Donald LONEY

LONEY, Donald John November 16, 1923 - June 19, 2004 Veteran, Athlete, Coach, Artist With great sadness the family of Don Loney announce his passing on June 19, 2004 at Sherbrooke, Nova Scotia, after a courageous and lengthy battle with cancer. Don was in his 81st year. He was born in Ottawa, November 16, 1923, the son of Joseph and Florence Loney (Sawyer). He attended High School in Montreal. He served with the Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War. He enjoyed a successful career in the Canadian Football League where he was the recipient of the Jeff Russell Trophy as the MVP in the Eastern Conference. In 1967, he was the recipient of the the Confederation Medal (Canada). He was a member of two Grey Cup champion teams. Although an outstanding player, his greatest contribution to football was as a coach and builder. He is regarded as the "father" of Canadian Football in the Maritimes. His coaching career began at HMCS Stadacona in 1953. In 1957, he was named head football coach at St. Francis Xavier University. For the next seventeen years he compiled one of the best records in Canadian College football including a Canadian College Bowl Championship. In recognition for his contribution to Canadian football as both a player and builder, he was inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame; the St. F.X. Sports Hall of Fame; the City of Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame; the Canadian Forces Sports Hall of Fame; and the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame. He was a noted artist and particularly enjoyed painting Canadian Navy ships of World War Two. A special love were his reproductions in oils, of many railroad scenes. Don will be especially missed by his brother Ted and sister-in-law Jan, and his brother-in-law Dan Marcus of Ottawa, Ontario. He was a favourite uncle to one niece and five nephews, Heather Scott (Loney), Phillip, Chris and David Marcus; and Byron and Bruce Loney; and will be fondly remembered by his thirteen great-nieces and nephews in Ottawa, Sudbury, Waterloo and London, Ontario. They all loved and respected their "Uncle Don". Don leaves behind a large extended family of many friends and former players, young men whose lives he touched profoundly in his role as mentor and football coach. He will be affectionately remembered by his Naval colleagues, sports associates and many friends and fellow artists world wide. He was predeceased by his sister Audrey. Cremation has take place. A Memorial Service to celebrate Don's life will be held at the Chapel of St. F.X. University at 2:30, Saturday, June 26th. A reception will follow at the University. Interment will take place at the family plot in Ottawa at a later date. Special thanks to the doctors and nurses at St. Martha's Hospital, Antigonish and St. Mary's Hospital, Sherbrooke for their compassion, care and understanding. In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, a memorial donation in Don's name may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Arrangements are in the care of C.L. Curry Funeral Service, Antigonish. Online condolences: www.clcurry.com