Lidio Fogolin

It is with great sadness that the children of Lee Fogolin announce his passing in St. Joseph's Hospice on Wednesday, November 29, 2000. Lee was born in Fort William on February 27, 1927, having attended elementary and secondary schools Fort William prior to the commencement of his hockey career. Lee's hockey talents led him to an 11 year professional career, which included a Stanley Cup title. His hockey career began first with the Galt Red Wings of the OHA Junior A League, leaving behind his family and friends in the East End at the age of 16. During his four years with Galt, Lee was named the team's best defenceman and was a league all star. After brief minor league stops in both Omaha and Indianapolis, Lee was called up by the Detroit Red Wings in 1948, where he played under General Manager Jack Adams and alongside such players as Gordie Howe, Ted Lindsay, Red Kelly and Pete Babando. Lee always described himself as the "blue collar guy", earning a solid reputation for his tough style and defensive skills. The height of his hockey career came as a member of the Detroit Red Wing's Stanley Cup championship team. Lee was later traded to the Chicago Blackhawks where his talents were recognized, being selected as a member of the 1951 NHL All Star Team's Defensive Line-up. Retiring as a player did not lessen his love of hockey, with his greatest thrill to come during the 1961-62 season when he coached the senior Port Arthur Bearcats to the Ahearne Cup, winning the championship game in Stockholm, Sweden. Lee's coaching career ended in 1970 with the Thunder Bay Twins, providing 4 decades of support to his passion for the game of hockey. He was inducted into the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in 1988 as an athlete and in 1989 as a member and coach of the 1961-62 Port Arthur Senior Bearcats Hockey Club. Lee became an active member of the city's business community . . . first in partnership with his brother-in-law John Trevisanutto, operating a Hodder Avenue Grocery Store, Garage and Gas Bar. The business later expanded to become Halfway Motors. Lee next became a member of the China Group with Great Lakes Steel and prior to his retirement was in partnership with his son-in-law Robert with the purchase of Centennial Golf Centre. Second only to Lee's passion to the sport of hockey was his gifted art of woodworking. Lee will be lovingly remembered by his daughters Vicki Polischuk (Robert) and Dr. Jane Fogolin, son Lee Fogolin, Jr. (Carol), grandchildren Daniel and Rachel Polischuk and Rory and Michael Fogolin, sister Veila Trevisanutto as well as by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives. Lee was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Vittoria, brother-in-law John and a nephew in infancy. Funeral services for the late Lee Fogolin will be held on Saturday, December 2nd when family and friends will gather in St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church for Requiem Mass beginning at 9:30 a.m. celebrated by Rev. Lino Santi c.s. Entombment to follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation for friends will be from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Friday (this evening) in the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 N. Court Street with Prayers beginning at 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the St. Joseph's Hospice would be appreciated.MISS MEBUT LET ME GOWhen I come tothe end of the roadAnd the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom-filled room, Why cry for a soul set free?Miss me a little,but not for too long,And not with your head bowed low.Remember the love that we once shared,Miss me, but let me go,For this is a journey we all must takeAnd each must go alone,Its part of the Master's plan, A step on the road to home,So when you are lonely and sick at heartGo to the friends we knowAnd bury your sorrows in doing good deeds, Miss me, but let me go."