Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Don MCLEOD Obituary
Don "Smokey" McLeod, of Port Coquitlam, passed away on March 11, 2015. He is survived by his two daughters, Dana (Brian) Makay, grandsons, Brad and Brendan, Kelly, granddaughter Keagan, his three sisters Peggy, Joyce (Jack), Jackie (Ron), his best friend Sharlene and many nieces and nephews. Don was born in Trail where he played hockey and baseball growing up. He left Trail at the age of 16 to play hockey for the Edmonton Oil Kings and this started his path to playing in the NHL, WHA, and for Team Canada in 1974. He retired from hockey in 1978 and then went to work for Hershey Canada until he retired in 2003. Dad's greatest joy were his grandchildren. He loved to watch them play sports and could often be heard talking about their achievements in hockey, baseball, and softball. There will be no funeral service as per Dad's request. A celebration of life will take place at a later date in Port Coquitlam.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
17 Entries
Kevin Sander
October 9, 2022
I was 14 when Don came to play for the Vancouver Blazers. I went to about 20 games that year and absolutely loved watching him play. I was pretty sad when they moved to Calgary. I got to see him play one more time in an exhibition game in September 76. Post game I got his autograph and talked with him. I was a goalie when I was a kid and he is my favourite goalie ever. I was at a WHA 50th anniversary event yesterday in Whistler and Ron Chipperfield told me he passed. He’s at the heart of so many of my best hockey memories. I’m glad I got to see him play as much as I did. He was the bomb.
Mark Romankiw
February 21, 2016
Back during the 75-76 season I was a kid from Anchorage AK attempting to play Jr "A" in the WCHL. I had been trying out with the Calgary Centennials as a goaltender. I asked Joe Crozier if I could practice with the Cowboys to stay sharp; miraculously he consented. I sat right next to Don on the locker room bench.
If you played with Don that year, one thing you might remember is that in addition to smoking like a chimney, he didn't care much for practice. That may be why coach Crozier allowed me to work out with the team. On my second day of practice, Don saw that my worn Cooper goalie pads weren't up to snuff, telling me " Your going to get killed wearing those, try these!" He handed me a brand new pair of custom made Kenseky goalie pads. He also taught me secrets about playing angles that I would have never learned elsewhere.
I first got to see Don play in a real game with the Edmonton Oilers(pre-Gretzky). when the Coyboys took their first road trip. I quicky learned why he was regarded as a top-notch professional goaltender. Before I left Calgary back to Alaska, Don gave me his old set of Keneskys, which were still in great shape. I still have them to this day.
My times talking to Don while dressing for practices are memories that I will never forget. It was one of the most exciting periods of my life and I will never forget how gracious Don treated me. He was a great human being.
Don Tannahill
April 23, 2015
Played 2 seasons with Smoke in Calgary and rode daily together to the arena. One of the most intelligent players ever with an amazing grasp of the game. He had the absolute best sense of humor and wit ever. My kids know numerous Smokey stories of his wit. Condolences to all his loved ones.
Mike Cascella
April 4, 2015
He is a fond memory visiting West Springfield and Springfield MA during The Whale's time there, one of the best at playing the net angles God rest his soul and bless his family
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Gord Langevin
March 23, 2015
Uncle Don,
If we ever needed advice all we had to do was to ask Dr. Don, Lawyer Don, Mechanic Don, Contractor Don, Electrician Don, Plumber Don & many more.
You loved sitting on our back deck with the animals for hours on end. They sure knew who was coming when that little car with no muffler was coming up the driveway and all the ears went up along with the commotion.
I remember the time when i was hauling furniture and came in to Calgary with 12,000 lbs. and you helped me unload. At the end there was 2 boxes left (1 big & 1 small). You said "to hell with this, he is setting me up" so you took the small box which was full of weights & i took the big box that had a lampshade. Gotcha!!!
Thank you for looking after our home during winter & any other time we went away. It was very comforting knowing that the animals and our home were in good hands.
We are going to miss you so much.
R.I P. Uncle Don
Jan & Gord Langevin
Frank Hughes
March 22, 2015
R.I.P old friend! I have just returned home I have been out of the country for the past month. I'm sure I speak for all of Smokey's old teammates when I say we will all miss him. For sure we all have a special memory or two that we will never forget on or off the ice. I first met Smokey in Edmonton at training camp for the Oil Kings he was my roommate at the WMCA. At that time he was the best goalie in junior hockey in the world. Bill Hunter the owner of the team was trying to sign Smokey for the year, nobody made any money in those days especially junior hockey players. Smokey new he had the upper hand and he new how to play it. Smokey negotiated a deal 4-5 times more than anytone else on the team plus he made him throw in 4 new winter tires for a signing bonus. Totally unheard off in those days he always palyed to win and he always wanted to challenge the best. Anyone who had the pleasure of being his teammate will all tell you of his amazing talent on the ice and how he conducted himself off the ice. I learned alot form him and thank him for that. When he worked for Hershey he would always call me when he was passing through Fernie and we would meet and chat about the old days, very special times in our lives. So sad to hear of his passing my heart and prayers go out to his family. R.I.P old friend! rest in piece!
Dennis Derksen
March 22, 2015
Will miss you my friend. Many good times working and golfing together. Thanks for the many golf 'lessons'. Rest peacefully Smokey.
Kim scoles
March 21, 2015
Uncle Don...you were my idol! You loved to tease me but, always had my best interest at heart. My first set of clubs. Taking me to play golf. Giving me tickets so my friends and I could watch the Blazers. I loved watching you play ball...i got to be the batboy. You were a natural born athlete, could do anything you put your mind to! Now Grammie and Grampie can watch you play ball and hockey again. So many great memories. R.I.P.
John Schella
March 19, 2015
R.I.P Smoke-Stack.We had many laughs to-gether and great success on the ice.
Dave Roberts
March 17, 2015
Smoke was in a class of his own, he was the best at everything he put his hand too. Hockey, Golf, Cards, and selling Hershey Products. I am proud to call him a good friend and mentor.
March 17, 2015
I was extremely fortunate to have had the pleasure of working with Smokey at Hershey for a number of years. Smokey was the kindest, most caring, most sincere, and the funniest person I have ever met. I will always have such wonderful memories of him. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you.
Murray Greig
March 17, 2015
One of Trail's greatest athletes, and a fine and gracious gentleman who always put his teammates first. More telling, perhaps, was that Don always had time to talk openly and honestly with members of the media. Thanks for the memories, Smokey!
Glenn Pollock
March 17, 2015
As a 35 year resident of Port Coquitlam who also grew up in Trail, I will be mentioning Don's passing at the next meeting of Port Coquitlam City Council. My condolences go to his family.
Maxwell B. Williams
March 17, 2015
A real legend who will be missed.
Mal Turner
March 17, 2015
Mal Turner, formerly of Calgary, remembers Smokey McLeod as a "real hockey player, never got out of shape".....
JOE CHIARIZIO
March 17, 2015
R.I.P. SMOKEY GREAT PLAYING WITH YOU, HAVE GREAT MEMORIES
Dayel Peterson
March 16, 2015
RIP Smokey! So many wonderful memories watching you play!
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
Make a Donation
in Don MCLEOD's name
How to support Don's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Don MCLEOD's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
