via: www.ottawasun.com
Jean-Paul “Lally” Lalonde was a jack of all trades.
On the rink, on a field, in a ring, with a ball or a stick — Lalonde did it all.
The Ottawa-born sports legend died Sunday at the age of 85.
Lally, a nickname he earned in the Navy, left behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.
Lalonde was a Navy boxing champion, played in the CFL with the Alouettes and Rough Riders, helped Peterborough win the Canadian senior lacrosse championship and Mann Cup in 1951, and was the Ottawa senior lacrosse league MVP 11 years in a row.
He played hockey in the American Hockey League as well as the Pacific Coast Hockey League, never making it to the NHL but coaching young talents like Larry Robinson, Pat Burns and Jacques Martin.
“He really did do it all, I have to say,” said his daughter, Tina Klassen, noting that lacrosse was his favourite sport.
Klassen recalled her father fondly, laughing through anecdotes of her father’s renowned colourful personality.
“He had a very bad mouth. He came from a time when you could say whatever you wanted, and he did,” she said with a laugh. “And the funny thing is, nobody complained. Everyone just laughed.”
After his days as an accomplished athlete, Lalonde still held a strong presence in Ottawa’s sports scene.
He hosted a sports television show and a radio show, becoming a public personality and local authority on all things sports.
His career in the sports community spanned over 40 years, from the mid-1940s until the late ’80s.
In 1983 he was inducted into the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame, which Klassen said was a highlight of his career.
Klassen said her father slowed down in the ’90s, but still enjoyed watching almost every sport on TV.
She recalled as a child not quite understanding how everyone knew who her father was, or why people were so impressed with him.
“Certainly for a good 40 years, he was into everything and everybody knew who he was,” she said.
When her family would go out, she said, everyone would stop Lalonde to chat.
His health began to deteriorate over the last six years as Lalonde suffered from Alzheimer’s.
He moved into the Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre for the last few years of his life.
He led a full life as a talented athlete, coach and media personality.
Lalonde left behind his daughters Tina and Tracey, and his wife of 56 years, Marjory.
His great sense of humour, his loud personality and his contributions to sports are all part of Lalonde’s legend.
“He had his great time,” said Klassen.
There will be no public reception for Lalonde, just a private service for his family.
Donations in his memory can be made to the Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre.
marlo.cameron@sunmedia.ca
Twitter: @marlocameron
Recent Comments