John Anthony "Tony" PROUDFOOT

My heartfelt sympathy to the entire Proudfoot family for your great loss. My husband died of ALS in 2007, also at the age of 61, and I have followed Tony's journey with admiration and empathy for him as well as for the family. I felt moved by his courage at the ALS walks at which I have been volunteering, especially the last one. May you find strength in this difficult time.

my deepest sympathies. Tony was my phys.ed teacher at Dawson in 1987....he was by far my favourite teacher and he taught me how to be a great skier. I was so saddened when I learned he had ALS and I followed his heartfelt, courageous journey through the Gazette. I hope he is at peace now, I will always remember his larger than life presence and humble personality - you were all truly blessed.

To the Proudfoot Family:
We were saddened by the loss of Tony and the suffering he must have endured.
From what we know, through Patti's marriage to Rick, and his exploits as an Alouette, his work with young people, he was a fine man. Those who knew him will feel a great loss.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
May God be with him and you.
Mary and Herb de Bray

Dear Michael,
We would like to express our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Our thoughts are with you at this very difficult time.

To the Proudfoot Family:

I was sorry to hear of Tony's death. I met Tony only once, when my brother Buck MacDonald and sister-in-law Jo asked him to join us for a game of golf at Whitlock. At that time, his voice was weak, but his spirit and energy did not falter. He walked the whole course carrying his clubs on his back. I was in awe of his determination to finish the game to the end. What a trooper! Since then, my brother has kept me informed of his illness, and I have read his articles in the newspaper as well. What an inspiration to us all!
My condolences to Patti and Rick and their family and to Jane and her family. May your memories of Tony sustain you and guide you forever. He was truly a canadian icon.

Monica(MacDonald)Shouldice, Ottawa, On.

To the Proudfoot Family:

Tony was an inspiration to all.
My sister died of this dreadful disease.
My most heartfelt sympathy.

Jo Anne Kelly Rudy

Words often cannot express what the heart wishes to say. My condolences to you all.

To the Proudfoot family
My sincere condolences,i did not know Tony but he was a great inspiration to all of us out here suffering from different diseases ,he and i shared the same doctor and he has taught me to "suck it up"God's speed Tony God is waiting for a perfect coach

My deepest sympathy to Vicki, Lindsey, Lauren, and Michael. You have been in my thoughts throughout this long journey.
My memories of are of the summers you all spent at Nominingue along with my children and family members.
My condolences.
Catherine Hendershott Weber

Hell of a fight Mr. Proudfoot. May your heart soar like a hawk

I had the privilege of being a majorette for the Alouettes when Tony was playing, a true gentleman if there ever was one. He was an inspiration to all who knew him on and off the field. May your wonderful memories be a comfort to you at this time. Rest in Peace Tony.

My deepest sympathy to the Proudfoots. I was so sad to read about Tony. I remember him and the rest of his siblings, growing up in Pointe Claire and attending elementary and high school with them. My condolences on your loss.

To the Proudfoot family my deepest condolences. Tony was the ultimate teammate,he was truly an inspiration to me and all who were around him.It was an honor to have known him.

Gone too soon. Our sincere condolences to the family.

To The Proudfoot Family
Our deepest Condolences to you all
Your husband and your fatheris a great man.We did not know Tony,but we certainly knew of him and knew that he was a great humen being.
We do remember the great football game that will always be remember as one of the great games ever
Mr.Proudfoot may not be here with us, but Tony will always be in our hearts.

Our deepest Sympathy to all the Proudfoots and their Familys in this very difficult time. Tony is no longer suffering and is now the Angel he was meant to be.

Mike and Shary Clairmont & Family Halifax NS

Our condolences to Vicki and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Tony was such a big help to my brother Ian who is also suffering with this dreadful disease. His positive attitude and courage has had a great affect on him, which we thank-you.

Barry & Judy Wright,
Peterborough, Ont

To the Proudfoot Family, and all of Tony's friends,please accept my heartfelt sympathy.Tony was an inspiration to me, as I know he was to anyone who had the good fortune to know him.

