LAPRADE

Mr. Edgar Laprade, age 94, passed away peacefully at his home on April 28, 2014. Born in Mine Centre, Ontario on October 10, 1919, he came to Port Arthur at age four with his family and grew up and was educated in the city. He first laced up his skates as a child and his natural talent for the game shone through as he came up through the minor leagues to become a star on the Port Arthur Bearcats 1939 Allan Cup championship team.
When World War 2 broke out, duty called and Edgar served two years in the army, missing out on an opportunity to play in the 1940 Olympic Games. When he completed his service and returned home, he was quickly recruited to play professional hockey with one of the "Big Six " NHL teams, the New York Rangers. Edgar's hockey career spanned what many consider to be the glory days of hockey and he played against many hockey legends, including Maurice "the Rocket" Richard. Edgar played for the Rangers from 1945-1955, taking the number 10, the same number he wore in Port Arthur Senior hockey. During his 10 years with the NHL, Edgar combined his skill with his characteristic gentlemanly conduct to amass many awards and honours, including the Calder Trophy for rookie of the year , the Lady Byng Trophy as well as four consecutive all star appearances.
Edgar was inducted into the Northwestern Ontario Hall of fame in 1982 and the Hockey Hall of fame in Toronto in 1993 and was honoured to have his star included in the local "Walk of Fame" in Victoriaville Centre in 1998.
Hockey was a rewarding career for Edgar in many ways, not the least of which was an introduction to his coach's niece, Arline Whear , who would become the love of his life. Edgar and Arline married in 1939 and raised 3 daughters, Bonnie, Judi and Marcia . A devoted family man, his wife and daughters were always his priority and greatest joy.
After retiring from the NHL and returning to Port Arthur, Edgar and business associate, Guy Perciante owned and managed the Port Arthur Arena on Court Street. Edgar was also a partner in the popular sporting goods store, Perciante and Laprade on Cumberland Street, which he operated from 1953 until his retirement in 1975.
But it was his accomplishments in municipal politics and civic affairs that were the most fulfilling for Edgar. Always passionately interested in his community, he began his long career in the service of the public when he first served on the Recreation Committee for the City of Port Arthur before becoming Alderman in 1959. He held many chair and board positions during those years, including chairing the Finance Committee and Social Services Committees. He was active in the community as member of the Lakehead Baseball Association, Thunder Bay Amateur Hockey Association , as well as serving on the Boards of Dawson Court, the 3 C Reintroduction Centre ,the Board of Community projects, the Board of Governors of both Confederation College and Lakehead University and the Thunder Bay District Health Council. Edgar was also very involved with the Parking Authority, serving as a member for 30 years. During his years of municipal service, Edgar was also closely associated with the Waverly Park project and the development of Centennial Park, the Marina and Keskus, through his work with the City Property Committee.
In 1989, Edgar received a Volunteer Service Award from the Ministry of Citizenship and Culture and in 1992 a commemorative medal for the 125th Anniversary of Canadian Confederation awarded to Northwestern Ontario residents who have made a significant contribution to Canada.
A man of great faith, Edgar's volunteer work extended to his church where he served as a member of the Parish Council of St. Andrew's parish.
Edgar's sanctuary was his camp at Hawkeye Lake where he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Always devoted to his family, he took great pleasure in the company of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and was often a source of wisdom and inspiration for family members. He was an avid reader and always interested in keeping up to date on current affairs, both locally and globally. Ever the athlete, he remained physically active and especially enjoyed walking around the city that he loved. Well respected for his many accomplishments and commitment to his community, Edgar was also a kind, gentle and compassionate man who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Edgar will be lovingly remembered by daughters Bonnie Morrison, Judith (Ron ) Doncaster, Marcia ( Jeff) Parry; grandchildren, Marla McKerracher ( Dwayne Mc Rae ) , Lisa ( Sean) Brennan, Jon Morrison ( Aaron Medd ) Blair ( Terri ) Parry, Jodilyn ( Richard ) Kukkee, Jamie ( Leanne) Parry, Melissa Doncaster: 11 great grandchildren, Amy, Jillian, David, Katelyn and Miranda McKerracher; Luke and Alex Parry; Griffin and Sydni Kukkee, Elijah Parry and Owen Doncaster; sister, Merle McDonnell. He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Edith, wife Arline, son-in-law, William Morrison ; grandsons David Morrison and Stacey Doncaster ; brothers Wilfred, Albert, Burt, Raymond and sisters Margaret and Patricia.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday May 3rd when friends and family will gather for a funeral Mass at St. Margaret's Roman Catholic Church at 11 a.m. to be celebrated by Father Ciaran Donnelly. Visitation will take place on Friday, May 2nd from 6 pm to 8 pm at St. Margaret's Church, with prayers starting at 7 pm. Cremation has already taken place and a private interment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Andrew's Dew Drop Inn, the Underground Gym or Thunder Bay Shelter House. Arrangements entrusted to the Sargent & Son Funeral Home, 21 N. Court Street. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.

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