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Wade Belak Obituary
Belak is the third NHL enforcer found dead since May.
The Predators learned of Belak's death from NHL security and the team issued a statement saying the organization was shocked and sadden by his sudden and untimely death.
"Wade was a beloved member of the organization, a terrific teammate and wonderful father and husband who will be greatly missed," according to the Predators' statement. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Jennifer and children Andie and Alex. We offer our full support to them at this very difficult time."
Toronto police spokesman Tony Vella said officers found a man dead when called at 1:40 p.m. EDT Wednesday at a hotel and condo complex. Vella said "foul play is not suspected in the ongoing investigation" into Belak's death.
Belak was scheduled to work as a sideline reporter on Nashville television broadcasts this season. The 6-foot-5, 233-pound forward played for Colorado, Calgary, Toronto, Florida and finished his career with Nashville, playing in 549 career NHL games with eight goals, 25 assists and 1,263 penalty minutes.
He fought 136 times during his 14-year NHL career, according to hockeyfights.com.
Belak is the third NHL tough guy who has died this offseason.
Winnipeg's Rick Rypien was found dead at the age of 27 earlier this month at his home in Alberta after a police official said a call was answered for a "sudden and non-suspicious" death. Former Rangers enforcer Derek Boogaard died in May at 28 due to an accidental mix of alcohol and the painkiller oxycodone.
After Rypien's death, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said he expected the NHL to review its substance abuse and behavioral health program.
"We're talking about such a short period of time," said Craig Button, who was the general manager of the Calgary Flames when Belak played there early in his career, told The Canadian Press. "It's not only about the deaths, it's the deaths that surround similar type players. ... It's not just getting hit in the head, it's everything that goes with that (enforcer) role. I think that people are paying very, very serious attention to concussions and blows to the head and the role of the enforcer.
"I don't think anybody can stop until we really understand the impact it has not only physically, but emotionally as well."
Predators forward Blake Geoffrion sent his prayers to Belak's family on Twitter.
"Wade Belak was one of funniest dudes I had ever met. Just was with him earlier this summer. Can't believe it," Geoffrion tweeted.
Bettman released a statement calling Belak a player who competed every minute of his career.
"Our hearts go out to Wade's loved ones, his friends, his former teammates and to all who feel the horrible void left by this tragedy," Bettman said.
Executive director Don Fehr issued a statement sending condolences to Belak's family from the NHL Players' Association.
"His affable personality made him popular with teammates, fans and media, and he was a hardworking, respected member of the Association. He will undoubtedly be greatly missed throughout the entire hockey community," Fehr said.
Belak recently travelled to Toronto to be a contestant on the CBC show "Battle of the Blades."
"He was very excited that he was having an opportunity to maybe change his career and get into some commentating work," former Toronto coach Pat Quinn told The Canadian Press. "I was excited for him, too. It was kind of one of those nice meetings where you walk away happy. He seemed delighted this was going on."
Over the last week, Belak was interviewed a number of times after being selected to the "Battle of the Blades" cast and fielded questions about the deaths of the other two players.
He was scheduled to appear on TSN Radio with Bryan Hayes on Wednesday afternoon, but when the cab arrived to pick him up to take him to the interview, Belak didn't show up.
"We just figured that he forgot or he had something else come up and in radio we had to move on," Hayes told CP24. "To think that the reason he didn't show up was because he had passed away is pretty crazy."
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
121 Entries
Lin Vidulich
August 31, 2012
May your smiling in heaven with the angels, as you did here with us.
A year has gone by without you, how we miss you so….With a heavy heart I will always remember you as such as beautiful man. May God bless you and may you rest in peace always…
May God look over the Belak girls and family
October 15, 2011
I am very sorry about your loss. The bible tells us at Isaiah 29: 8, 9 that death will be swallowed up and there will be no more tears.
Kerry Kubik
October 6, 2011
Rest in peace buddy!