I knew Tony from the golf club and played many games with him at Whitlock. He never complained about his illness and always had that smile on his face. Never once did he show any contempt towards what was to become his demise. Too often we misplace or bestow the word hero on a person. Tony was a true "HERO" and he achieved this distinction quietly and unceremoniously by the way he lived his life, both in health and in sickness. We can all learn from this man..

Alex / Hudson

So sorry for your loss. Tony inspired many with his years of public struggle with ALS. His writing will remain etched in my mind for years to come. Brutally up front and honest, thanks Tony for the insights into your fight for life. God Bless.

Our condolences to Tony's family in this difficult time. He was and will continue to be an example of determination, excellence, courage and service for us all. May memories of joyful times together surround you as you honour and celebrate a life well lived.

Bruce & Janice Grant
Richmond Ontario

Dear Proudfoot family,
My sincere condolences to you for your loss. Tony was a great man and a true inspiration. I was lucky to spend a good amount of time with him on several Alouettes hockey tour trips and he was always so kind to me. I hope you find some peace in your time of mourning in knowing how amazing Tony was and that he will always be remembered.
Noah

Our deepest sympathy to the Proudfoot family. Tony's courage over the past four years could only be described as heroic.

Our condolences to all the family, extended family of Tony and Vicki.

My condolences to the Proudfoot family. I remember, like it was yesterday, our days at JRHS in Pointe Claire in the mid-sixties. You were a good friend and I envied you and your accomplishments. RIP Tony - you will be missed.

Sincerest sympathy on the death of Tony. I do not know any of you personally, but I followed Tony's struggles in the Gazette and was profoundly moved by his experience as it was so close to my husband's, who died of A.L.S. in 2004.
Catherine Duffy

Dear Proudfoot family, we are so sorry for your loss of Tony. Such a strong man, right to the goal line. We are very proud to have known him.

To the Proudfoot family, please accept my deepest sympathies as your mourn the loss of Tony. He will be missed.
Montreal Alouettes Ass't Trainer
1968-1978

To the Proudfoot family,

I would like to offer my heartfelt sympathies to you for your loss.

Many years ago, I had the privilege to meet Mr. Proudfoot. During a weekend in spring 1999, I had the opportunity to take a coaching course along with Mr. Proudfoot. During that course, he generously shared his knowledge and wonderful sense of humour!

I felt much admiration for his courage and determination during his difficult battle with ALS. As I struggle with my own personnal health issues, I try to keep in mind his motto of "Suck it up" and "No whining allowed". He is and will remain an inspiration!

Extending heart felt sympathy to the entire Proudfoot family. I feel honoured that I was able to spend some time with Tony when he attempted to go on a canoeing of the St. Croix River over a year ago. Tony never made it on the trip due to complications with his health but, he shared some wonderful stories and a few laughs with his old friends....it's a great memory that I will always cherish. Rest In Peace Tony. Allison Baker

My father, Barry Thompson, was a Professor of Tony's at UNB who was always proud of every student in the BPE program and especially of Tony's success in football and as an educator. As a teenager I had heard the name Proudfoot at UNB Red Bomber games. Barry passed away himself in 2009 but he knew of Tony's fight with ALS. I wish to extend our deepest sympathy and condolences on his behalf, myself, and on behalf of my family. Tony's strength inspired us all.

Vicky and the Proudfoot Family.
We knew Tony through our fathers, who were friends, teammates and colleagues in Winnipeg, and then Montreal with Air Canada. You can be proud of him as a husband, father, friend and teammate, and that day at Dawson College, when stayed with his first aid kit, as others ran for their lives.
Quite a man.

Our remembrances and prayers.

The Williamson Family

Condolences To the Proudfoot Family.
Tony's last article to the Gazette brought quick tears to my eyes...My gentle,beloved father also suffered and passed away in front of our eyes, from this terrible disease ALS....The mystery of 'why them' will remain hidden among the stars, but meanwhile we all have work to do to help the scientists find a cure to this most terrible, distressing disease... Your last words to us all, Tony, are golden. I believe one day science will find us a cure and your wish will come true.God Bless.

