legends of hockey has bukovich listed as a left winger.

[lafleurfan10]

well then, this is quite odd I must be mistaken I could've sworn he was a goaltender, since he is not that makes Connie Dion the oldest living goaltender.

[lafleurfan10]

Added Herb Carnegie to the list at #15.

[dennel]

Herb never played in the NHL but a good auto to get anyway.
Don't know if he still signs, I believe he's blind.

Dennis

[midnightoyl]

Herb still signs as of late last year. He didn't play in the NHL because he refused a demeaning contract and role from the NY Rangers.cChosing instead to play on a power house squad in Quebec with the Aces.

[lafleurfan10]

I have heard of him signing up until January of this year, has anyone sent to him lately. It's really too bad that he wasn't offered a decent chance at an NHL opportunity.

[midnightoyl]

There was an article in the Star about the new guys who are looking for a Toronto franchise in the NHL and it mentioned that they had Herb at their press conference to give them some authenticity. So it would appear that Herb is still making public appearances anyway.

[Mystery Man]

Here are my pre-1920's birthdate players.

I've got question marks (ie. no offical confirmation) beside:

Ed Ouelette
George Abbott
Jack Howard
Adie LaFrance
Gordon Reid
George Brown
Gaston Leroux
Don Willson
Ronnie Hudson
Paul Gauthier
Bob Whitelaw
Al "Red" Carr
Stanford Smith
Tony Bukovich
Stuart Smith
Larry Thibeault
David Mackay
Jackie Mann
Jack Adams
Les Ramsay
Harold Brown
John Webster


Red Carr, Tony Bukovich and Don Willson are still alive as far as I know, as is John "Chick" Webster if you trust a blog comment (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=10&url=http%3A%2F%2Frangerpundit.blogspot.com%2F2008% 2F01%2Fhomecoming-pawns.html%3FshowComment%3D1199915160000&ei=qdEqSrT9CYLKtgePkfykCA&rct=j&q=%22Chick+Webster%22+%2Bhockey&usg=AFQjCNGpxadpUb5L9r8MjKfcxQj4JuyHgA), and Jack Adams is deceased (see http://www.hockeydb.com/vb/showthread.php?t=18607).

I thought I saw somewhere that Ed Ouelette was deceased, but I can't seem to find that information anymore.

Also, I have one additional member on my "maybe" still alive list: Walt McCartney.

[lafleurfan10]

The article on the Toronto Legacy is what brought Herb Carnegie to my attention.

[midnightoyl]

Well Herb has a really shaky autograph, better than Bill Chadwicks, and it is worth the effort i would say.

[ktrimis]

Hi all, my name is Kouli and I'm new to the list...you've got a great group. I've been collecting for about 20 years, mostly pre-1970's Montreal Canadiens...back to this thread

Tony Bukovich is deceased since 2007, as per note I received a little over a year ago in response to mail.

Ernie Laforce - wrote to the last known address mid 2008 and never heard back: 2353 Rue Jolicieur Montreal, QC

lf I can be of any assistance let me know

Kouli

[lafleurfan10]

K Trimis, welcome to the board!

I'll have to look into Bukovich, because there is other information of his being still alive.

As for Ernie Laforce someone I don't know who, sent me an email saying that he was residing in a nursing home in Embrun Ontario, now I called all three of the nursing homes in that area and he was not in any of them. But there are a few addresses for a Laforce in that area, I called one it was out of service, and there was no response at the other two, just haven't gotten a chance to call back at the other two, will keep this topic updated!

[lafleurfan10]

Added an address for former Bruin Armand Gaudreault.

[bftslpk]

Received a response from Connie Dion from the Asbestos, QC address. He signed a small photo that I sent along with two 3x5 cards in two weeks.

[midnightoyl]

Do you mind sharing the vern kaiser address? Someone is selling his autograph on ebay so he must still sign sometimes and i thought i might give it a shot. Thanks in advance.


I received Dick Gamble in November in 16 days at:

51 East Main St.
Le Roy, NY 14482

As for Vern Kaiser, he lives 15 mintues from me, but I sent to him in August 2008 and never received anything back.

Lastly, I received Ed Dorohoy back in 64 days in March 2009 at:

70 Chown Place
Victoria, BC V9A 1H5

[wildstorm]

Fred Hergerts [b. 1913] is still alive (according to a Canada 411 search).
He played for the New York Americans and afterwards co-owned a poolroom in Calgary with Lorne Carr.