I will never forget some of the great partys we attended at Jackfish lake.You were always a standup guy and I enjoyed talking with you every time you came home or stopped by the Windsor for a beer during the parade. My family and I have sent many prayers to your family during this difficult time in their lives.
God Bless
How you can show support
KEITH TARALA
September 30, 2011
Rest In Peace Wade.
For someone I never had the opportunity to meet, other than seeing him at Riverdale Farm with his daughter about 4 summers ago, I have a very soft spot in my heart for this man. He was the talk of the town while in Toronto and will never be forgotten. Wade made this impression on people that will last a lifetime. He was always happy, and never seemed to mind answering whatever was thrown his way. I've spent the last few weeks watching his fights on you tube and also those "Wade a Minute" skits that he did while in Toronto.
Wade you will always be missed but never forgotten.
My thoughts are with his 3 girls at this very very tough time.
September 9, 2011
My sincere condolences to the Belak family on your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you as you cope.
Phil Perrier
September 7, 2011
Jennifer Andie & Alex, I respectfully accept that in some small indirect way, being a previous seasons ticket holder, I have or shall I say feel some responsibility for your loss... I genuinely apologize for your pain, your loss and the challenges you will face in the future as the fallout from this tragedy unravells.
Most respectfully,
Phil
Wayne Lewis
September 6, 2011
We pray for Mrs. Belak and her girls. Please know that we are your support.
Valerie
September 6, 2011
One of my fav memories of Wade is from a TV re-model design show where they had their condo in Toronto updated to make it more of a home. It was rather bare and industrial-looking if my memory serves. When the host brought them in for the reveal part of the program, Wade admired the changes and then promptly jumped on the couch to make sure he could watch hockey at the right angles and there would be room for his buds to watch tv with him. You can't be a Leafs fan and not have loved Wade on our team. His interviews after games were never boring - lots of laughs, and always quick to defend his teammates. Even if he didn't play that evening, the reporters still liked to find him for his take on the game. Sincere condolences to his family and friends. RIP, Wade.
Theresa Campbell
September 5, 2011
Please accept my condolences during this time of saddness. May the God of all comfort give you peace and strength to endure.
Claire Faulkner
September 5, 2011
I will cherish the memories forever! Love to all Wade's family and friends at this tragic time. Another angel is in heaven. RIP Wade x
Rebekah Hanson
September 5, 2011
To the Belak, Rypien and Boogaard families, Our hearts and prayers go out to you all. The joy, excitement and fun that we as fans had watching these young men play is measureless. However saddened and shocked we are we know it must be a thousand times worse for each of you. Thank-you for sharing your sons,husbands, brothers, grandchildren and nephews with us. We know in our hearts that the three of them are together in Heaven where there is no penalty box. Joking, laughing and try to show up each others scars. May God hold you in the Palm of His Hand and carry you through this time of great sorrow.
Danielle Paquette
September 5, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss.
Barbara Sheppard
September 5, 2011
I was a big fan of Wade Belak, and am still in shock over the news of his untimely death. You couldn't help but love the guy, watching him with his team, on the ice, that smile lit up a room. I especially enjoyed getting to see and hear Wade in interviews (Kathryn Humphries, CityTV) where he was playful and fun and made her laugh. What an amazing guy. My condolences to his family and friends.
kelly tinkler
September 5, 2011
Take care young man your strenth shall carry you. A very nice man proud of you watching you in jr hockey was great thanks for what you did for minor hockey in SASKATOON RIP Wade.....
Richard Charron
September 5, 2011
Rest In Peace. My deepest sympathies to the Belak family
K. and L. Rose
September 5, 2011
In loving memory of a wonderful person and player. Our condolences to the Belak family, former teammates and friends. He will be missed!
Rick Adams
September 5, 2011
Gone way to early. You were a great Leaf and a great hockey player. Who played his role very well. RIP Wade you will be truely missed by the fans and the hockey world.