Sending my deepest sympathy to the entire Proudfoot clan. May you find comfort and strength in the many memories that you made with Tony. He fought the good fight - may he now rest, pain-free, in peace.

I never really knew much about Tony Proudfoot until he announced his diagnosis of ALS. Fifteen years ago my father also struggled with this horrible disease. Fourteen months after diagnosis, he also passed away at 61. My family and I followed Tony's public battle with this devastating disease. We read his articles,we walked with him,and his family and friends at the annual walk for ALS. I would like to send my deepest condolances to Tony's family,friends and supporters. He certainly dealt with the hand he was given in the most courageous,dignified and selfless manner possible. Hopefully the awareness he has raised about this disease will prevent the suffering of others.

My condolences to Tony's family. I remember him from JRHS and even then he was known as a special guy on the football team.

My deepest sympathy to the Proudfoot family and their friends. Although I did not know Tony, his story touched my life as I remember how my mom was. Tony's eyes reflected this haunting disease, i have called it the Eyes of ALS, as it seems that most people who have this disease have the same look. May your eyes be closed in peace as your soul knows its struggle is over.
Sincerely
K S.
Saskatchewan

My deepest sympathy to the Family of a well liked and admired man. Mr Proudfoot will be remembered for his courage.Rest in Peace ...

My deepest condolences to the Proudfoot family. Tony was an icon of courage, determination and generosity. His journey should make us all want to live our best life, as he did. His life, although too brief, really mattered and his legacy will live on forever. The best tribute we can give Tony is to live courageously as he did. RIP Tony, you have earned your rest.

To Tony's family I send my sincere sympathies. Tony was a special human being one feels privileged to have known briefly. He touched many people and will be remembered.

Tony was a true hero. I have known Tony since moving to Mtl in 1979. Then, had the pleasure/honour of working the Alouettes radio broadcasts with him, in 1997. Tony was the consumate pro in every way. Also, played against Tony in Pointe Claire Oldtimers. If you were working the corner with Tony, put the hard hat on, and roll up your sleeves. All, within the context of rules and sportsmanship, of course. He wanted to win, and was a winner in every aspect of life. The way he faced an impossible challenge over almost four years with ALS, was a true inspiration and constant reminder to count our collective blessings each and every day. My condolences to Vicki and family.

My sincere condolences to the Proudfoot family. We know exactly what you are going through since our father, who had ALS as well, died 4 weeks ago at the age of 69. For the last 2 years, we were following Mr Proudfoot activities and it gave us a lot of help. We did not feel alone.This disease is a terrible one and any donations to the ALS association is welcome. Thank you so much Mr Proudfoot for all your work on making sure more people are aware of the disease.

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Sincere condolences to the Proudfoot family over the loss of a father, husband, and son. Tony showed us all what heroism is all about. He was a leader until the very end. My sympathies to all of you at this very sad time. Jane Dalton

Sincerest condoleances to the Proudfoot family.Keep him close in your hearts.

The Lemerise family

Have followed Mr. Proudfoot's courageous battle from the beginning. We have walked with him for AlS and I have corresponded with him often - always receiving a reply. My Dad passed away from ALS 38 years ago and I know what you the family has endured. May your wonderful memories and your love of this great gentelman bring you some comfort. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

My deepest condolences to the Proudfoot family. May your memories of Tony bring you comfort during this sad time.

I attended high school with Tony and was aware of his many achievements through the years but his stoic, selfless and courageous struggle against an unbeatable foe was inspiring to witness. I am confident his loved ones will find solace and cherish this remarkable legacy with the passage of time. Sincere condolences to his family.

Ted Brennan, Pointe Claire, Quebec

My deepest condolences to the Proudfoot family. Coach Proudfoot was a great Mentor and Coach. His character and teachings have been instrumental in my life. Coach will truly be missed. Thanks Coach, your legacy will always live on.

My deepest and sincerest condolences to the entire Proudfoot family. I remember the Alouettes of the 70's, I remember the broadcasts on CJAD and I remember a brief conversation with Tony in April 2008. He made me feel like we were old friends. We exchanged e-mails before Grey Cup 2009 which I will keep forever.
Rest well, Tony. We remember.