[wildstorm]

The verdict is still out on:

Mike Neville (b:1903)
Maitland "Red" Conn (b:1904)
Leonard Grosvenor (b:1904)
Roy Burmister (b:1906)
Al Murray (b:1908)
John Gallagher (b: 1909)
Eddie Convey (b:1910)
Bill Summerhill (b:1913)
Frank Beisler, (b:1913)
Les Cunningham (b:1913) <--- Good chance of still being alive. He has great distinctioin amongst the AHL, so a death would've been confirmed by now.
Joe Krol (b:1915)
Erwin "Murph" Chamberlain (b:1915)
Charles Shannon (b: 1916)
Charles Corrigan, (b:1916)



(You'll noticed II've included the players born prior-1909... that's because I feel that of the thousands and thousands of player,s who've ever played in the NHL, it seems within the realm of possibility that ONE of them has reached the age of 100.) :P

[lafleurfan10]

ok well according to the SIHR (Society for International Hockey Research)
Mike Neville is deceased
I see no record of a Conn Maitland, but I`m willing to be that he is deceased
Len Grosvenor died in the 1980s
Roy Burmister is deceased
Al Murray no DOD listed for murray but I highly doubt he is still living
John Gallagher is deceased
Eddie Convey is deceased
Bill Summerhill is deceased
Frank Beisler is deceased
Les Cunningham is deceased
Joe Krol is deceased
Erwin "Murph" Chamberlain is deceased
Charles Shannon no DOD but quite possibly still alive
Charles Corrigan is deceased
Fred Hergerts I believe is decased not sure where I read it though.

thanks for the input! completely overlooked Charles Shannon.

[TannisS]

Fred Hergerts [b. 1913] is still alive (according to a Canada 411 search).
He played for the New York Americans and afterwards co-owned a poolroom in Calgary with Lorne Carr.

It's probably an old address, as records show he has been deceased since 1998.

[TannisS]

As well, Charles Shannon died in 1974.

[GordieHoweHatTrick]

Its a safe bet that any en NHLers born in the early 1910s are deceased. Although there is one ex MLB player alive in each of these years: 1909, 1910 and 1911 as well as 2 from 1912 and 1913. I think this is because the rosters of NHL teams way back then weren't as big as the MLB rosters. There are currently 62 ex MLB players who are 90 years old or more ans as far as I know, 21 players are alive who played at least 1 game in the major leagues in the 1930s.

I'm just wondering, if someone was to write to the head office of the NHL, wouldn't they have a record of all the living ex NHL players ?

[TannisS]

Mike Neville (b:1903) - DOD Unknown
Maitland "Red" Conn (b:1904) - 1964
Leonard Grosvenor (b:1904) - 1981
Roy Burmister (b:1906) - DOD Unknown
Al Murray (b:1908) - 1982
John Gallagher (b: 1909) - 1981
Eddie Convey (b:1910) - 1969
Bill Summerhill (b:1913) - 1978
Frank Beisler, (b:1913) - 1973
Les Cunningham (b:1913) - 1993Joe Krol (b:1915)
Erwin "Murph" Chamberlain (b:1915) - 1986
Charles Shannon (b: 1916) - 1974
Charles Corrigan, (b:1916) - 1988
Fred Hergerts [b. 1913] - 1998

I have the oldest NHL'er confirmed right now as Louis Holmes (unable to sign) born 1911, with about 10-15 unable to confirm as alive or dead born 1915 or earlier. :/

Hope that helps.

[lafleurfan10]

Thanks to the help of Stanleycup93 we now have an address for Ernie Laforce, who played one game for the habs in 1942.

[GordieHoweHatTrick]

I didn't even realize until now, but I forgot to write to Al Suomi. Is he still at this address ?

Al Suomi
5847 Sunset Ave
La Grange Highlands IL
60525-7118
USA

-Thanks !

[lafleurfan10]

I believe he is, yes.

[nightofthelivingc]

anyone have any info on George "Clare" Martin?

[lafleurfan10]

SIHR lists him as deceased.

[nightofthelivingc]

thanks bud, what about harry macquestion? I can't find any info on him at all.

[Mystery Man]

thanks bud, what about harry macquestion? I can't find any info on him at all.

If SSDI is to believed, he was born March 2, 1918 and died in February 1987.