Matt Branscombe
September 5, 2011
I'm so sorry too hear about your loss. I loved Wade as a player, espically when he was in Toronto. My thoughts and prayers are with you through these tough times.
Matt Wood
September 5, 2011
The lord always takes the best to soon...Words can never describe a person like Wade.He's brought me so many memories that will live with me forever and that I'll never forget.
-RIP- Going to miss you Wade.
Julie Durocher
September 4, 2011
My husband & I will always treasure what a wonderful guy Wade was to our little boy at a Leafs game one night! He saw my 6 yr. old son waiting shyly with his father in the hallway outside the locker room wearing his Leafs jersey after the game against Pittsburgh (Crosby's first NHL game on Canadian ice). Wade came right over and said, "Hey big guy. How's it going?" and then offered to sign his jersey with the marker I'd packed in my son's jean pocket. He was so warm, kind, and genuine! We treasure that signature on that jersey so much! Our entire family is so saddened and sorry for your loss. Our hearts go out to all of his family and friends.
September 4, 2011
My thoughts and prayers to the Belak family, friends and teammates.. we missed you as a Leaf and you will be missed in Life.. god bless..
September 4, 2011
Wade, I loved you in Toronto and I missed you when you were traded. I watched you on LEAFS TV and enjoyed it so much. I was so sad when I heard of your passing. God bless you and your family.
Tanya Toronto Maple Leafs number one fan....
Les
September 4, 2011
My condolences to all of the Belak family. I never met him but we all respected him and we'll miss him too.
Jessie Black
September 4, 2011
Wade, I hope you have found peace. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends. May God bless you all and thank you, Wade, for being a Leaf.
September 4, 2011
John, Bob, Boogey and Rip now unfortunately have the last linemate.
Condolences from Denmark to the Belak Family.
Sue Smith
September 4, 2011
My sincerest condolences to the entire Belak family, at this very difficult time. Wade will forever live our in hearts, as he was an amazing person!
God Bless you Wade, and enter into your new journey. Sue, Niagara Falls
your buds,
September 4, 2011
You will be missed, we loved you dearly, thanks for all the good times. We will have the great memories forever, and we will never forget to smile when someone mentions your name. Thanks for being you.
Chris
September 4, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to Wade's family and friends. I was able to watch him play some junior games and you could just tell he was one heck of a guy then.
David & Vicki Dutton
September 4, 2011
Wishing the joy he spontaneously shared, be his lasting legacy. We are truly sorry.
Barry
September 4, 2011
R I P Wade you were one of my favorite Leaf players and a great sense of humour
September 4, 2011
Jen and all the Belak family, our thoughts and prayers are with you on this very sad day. We are very proud Pred's fans and we loved Wade. He was a fun loving guy, wonderful father and good neighbor. RIP Wade, your smile will be missed on the jumbotron at the arena!
T&V Pred's fan!
Deborah Ingraham
September 4, 2011
My first introduction to Wade Belak was the show Wade a Minute with Jody Vance. I was so impressed with his natural ability to have fun and make people laugh. The news of his passing was unbelievable. My heart goes out to his family and friends. What a devastating loss.
Georgia
September 4, 2011
My condolences to the family in your time of sorrow. Know that you can rely on God to comfort your heart at this time. Psalms34:18
Ana
September 4, 2011
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Vicki B.
September 3, 2011
Wade, you are so dearly, truly missed. I pray that wherever you are, you have peace... and that your family will also find peace.
Denise Belnoski
September 3, 2011
Thoughts and prayers are with the family. RIP. God bless you all.
Heather Mohr
September 3, 2011
Our hearts go out to Jen and the girls, Barry & Lorraine, and the entire family. Wade will always be remembered by us as a friend, a hero, and a shining star. We can only hope that he finds comfort in the arms of those dear to our hearts, awaiting him in heaven. Sending you love and hugs from home.