Condolences to all the Proudfoot family from all the Charles family. We were neighbors as children on Pointe Claire Avenue. We followed Tony's career through the years. Many prayers were said for Tony when we heard of the diagnosis.
Barbara- Lorraine- Phyllis (Charles)

You are now at peace Tony. We first met as UNB students and varsity athletes and I came to admire your skill & tenacity on the field and off.

Tony was an inspiration and a courageous man in the face of this illness. His legacy will live on. Our condolences go out to his family.

Tony Proudfoot was my volleyball coach at Dawson College in 1977. Through him, we not only experienced a great instructor, coach and mentor, but vicariously experienced Montreal's Grey Cup victory that year. Needless to say, Tony was all-smiles and hugged each of us in his triumphant return from the game. It was a memory and a period of time that I will cherish forever, and I thank him for that.

Earlier that year, after meeting him for the first time, I asked him in the locker-room if he was "related to the football Proudfoot". Of course he just looked at me and smiled. I was embarrassed but remember thinking if anyone's character was the antithesis of a grid-iron player, it was Tony. He was so personable, relaxed, intelligent and easy-going. In short, he was one of the very few people that I've met that impressed me instantly - without even knowing at the time who he really was.

I am saddened by his passing and my thoughts are with his family.

The C.F.L loss a Good Man with the Passing of Tony. Our condolences to the Proudfoot Family

All our condolences to you Vicky and your children. Tony is, and will always be, my hero. It was an honor to know him. Our thoughts are with you.

Tony Proudfoot was just a man. A man who excelled athletically, academically, and who displayed great courage, not only in the face of a gunman at Dawson College, but in the face of an insidious debilitating disease that eventually claimed his life. However, Tony Proudfoot will live on through his ALS fund and in our hearts and our memories of a life well lived. Not once did he give up despite all odds. Tony Proudfoot was just a man; a great one! Deepest sympathies to Tony's family, friends, colleagues from sports and teaching and everyone touched by his presence.

A true hero that will be greatly missed. Condolences to the family. He was and is an inspiration to us all.

My thoughts are with the Proudfoot family. Tony was truly an amazing person.
RIP.

To the PROUDFOOT family and friends so sorry for the lost of a special person,wishing you all the best and all our sympathies through this sad moment. Time will heal and wish you all the support from your surrounded.He was very strong and couragous and he did what he could to fight back.

To the Tony Proudfoot Family,
We have worked alongside Tony as he was a well-respected colleague of ours. His huge contributions were with the well-grounded education students received in his physical education courses, the professional exchanges with colleagues at all levels in the college, and his duty to keep everyone safe. Tony may you rest in peace and thank you. Your legacy will live on.

Patti, Rick and Family and Jane and Family,

So sorry to learn of your brother's passing. Our deepest sympathies and thoughts are with you and yours as you move through the next while.

Joelle

I learned of Tony's death last night at a New Year's eve dinner. There is a hole in my heart today and very likely a hole in the hearts of countless others who were touched, no make that transformed, by this remarkable man's courage and dignity. On this first day of the New Year, I give thanks for his life. May the peace of God which surpasses all understanding fill and surround the Proudfoot family.

Vicki,Michael,Lauren,& Lindsay,
I had the pleasure of coaching Tony at John Rennie High School and then watching his great career as a football player at UNB and then with the Alouettes and the BC Lions. I had a wonderful time working with him when he wrote his excellent thesis on sport expertise at McGill. I also admired the deep insights about the development of sport expertise that he shared in his terrific book: First and Goal. He was a tremendous person, a true hero, and an incredible role model for people both young and old. Quite simply, he was a great Canadian. We will miss his wise words and courageous example.
Sincere condolences.

So sorry for your loss, Tony was the best of the best. He will be missed.

My heart and sympathies go out to Tony's family at this time. How heroic and courageous you all have been! I have noticed many people who have known him have taken up his motto "Suck it up and stop whining" as their new mantra.