[theodore60]

Just wondering if anyone has had success with Ed Dorohoy , Dick Gamble and Vern Kaiser.If so would love to get there addresses. Thankyou.P.S.love the sight.

Ed Dorohoy passed away in June.

[MrBeatle64@aol.com]

Hello all, although I am new on the board, I have used this thread to help sending out letters. I recently received a reply back from Bill Chadwick and his signature is very poor. His assistant or family member sent me back this letter: "Sorry for Bill's signature, but he is 94 and failing. Happy Fall. Warmly, Joanie for Bill. Just wanted to see if anyone else received a response like this. I hope he pulls thru, he is certainly a legend. Thanks.

[lafleurfan10]

His signature has been shaky for a few years now, I am going to send one last request in the next couple of days, and i think maybe take the address off of the list, will ask in my letter if he still minds signing autographs.

[GordieHoweHatTrick]

His signature has been shaky for a few years now, I am going to send one last request in the next couple of days, and i think maybe take the address off of the list, will ask in my letter if he still minds signing autographs.

Does he give out anything signed, or do you have to send items ? I don't have anything really for him sign, except a hockey card with the NHL logo on it... :s

[ohioleafsfan64]

Does he give out anything signed, or do you have to send items ? I don't have anything really for him sign, except a hockey card with the NHL logo on it... :s

That will work

[GordieHoweHatTrick]

This is kind of off topic a bit, but since we're talking about the "oldest living ex NHlers" I was wondering if anybody has asked in their letters if these ex players actually went to see NHL games when they were kids and maybe told any of you some interesting stories. I wonder how many people are still alive who went to see an NHL game in person in the late 1910s or 1920s... or how many people are still alive who watched say, Georges Vezina in person as a kid.

[MrBeatle64@aol.com]

Does he give out anything signed, or do you have to send items ? I don't have anything really for him sign, except a hockey card with the NHL logo on it... :s

I sent him an index card which he signed, but be warned, it looks nothing like how I have seen his other signatures because I think he is really ill. He (or his assistant) sent me a small photo of himself as well which was not signed. In other news, I just got Murray Armstrong in the mail today, who signed my 1939 OPC card and wrote me a small note. Very excited about that one!

[Tarantulaman]

Where did you find a '39 OPC of him?! I've been looking for quite some time now. Anyone with any doubles of that card? I didn't think so.

[MrBeatle64@aol.com]

Where did you find a '39 OPC of him?! I've been looking for quite some time now. Anyone with any doubles of that card? I didn't think so.

I found it on ebay. It was the only thing I could find of him for sale on the internet.

[GordieHoweHatTrick]

I sent him an index card which he signed, but be warned, it looks nothing like how I have seen his other signatures because I think he is really ill. He (or his assistant) sent me a small photo of himself as well which was not signed. In other news, I just got Murray Armstrong in the mail today, who signed my 1939 OPC card and wrote me a small note. Very excited about that one!

I was just going to finish up my letter to Bill Chadwick, but I can't remember if I'm getting this mixed up with another player. Did somebody on this forum say that Mr Chadwick has very poor eyesight or almost blind ? I was just going to conclude with thank you very much for taking the time to read my letter and so forth, but if he can't see very well, I don't want to offend him.

About Murray Armstrong, yeah I saw one a 1939 OPC on ebay too, but at the time, I didn't get a response from him for several months, so I wasn't going to buy a card of him until I at least got a reply.

[midnightoyl]

There was a 1937 OPC Murray Armstrong offered as of yesterday. And yes Bill Chadwick is blind but still gets 'er done. God Bless Him.

[theodore60]

It appears as if Howard "Rip" Riopelle who is #27 on this list passed away in 1997. I was going to send some customs to him but after looking for some online photos I could use I came across this family tree of the Riopelle family. On the family tree, #2070 on this link states him as deceased.

http://cafe.rapidus.net/roriopel/7generations/rr01/rr01_276.htm

[GordieHoweHatTrick]

Are there any updates for Don Willson ? He's the last living ex Montreal Canadiens player who played with them in the 1930's... and to my knowledge, there are only 7 living players who played at least one game in the NHL in the 30's. They are the last of on era.

Also, is there a list out there of the oldest living referees or coaches ?

[justsomeguy]

I'm pretty sure he's still with us. Met him at Gerry McNeil's funeral in 2003 or 4 and then again at a Royals reunion in 2007 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the team's Allan Cup championship. Was in the Ottawa area at that time.