Love , Heather & Jason Mohr (Clavet, Sk.)
Vivian Shehane
September 3, 2011
Wade left us with warm and funny memories. He was a wonderful guy. God bless his family. Rest in peace Wade. We love you.
Glenna Boedker
September 3, 2011
Wade, Nashville will always love you and miss you. You made a southern girl love hockey, thank you! We will surround your family in prayer, Rest in Peace.
Jenny Lynn
September 3, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to Wade's family and friends. My heart is so heavy with sorrow. Wade was a great man and alway able to put a smile on anyone's face. I met him at a meet and Greet when he first came to Nashville and every time I ran into him he remembered my name. For meeting so many people that meant a lot. May the memories keep your hearts filled with his love and laugher. It will be what keeps us all going.
Ivana Severin
September 3, 2011
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Wade. I am a big fan and was looking forward to seeing him on Battle of the Blades. I am attending a special benefit next month for the Centre for addiction and Mental Health and I will be thinking of Wade and others as well. God Bless!
Sandie
September 3, 2011
To Wade Belak's parents, his wife and two children:
Not a day goes by when I don't think of my son who took his life age 19 years and 51 weeks old. It has been 13 years this October and when these events happen in the news all the pain and sorrow returns.
But remember the wonderful times you had with your son; your husband and your dad. These memories will make you thankful that God gave you,Wade, to brighten your world and make you a better person because of his love.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this most difficult time.
Randie& Brian Woytiuk
September 3, 2011
So sorry for your loss, you are all in our thoughts and prayers
therese danis
September 3, 2011
May you continue to receive comfort and may you always remember the love he had for each one of you. Shalom,
Elaine Cole
September 3, 2011
OUr sincere sympathy to the Belak family
September 3, 2011
my prays go out to the family
Karen Radyk
September 3, 2011
Deepest sympathies to the Belak families - Wade was a big hero in the small town of North Battleford. It was an honour to have him play for the Team. Rest In Peace - and you may be gone, but never forgotten!
Shirley
September 3, 2011
To the family of Wade Belak:
May God give you comfort and peace during this time of sorrow.
September 3, 2011
My deepest condolences to Jenn and her family. RIP Wade
Perry Chittick
September 3, 2011
I always admired how Wade conducted himself on and off the ice. My thoughts and prayers are with the Belak family and his NHL friends.
VICTOR N VANDERHEVELJR
September 2, 2011
MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY AN FRIENDS OF WADE BELAK A TRULY GREAT PERSON ALL AROUND GREAT HOCKEY PLAYER RIP WADE YOUR WITH GOD NOW YOUR IN MY PRAYERS!!
Jason Vogelgesang
September 2, 2011
To the Belak Family: My deepest sympathy to all of you at this difficult time. I myself have battled depression and its so unfortunate that this happened to such a fun loving & family guy like Wade.
I enjoyed following Wade's career from his junior days in Saskatoon to Nashville. RIP Beeks, I will never forget you.
michelle plakas-kaiser
September 2, 2011
rip
hyde
September 2, 2011
After reading the information on Mr Belak's death and the two other gentlemen it's such a shock that at such a young age these persons are gone. To the family of Mr. Belak you have my deepest symphaty for your loss. May the God who gives comfort to all camfort you in your time of sorrow. Remember the good times and aren't we glad that our Creator gives us the ability to remember.
lara dutton
September 2, 2011
hey wade hard to believe you're gone you were larger then life to a small town
you will be missed more then you would have know
September 2, 2011
So sorry for your loss, my heart goes out to all his family, friends and fans. God Bless and we will keep you all in our prayers......RIP Wade....