I had not seen Tony for the last 2 years and when I read his last article, I felt compelled to write to him, if only to say goodbye, to acknowledge his life. I was nervous, didn't know what to say, and almost changed my mind. But then his words 'suck it up' came to me and I knew that if I didn't I would never have another chance.

So I wrote a short, heartfelt note and, by golly, he wrote back to say thank you and goodbye. What a remarkable man! I will keep that note forever to remind me that no matter how tough the road gets sometime, we can always dig deep and find our strength.

Tony's legacy is a powerful one and it was an honour to know him. I will never forget him and his warm, wonderful smile, and because of him, I will strive to be a better human being. His struggle may have failed his body, but I hope it gives his family comfort to know how he has impacted so many people in his short life.

God bless you Tony and I hope your next journey will be as amazing as you are.

The courage that Tony has shown to us all in the past four years is incredible. Life throws us curves at times. But this curve brought out the best in Tony. My daughter & I walked with Tony and his family during his first ALS fundraiser in Maisonneuve park. My daughter Kim went to John Rennie High with Lindsay. I have followed this family tragedy from the beginning. I know personally that words can never express what you are going through at times like this. But the good memories will help you through the next while. To Vicki, Michael, Lindsay & Lauren my hardfelt sympathy. May your cherished memories of your husband and father be with you forever.

When I had heard about Tony Proudfoots disease my heart was saddenned. I am Rodney Sassis mom (head therapist of Alouettes). He was such a great support for my son in teaching engagements. His attitude towards his illness needs to be commended. What a courageous man full of strength and faith. I had never met Tony but he holds something real special in my heart. My heartfelt condolences to his wife and family.

Gilda Sassi - Brossard, Que.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet such an inspiration.

ROCK ON TONY,GOD IS WAITING FOR YOU WITH OPEN ARMS ON HIGH.MAY YOUR FAMILY BE SPARED ANY FURTHER SORROWS.YOU WILL BE AN ALL-STAR FOR EVER!

tony,
both my kids ages 9 and 6 play football.i hope with the same determination,they will find success wether it's playing football or life itself. rest in peace tony.

To Tony's Family,

My condolences and prayers are being sent to you all. I never met Tony, but he was a Facebook friend, and a very dear one at that. He epitomized everything that was good in this world. He could not have done that without you four. May God Bless the five of you, forever.

(Mrs.) Jean Duggan

tony was a very courageous and dedicated person. I never had the pleasure of meeting him however was very touched by his positive attitude towards his desease, never once feeling sorry for himself. there shhould be some kind of memorial in his name, either a trophy named after him or a monument. what an inspiring person he was. condolences to his family

I met Tony once. It was on Sherbrooke St. by the Courtyard Hotel. It was my first CFL Evaluation Camp in 2001 and I was with the BC Lions. It was my second year in the CFL. Tony talked to me for about 10 minutes but he talked to me like I had been in the League for years. I really thought that was something. He treated me with a great deal of respect even though I was really a rookie. I never forgot that.
My thought and prayers are with his family.

Craig T. Smith
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Director of Player Personnel

Dear Mrs Proudfoot and Vickie, Michael, Lauren,
Montreal and Canada lost a great man this past week. I had the priveledge to meet Tony on several occasions. Tony was special- both on the field and in the real world. He was a role model for us all. May your family take strength from this great man and keep him in your hearts forever. May you always be spared further tragedy.

With deep sympathy,

As an uncle of Lindsay's fiance, I wanted to express our deepest sympathies to both Lindsay and all of her family. It would have been an honour to have met and known Tony.

Murray Strum and family

I have followed Mr. Proudfoot's battle for the last couple of years and know the pain and suffering he must have endured. My husband was diagnosed in November 2008 with ALS and passed away on June 12, 2009. He was also only 61 years of age. If I have one wish in this world is that no other person or family has to endure this horrible disease. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. May God bless us all.

