Feature Story

Jack McGregor

Primary Sport:  Lacrosse   Vision Category: Gratitude

I first met Jack McGregor in 1981.

I was 23 years old and living in Mississauga. My friend Stu Aird and I had just spent the last two summers playing lacrosse in British Columbia for the Vancouver Burrards. It was fantastic lacrosse, and we had such a great time out west. 1981 was different. We were back in Ontario for the summer, and of course wanted to play lacrosse. Our Mississauga Junior A mentor Jimmie Halliday told Stu and I that Owen Sound had our rights for Senior Lacrosse, so not really knowing what we were getting into, we took our first (of what turned out to be thousands) trip up Highway 10 to The Scenic City, Owen Sound.

We were greeted by players, coaches and executive of The Owen Sound North Stars. Everybody was extremely friendly and welcoming, and we knew very quickly we were going to like it here. A rich lacrosse history and a great team, we were looking forward to playing lacrosse.

We met the General Manager of the Owen Sound North Stars, a quiet man with a firm handshake, named Jack McGregor. When we met Jack, we felt at home. He had nothing but good things to say to us, about us and about the team. I knew we were playing for the right team.

Every time I came to Owen Sound that summer, Jack always had a kind word to say. Always friendly, he always made us feel like we were somebody. That is a rare quality in a person. Win or lose, after the game Jack (and his wife Shirley) would always be there to say 'good game' - even on the nights that we were not so great. Don't underestimate the value of offering encouragement to people. Win or lose, good mood or bad mood, when someone gives you a pat on the back...everything seems OK again.

That was Jack.

He was an endless volunteer of his time. Lacrosse, Hockey, summer or winter, he was at the rink, lending a hand. I knew Jack for 30 years when he passed away a month ago. He never changed for me. I played lacrosse at a Masters Tournament in Owen Sound in July of 2011. I arrived at the arena, played my game and after we were done, there was Jack and Shirley, offering encouragement − it was like old times. They made me feel good that day, like they always did…every year, for 30 years.

We had a picture taken, my brother Steve, Shirley, Jack and myself.

Jack's daughter Dawn sent me the picture today.

It made me feel good.

Thank you Jack.

Mike McMillan, Mississauga, Ontario