Guy Walker
September 2, 2011
I am proud to say that I had the opportunity to know you as a youngster before your years in the NHL...was and always will be a fan of the big hearted kid from the Battlefords who was known everywhere. RIP Wade
RAY/MARILYN COTE
September 2, 2011
WE WILL MISS YOUR SMILE WADE! WE ARE SO FORTUNATE TO HAVE KNOWN YOU AS YOU GREW INTO THE MAN YOU BECAME. YOUR THOUGHFULNESS AND YOUR HUMOR AND OH MY! THAT SMILE. REST IN PEACE WADE! WE WILL ALWAYS BE YOUR GREATEST FANS!
Sandra Uhlig
September 2, 2011
WOW!! Wade,still hard to believe you're gone. You had a infectious personality and as one person put it you was a gentle giant. We were so very lucky to have known you. You made us laugh alot and we loved being around you. You didn't forget your fans and always took time to say hi and give a hug. We will miss you so very much. We are so deeply saddened by your passing it just doesn't seem real. Our hearts and prayers go out to Jennifer and the girls, may the lord give them strength to make it through this. R.I.P. my friend we will always cherish knowing you.
Pred Ed and Sandy
September 2, 2011
Beeker,
Loved watching you play the game and the smile you always brought to my face when interviewed. Keep your head up & stick on the ice on the great pond upstairs Wade. Godspeed!
david smith
September 2, 2011
Beeker,
Loved watching you play the game and the smile you always brought to my face when interviewed. Keep your head up & stick on the ice on the great pond upstairs Wade. Godspeed!
donna smith
September 2, 2011
Do not mourn for me for I have not left you, look into the eyes of my children and you will find me there! My deepest sympathy. d smith
A Mom
September 2, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Susy
September 2, 2011
Whenever someone leaves us, it is a difficult time for everyone. My thoughts are with your family and friends. Be strong. Share your love together. Only time can heal. Rest in peace Wade.
Susan Pellegrino
September 2, 2011
I am continuously praying for Mrs. Belak and Wade's two daughters now, they are the ones who need prayer. May God bless you.
September 2, 2011
We are all Canucks out here in Vancouver but our entire family sends it's deepest most heartfelt condolences to Wade's family friends and team mates on the loss of a lovely man. May God carry you in your darkest hour.
Eddie Boone
September 2, 2011
Tragic - he was well admired for his humanity. God Bless
LISA LEE HARP WAUGH
September 2, 2011
My most heartfelt prayers goes out to his beloved family, friends and all his fans. And I was certainly one of them.
Brian Zinger
September 2, 2011
One of my favourite Leafs. He was so soft spoken when he talked but so hard edged on the ice. He gave a lot of his money and time to many charities and was one of the best interviews for sports reporters. I loved how Don Cherry spoke of him on Coaches Corner and enjoyed watching his show on Leafs TV.
I hope the NHL does something to help other depressed players. Perhaps constant hits to the head cause bad reactions and affect personalities. If his death contributes to this, it may be part of his legacy. I and all other Leaf fans hope you are at peace now. I am not usually that emotional but I have to go as I can hardly see the keyboard through the tears. Love to Wade, his family and to the other players fighting depression. Go Leafs Go.
Tanya Hawtin
September 2, 2011
I wish your family & friends all the love and strength during this tragic time. I didn't know Wade personally but whenever I saw him being interviewed he always made me laugh. He will always live on in the hearts of his beautiful children. RIP Wade, you will be missed.
Brigitte Tolton
September 2, 2011
Shocking, oh so shocking!!!! Words can not express the sadness I feel, my thoughts and prayers to Wade's Family. May God and time help you heal.
Rick Romain
September 2, 2011
Wade - we loved you so much here in Toronto. You are gone far to soon but you will never be forgotten. Your smiling face, your humour and your personality made you very special. May you rest in peace.
September 2, 2011
"To the family of Wade Belak. May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow.(1Cor1:3,4). I know Wade will be missed by many." Neighbor, Alabama
Ginnie Crossman
September 2, 2011
God Bless the Family of Wade Belak. May God's presence be with you at this time to give you love and strength.
Beth
September 2, 2011
My condolences to the Belak family. May the words found at Job14:13-15 bring you comfort.