My deepest sympathies to the Proudfoot family. My husband and I shared the MNI clinic waiting room with the Proudfoots many times these past years.Sadly my husband lost the fight in April. He had been unable to communicate but Tony's letters help me understand how he had probably been feeling, I thank you. RIP

I have never met Tony Proudfoot. But over the last almost-four years, I have followed his journey, of heroic proportions, through his poignant writings in The Gazette; and so in a very real and true way, I believe that I have met this man. I am grateful to Tony for being a part of my life, from a distance; for the invaluable lessons he taught of selflessness, courage, an inexhaustible love of life, and the priceless gift of a smile. I have marvelled at his efforts to raise funds and to bring this insidious disease of ALS to the forefront of public awareness. By his example, he has lifted me up...and I will never forget him. To Tony's family, I offer my deepest sympathies at the loss of your husband and father. Step by step, side by side, you have travelled the same road, also with great heroism. It is not possible for others to tap into the sorrow you now bear. But you will surely draw strength from the profound legacy that he has left with you all. And because you loved and cherished him so well, I know that you will be thankful his terrible struggle is done, and that he has at last found peace.

Please accept our deepest sympathies during your tragic loss.
Marilyn Millar and Aurele Gagne/

May God be with you.

What a wonderful Canadian! He was strong, purposeful and courageous.

What courage this human being showed to the world. ALS destroys the body but not the man and Tony Proudfoot showed this so rightly. Thank you for sharing your life's jouney with us...as difficult as it was to read your everyday challenges, you certainly helped me and many others to envision the final months, weeks and days of our lives as more bearable for those who surround us. RIP brave and courageous man. You are an extraordinary example. Our deepest sympathies to his wife and children who, without them, would have made his life so much more difficult and unbearable. As they say in French...chapeau!!!!!

My deepest sympathies to the Proudfoot family. He has shown all of us the utmost strength and courage. He will be missed.
RIP

Dear Mrs. Proudfoot and children,
Please accept my deepest sympathy to your husband passing. I did e-mailed him once from Rockville, Maryland, where I live. Try to be strong. Edith Steinberg

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

So sorry to hear of Tony's passing. His courage fighting this disease should be a inspiration to us all. Deepest condolences to his family.
Steve Withers- Ottawa

He had to go. He's got a big game tomorrow Now that his ordeal is over and he can move like he used to. Watch the sun rise and set. Maybe you will see him make the big play one more time. Remember him and his strengths in good times and bad.

Tony - thanks for your inspiration of how to live life.
Vicky and children - your husband / father lived life to the fullest. He was so proud and thankful of you all.
My deepest sympathy to you all.

I am not sure what my dad may have said...but I am sure it would have started with "thanks for the memories". Despite the great accomplishments of Tony and the Als during the 1970's, Tony went on to even greater heights. His ongoing contributions to family, football, education, Montreal and society in general have left this world a better place! Condolences from the Blackman family. Rest in peace Tony

Dear Patti and family, I was so sorry to hear of Tony's passing. He sent me a lovely e-mail last Sunday. He was a very thoughtful man. I will be praying for you these next few days especially. I know first hand what ALS can do to someone you love.
Susan and family xo

Deepest sympathies to the family. Tony's strength during his illness is a lesson in courage to us all.

Rest in Peace, Tony.

My family and I offer our condolences to you on this difficult time-Tony was an courageous and strong person. May his memory be a blessing to all.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of grieving. I watched my own father suffer from this terrible disease, he has passed just two months ago.

To Tony's family,
I knew Tony during our days at John Rennie High School. Although not the biggest kid on the team, Tony had the biggest heart and always gave 110%. I ran up against him later on in University when our Bishop's Gaiters travelled to UNB for an exhibition game. He terrorized our running backs from his middle linebacker spot. I followed Tony's career with the Alouettes with envy and admiration but lost track of him until recently when I learned of his illness. My sincere condolences on your loss. Tony'd dedication was an inspiration to many of us. May he rest in peace.

we will be praying for your family and i know one day we will meet again when we all stand before Jesus Christ, God bless you for all that you achieved while on this earth

norman mccallum

My condolences to Tony's family. My family is going through this too as my son has ALS. We WILL remember. Sleep well Tony.

To the Proudfoot family,

The world has lost a truly courageous man. I never met him but was touched by his attitude towards this difficult disease. May the prayers and words of those who care comfort you in your tremendous loss.