Not dead yet on wikipedia either so I figure he's still around. Might try through Riopelle Drapery. Think his son is running the business now.

http://www.riopelledrapery.ca/intro.htm

[bavarianmartl]

Also saw that family tree some time ago and was wondering about his possible death.
I had asked some friends from SIHR and was told that he was definitely alive, living in the Ottawa region, but he might be losing his mind a little bit.

[ohioleafsfan64]

I have seen success from Riopelle as recent as July 2009.
I however have never had success with him.

[icecards]

I got a response from him in August 2008. It took 11 days.

[TannisS]

I received a reply from him in October 2008 as well. Took 88 days.

[MrBeatle64@aol.com]

I know most of your list are former players, but does anyone know if there is an address for HHOFer Jack Butterfield? I was thinking about sending him a letter in c/o the AHL. Any ideas would help. Thanks!

[GordieHoweHatTrick]

Is "Clare" Martin still alive ? Here are his stats:

http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/m/marticl01.html

I don't see a date of death on hockey-reference or wiki. Also, there aren't too many players still alive who played before the 1942-43 season, when it officially became a 6 team league.

[TannisS]

I have Clare Martin as deceased, date unknown. Will see if there has been an update on the date of death.

[TannisS]

By the way, any recent success (or waiting) for Suomi?

[GordieHoweHatTrick]

By the way, any recent success (or waiting) for Suomi?

I mailed a letter to Al Suomi about 2 weeks ago and I haven't had a reply yet. I totally forgot to write to him for so long, so I hope I get a reply very soon! There are only 6 or 7 living players who played at least one game in the 1930s, so I need Mr Suomi's to at least complete the list of 4 out of those 6 or 7 that still sign.

[theodore60]

I sent to Suomi 3 months ago and nothing back yet.

[MrBeatle64@aol.com]

I sent a letter to Suomi a few weeks ago as well and have not received any word back.

[centerice]

In the mail received from the one and only Howard Riopelle!I sent to him twice over the last year!And today he sent everything back signed two written three printed! and answered my questions.So it would seem that he is very much alive but i guess in his case patience is a virtue.Actually He sent me a couple of blank index cards with his signature on them as well.So he gave me a bonus.great signer full name including his nick and number and Montreal Canadians.Like I said he wrote on two and printed his signature on the other 3.So just dont be dissapointed if comes back signed in printed form.Still he makes a great effort!Thanks Rip!

[bftslpk]

I sent to "Rip" back on May 18. Keeping my fingers crossed

[TannisS]

I mailed a letter to Al Suomi about 2 weeks ago and I haven't had a reply yet. I totally forgot to write to him for so long, so I hope I get a reply very soon! There are only 6 or 7 living players who played at least one game in the 1930s, so I need Mr Suomi's to at least complete the list of 4 out of those 6 or 7 that still sign.

I have my count at 5 players that played in 1930 still alive and signing...

[GordieHoweHatTrick]

I have my count at 5 players that played in 1930 still alive and signing...

These are the ones I can think of that still sign who played at least 1 game in the 1930s:

-Al Suomi (I think he is still signing)
-Milt Schmidt
-Murray Armstrong
-Wally Stanowski - he started in the 1939-40 season, so he could have played a few of those 27 games out of 48 in 1939.

Who am I missing ?

[TannisS]

Actually, I made a mistake. I counted Pete Langelle in there as I have his autograph, but as we know, he's not signing at the moment.

Can anyone confirm these players that played in 1930 for me as alive/deceased/signing for these?

Louis Holmes - alive, unable to sign
Adie LaFrance
Gaston Laroux
Eddie Ouelette
Jack Howard
Gordon Reid
Al Suomi - signing
George Brown
Milt Schmidt - signing, but charging
Don Willson
Ronnie Hudson
Murray Armstrong - signing
Pete Langelle - alive, unable to sign
Stan Smith
Wally Stanowski - signing

[TannisS]

Also, I see SIHR has an update for Paul Gauthier- deceased 1984, born 1915. He was on my list of unknowns.

[GordieHoweHatTrick]

Actually, I made a mistake. I counted Pete Langelle in there as I have his autograph, but as we know, he's not signing at the moment.

Can anyone confirm these players that played in 1930 for me as alive/deceased/signing for these?