Feiko Miedema
September 2, 2011
Our thoughts go out to Wade's family and friends. He was a great guy and will be missed dearly by everyone.
Rest in peace Wade, goodbye
Sarah Boyko
September 2, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the belak family at this difficult time. He will never be forgotten and he will be greatly missed
Ieesha
September 1, 2011
RIP Wade :-(
s. VanB
September 1, 2011
We're so sorry to hear of Wade's passing. Our hearts go out to your family, Wade. We pray for their peace and understanding. Thank you for being part of the Blade's organization, we enjoyed watching you play.
John Evans
September 1, 2011
Rest in peace Wade and god bless your family.
Doug Sharp
September 1, 2011
At 55 yrs old I had spent 54 yrs an hr south of Detroit .I was never a Hockey Fan.After meeting Wade during Community Day when he and Cody Franson were working in a drive thru at a Hardees in Nashville I became a Predators Fan and a HUGE Wade Belak Fan.Thank You Wade !! My thoughts and prayers are with Wade's Family . Friends, and Teammates. R.I.P Wade .You will always be a part of Smashville God Bless!!
G. Binder
September 1, 2011
A sad day for everyone. Thoughts and prayers to Mrs.Belak and girls.
September 1, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. RIP Wade.
Lisa Moroe
September 1, 2011
RIP Wade Belak. I was a season ticket holder for the Nashville Predators and enjoyed watching Wade play hockey. He made the sport even more interesting. I hope that his family and friends feel the warmth of God's touch and hope that Wade rests in peace.
Brian
September 1, 2011
I am not a fan of the Leafs, but I always looked forward to seeing him play and hearing what he had to say in interviews. He always came across as a straight shooter, and very humerous. It was refreshing to see - something you don't see in sports much anymore. The world seems a little darker today.
RIP - and condolences to his friends and family.
September 1, 2011
my condolence to belak family
god bless you.
Betty
September 1, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and children and the entire Belak Family. So sad.
Alex
September 1, 2011
R.I.P. to an incredible hockey player and a great person. The world will miss you both on the ice and off. Best wishes to family and those close to him.
R.I.P. Wade Belak
Ryan Murphy
September 1, 2011
I was very sad to hear of the passing of Wade Belak as a Toronto Maple Leaf fan I loved the time he spent in Toronto and he will be sadly missed. My thoughs and prayers go to his wife and kids and the entire Belak family.Rest in peace Wade you will be missed
Les & Brian Clark
September 1, 2011
We are so saddened by Wade's death. At the lake, he was such a gentleman, with a great sense of humour. Our prayers go out to his wife, his girls, Lorraine, Barry and Graham. We mourn with you. RIP Wade.
Dawn
September 1, 2011
May you rest in peace. You were a blessing to this world, and your smiling face will be missed in the Nashville area.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
September 1, 2011
So sad to hear of the news on Wade Belak.My heart goes out to the Belak family and friends.Watched Wade play quite a bit on TV with the Leafs and always thought that maybe he would end up in Edmonton some time.
You are to young to be gone so soon.
RIP Wade
Pat Schoffstoll
September 1, 2011
Wade brought smiles to so many faces. You will be sadly missed,Wade. My prayers are with your loved ones.
jennifer bond
September 1, 2011
I hope that u r now no longer suffering. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family..U will be missed greatly..U were an amazing person on and off the ice. may u now and forever rest in peace.U were a gentle giant..
Paul B
September 1, 2011
He was a great athlete and role model. I watched him as a kid playing for the Saskatoon Blades and looked up to him as a person. My most sincere condolences. We mourn with you on this sad day. RIP Wade
Leanne
September 1, 2011
So saddened by this news. A great LEAF and player. Your family is in our prayers.
Bert
September 1, 2011
For wade
Humberto
September 1, 2011
Will never forget his Toronto days. Thanks Wade for the great times
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