CHARLES WILLIAM "PETE" CONACHER

It is with great sadness that the family of Pete Conacher announces his passing on October 20, 2024, in his 93rd year. Pete was born in Toronto in 1932, and was the eldest son of the late Charlie Conacher and Noreen Conacher (Spratt). He was predeceased by his parents; and is survived by his loving wife and partner of 65 years, Ann (Randle); his brothers, Brad (Linda Yule) of Toronto, and Scott (Eunmi) of Sooke, BC; and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. Pete lived all of his life in Toronto. He began his hockey career in 1943 with the Leaside PeeWees. He went on to play for the North Toronto Kinsmen Terriers, where he would be a Minor Bantam finalist. At the age of 16, he became the property of the Chicago Blackhawks and was sent to their OHA affiliate, the Galt Black Hawks. In his pro career, he played in the NHL for the Chicago Blackhawks, the New York Rangers, and the Toronto Maple Leafs, but spent most of his career with the Hershey Bears in the AHL. In 1959, he would play for the Belleville McFarlands and go on to win the World Championship in Prague, which was one of his proudest moments. In 1966, Pete married the love of his life. Peter and Ann spent many years at their Georgian Bay property in the Sans Souci area. It was sharing this island with Ann about which Peter was the most passionate. Peter's contribution to the fabric and culture of the community was immeasurable. He was an active member of the Sans Souci Copperhead Association, served on its Board, and was always busy with its causes. He could usually be found at the local community center, either fundraising, maintaining the property, participating in the many committees, or simply playing a game of tennis and making it look way too easy. Pete could always be counted on to help others, whether it was rescuing wayward boats from imminent danger, fighting cottage fires, or simply helping people dock their boats with a warm smile and a firm handshake. While at the island, he always had a construction project going on. Peter was active in not just the local cottage association, but also the larger Parry Sound district where he was inducted in to the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame in 2010. After ending his professional career in 1966, he would join the NHL Oldtimers Hockey Club and would play charity hockey games across Canada. Pete would go on to a successful career as a floor trader on Bay Street until his retirement. He skated and lunched with his hockey buddies well into his late 80's. In retirement, Pete lent his time as a Past President of the Ontario chapter of Special Olympics Canada. He served on the Boards of the Charlie Conacher Cancer Research Fund at the then Toronto General Hospital and the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Georgian Bay Land Trust, the West Parry Sound Health Centre, or the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation would be greatly appreciated. Visitation will be at Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre, 375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto. Hours are Friday, November 1st, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., and Sunday, November 3rd, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 to 4:00 p,m. After a private family service, he will be interred in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.