Louis Holmes - alive, unable to sign
Adie LaFrance
Gaston Laroux
Eddie Ouelette
Jack Howard
Gordon Reid
Al Suomi - signing
George Brown
Milt Schmidt - signing, but charging
Don Willson
Ronnie Hudson
Murray Armstrong - signing
Pete Langelle - alive, unable to sign
Stan Smith
Wally Stanowski - signing

I didn't find a date of death for those players on hockey-reference, so I guess its possible that at least one of those players is alive. You would think just by the law of averages, there would be more living ex players in their mid 90s.

It got me wondering about last living ex NHL players from the 1920s and I wish I knew the address for these players before they died. I'm assuming they were the last living players from the '20s: Mush March, Pete Palangio and Red Horner. These players from the 30's are the last of an era and I'm still kicking myself for joining this forum too late because I missed out on getting Ray Getliffe, Bob Blake and possibly Lorne Carr just to name a few... although I don't know if Lorne Carr was signing near the end of his life.

[adshriash]

I'm assuming they were the last living players from the '20s: Mush March, Pete Palangio and Red Horner.
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[MrBeatle64@aol.com]

Bill Chadwick has passed away on Saturday. R.I.P. You will be missed.

[Bishop19]

In the mail received from the one and only Howard Riopelle!I sent to him twice over the last year!And today he sent everything back signed two written three printed! and answered my questions.So it would seem that he is very much alive but i guess in his case patience is a virtue.Actually He sent me a couple of blank index cards with his signature on them as well.So he gave me a bonus.great signer full name including his nick and number and Montreal Canadians.Like I said he wrote on two and printed his signature on the other 3.So just dont be dissapointed if comes back signed in printed form.Still he makes a great effort!Thanks Rip!

I sent a CIC in April and got back a boatload of extras from him today. i got my CIC back plus 21 extras!!! he sent 2 custom cards and various CIC's. 3-4 of the CIC were blank w/mini photos glued on the card & signed. most of the others were the same CIC but all were signed with one including his number.
needless to say if anyone needs some, i have quite a few up for trade.
great return!!

[lafleurfan10]

Lorne Carr played in the late 20's I believe, was he not the last living player from that era?

[GordieHoweHatTrick]

Lorne Carr played in the late 20's I believe, was he not the last living player from that era?

Lorne Carr played from the 1933-34 seasons until the 1945-46 season. Mush Marsh played from 1928-29 to 1944-45 and died in 2002. Pete Palangio played from 1928-29 season to 28-29 and then 1936-38 and died in 2004. Red Horner played from 1928-29 to 1939-40 and died in 2005. I think those three were the last living 1920s vets out there. I haven't looked at all of the players who played back then, but just looking at the rosters for some of those teams, those were the only 1920s vets who made it past the 2000's that I saw. For the 1900s and 1910's, I don't know, but Fred "Cyclone" Taylor played professional hockey before the creation of the NHL and he died in 1979 just before his 95th birthday.

[MrBeatle64@aol.com]

I mailed a letter to Al Suomi about 2 weeks ago and I haven't had a reply yet. I totally forgot to write to him for so long, so I hope I get a reply very soon! There are only 6 or 7 living players who played at least one game in the 1930s, so I need Mr Suomi's to at least complete the list of 4 out of those 6 or 7 that still sign.


I just got my Suomi letter and index card back unsigned today.

[GordieHoweHatTrick]

I just got my Suomi letter and index card back unsigned today.

Well, I guess I can add Mr Suomi to the list of players that I should have written to earlier...

[Mystery Man]

Ernie Laforce, Bill Chadwick, and Tony Bukovich all died in 2009...

As did Tod Campeau, yikes!

[bftslpk]

Just got Mr. Riopelle back today from a letter sent this past May 18. I sent two 3x5 cards and a small black and white photo. He sent back a badly smeared Molson Export card.

[midnightoyl]

That sounds like me. Only it was two home made cards that didn't come back and one smeared Molson's card. Oh well. At least he is trying.

[centerice]

Today received three 4x6 pictures of Howard Riopelle autographed.Sent in an envelope ,which i sent to him about a year and a half ago.Received a reply in october 2009 from a 2nd ttm sent about six months ago.He sent like 10 autographs.I sent three index cards which he sent plus added the extras.But today as I stated received these three pics all signed.Was not expecting these today.A pleasant surprise.One autograph slightly smeared others I must say are in great shape.