Jersey unveiled in memory of Bill Whitbread

April 17, 2015 · 0 Comments

By Bill Rea
There was a somber, but nostalgic mood around the Don Sheardown Memorial Arena in Bolton Monday as family and friends gathered to remember Bill Whitbread.
Monday was the first anniversary of the death of the long-time fixture in the sports and media community, and Leann Presley, a member of the board of Caledon Minor Hockey, called it “a bit of a bitter-sweet day.”
The ceremony was highlighted as members of Mr. Whitbread’s family unveiled a framed hockey jersey with his name on it, which is mounted on the wall of the arena foyer.
Presley recalled there were memorial donations made in Mr. Whitbread’s memory after his death. As a result, she said three families were assisted in getting their kids on the ice.
“Bill had always been a champion for children in the community,” she said, adding that work is able to continue, despite his death.
Mayor Allan Thompson thanked Caledon Minor Hockey for putting on the event.
“I’m sure his spirit’s around here somewhere,” he said. “Thank you for keeping his spirit alive.”
“This is a nice honour for my father,” Mr. Whitbread’s son Steve commented.
“He was definitely someone who was fond of his community,” his son-in-law Mike Horsley added.