Members
1996 Inductees
* Teacher * Principal * Drama Director
The words gentleman and scholar define well the character and the work of Fr. Norman Fitzpatrick. His years as principal illustrated his gentleness; his years as teacher illustrated his scholarship. No student or teacher left the presence of "Fr. Fitz" without knowing and experiencing his gentle ways. He was a careful scholar. His knowledge of French culture and language enriched his students. That same care and scholarship characterized his approach to drama regardless of whether it was a medieval morality play or a modern musical.
The Order of St. Michael honoured Fr. Norman Fitzpatrick for his care and concern for quality of a St. Michael's Education, for his years of producing plays and musicals, for his work and devotion of the "refounding" of the school, for his unselfish love of St. Michael's.
Father's life as a Basilian has been characterized by scholarship and diligence. Whether it was an exercise planning renovations of the school or a change in the school's program, all was carefully recorded and meticulously implemented.
Fr. Fitz's Chapel Course was memorable. In it, he introduced first year students to the history of St. Michael's College School and to the traditions of the Catholic Church. Young men learned to appreciate the scholarship and bravery of the Basilians who founded their school; each student was invited to appreciate and practice the traditions of the Catholic Church.
Father's sense of and respect for the truth inspired him to organize St. Michael's as a private school. He envisaged St. Michael's as a place of academics; a place where the true presence of Christ could be found in the school community.
Catholic Education has been described as a syntheses of culture and Faith. Fr. Fitzpatrick lives the synthesis.
Father Norman Fitzpatrick made significant contributions to Catholic Education in Canada and he loved and cared for St. Michael's College School. We placed his name in the Order of St. Michael for the edification of our community and in memory of his endowment as educator, dramatist, and Catholic Priest.
* Professional Hockey Player *Hockey Hall of Fame * Volunteer * Alumnus
Frank is known to the world as the Big 'M'. A nickname given to him because of his prowess at hockey. We know him as the Big 'M' because of his generosity to those in need and his generous use of time in support of worthy events.
As a teenager Frank attended St. Michael's College School and played on the Majors of the O.H.A. Junior League. He won the league's Most Valuable Player award.
In 1958, he signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs and won the Calder Award Trophy that year as the N.H.L's top rookie.
By 1962, Frank was recognized as a super star. He led the Leafs to their first Stanley Cup in eleven years. He repeated that effort and the Leafs won three more Stanley Cups during the 1960's.
In 1968, Frank was traded to Detroit where he stayed for three years and set a record of 49 goals during the 1968-1969 season. In 1971, Frank was traded to Montreal where he equalled the record for play off points.
In 1974, Frank signed a four year contract with the Toronto Toros of the W.H.A.. He ended his hockey career in 1978 with an enviable record of 619 goals in 22 professional seasons, 9 all-star team selections and a member of 6 Stanley Cup winning teams.
On October 19, 1994, the Governor General, the Right Honourable Ramon John Hnatshyn conferred the Order of Canada on Frank. The nation recognized that his hockey talent and his sportsmanlike conduct made him one of Canada's best loved hockey stars. The respect that Canada has for Frank has grown with his generous support of the Canadian Kidney Foundation, the Easter Seals Society and the Canadian Special Olympics.
The name of Frank Mahovlich was placed in the Order of St. Michael as a sign of our affection and admiration for a St. Michael's man who has brought honour to his family and his school. A gentle man whose expertise and generosity have brought joy to athletics and relief to those who suffer.
* Businessman * Parliamentarian * Volunteer * Alumnus
Dennis has worked diligently for comprehensive tax reform. His book, The Single Tax, puts forth a plan for an equitable and simplified income tax system.
For St. Michael's men, loyalty to our school runs deep. That loyalty is prompted by memories of great teachers, recollections of sports or the love and concern we each felt in the presence of our teachers. Such loyalty does not diminish with age. It becomes more precious, it moves us to renew, to relive the lessons of our youth, to imitate the lives of our teachers.
Dennis Mills is a loyal St. Michael's man. He cares for the school because he appreciates not only what it has given him but also for what it can contribute to Canada. He has a vision of St. Michael's which prompts him to protect and to work for the welfare of his school. He worked tirelessly to settle the property dispute. He has worked to assure that the present buildings are updated and new facilities are provided.
Dennis has brought great honour to St. Michael's through his work as a businessman and a public figure. His reputation in business is honesty, creativity and diligence. Fearlessly, he has spoken out in Canada's Parliament for the right of life for all people and for the rights of the family. His moral and political positions indicate that he is knowledgeable and willing to stand for the truth and the rights of all Canadians. His work and writings concerning banking and taxation are recognized as forward looking and responsive to the need for fair laws for everyone.
We honoured Dennis Mills because he has illustrated compassion for those without voice of power in government, he has a deep love of Canada, he has stood for truth and honour. For his loyalty to St. Michael's, and for his record of service to neighbour, we placed his name in The Order of St. Michael.
* Businessman * Artisan * Benefactor * Volunteer
Ralph Montemurro is a gentle man. His whole demeanour speaks of gentleness and love of people. Everyone rich or poor, child or adult, eminent or unknown feel confident in his presence and understand that he is offering genuine friendship. His broad smile and welcome, signal a man who is at peace. No one in need is turned away empty-handed. Ralph loves people. Everyone is his neighbour.
Ralph did not graduate from St. Michael's College School but he has a love and concern for St. Michael's which equals that of those who did attend. One day, we were discussing renunciations to the school building. Ralph cautioned: "Don't do anything to that building which would change it. That building means a great deal to me and my family."
Four of his sons did graduate from St. Michael's College: Dominic, Enzo, Ralph and Marco. They have all done wee and are loyal to the school. Unfortunately, Enzo died after his first year at university. Ralph reacted in the face of death as he reacts customarily in the face of life. He mourned the death of his second son. However, his faith and his persistent joyous outlook on life won the day. "God gave Enzo to us for nineteen years: now God has taken him. That's the life."
Ralph his lived the school Motto of Teach Me Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge. His goodness is obvious. He is generous to the poor. He has a deep love and respect for the Church. He is wise and knowledgeable.
Ralph is a willing participant in all St. Michael's projects regardless of whether it is repairing and building, gathering food and clothing for the poor or raising funds for an academic need.
Ralph Montemurro is a successful business man, an artisan, an exemplary Christian, a St. Michael's man. With pride, we place his name in the Order of St. Michael.
1997 Inductees
* Teacher * Administrator * Coach
Father Matthew Mulcahy is well-know in Catholic Education in Canada. He has founded schools, planned academic programs and taught in many parts of the country.
Father always had a great love of sport. He has coached golf, curling and archery. He has to his credit, Canadian and Provincial Championships in badminton, curling and archery. For many years, Father Matt looked after the repair and cleanliness of the school's football equipment.
Father's love of Catholic Education kept him volunteering and active at St. Mike's. He understood that Catholic Education should be an exercise in academic and moral excellence. It should produce men who are competent in the world of business and capable of forming loving and caring relationships within family.
In conferring The Order of St. Michael on Father Matt, St. Michael's recognized a great teacher, administrator, religious and friend of youth.
* Businessman * Fundraiser * Volunteer * Alumnus
Michael Duffy is a generous man He is generous with the most precious possession, his time. He has given to the Knights of Columbus, to homes for the aged, to the Arthritis Society, and organized hockey for the young. He has served on the Liturgical Committee of Blessed Sacrament Church and is a regular Eucharistic Minister.
In 1995, St. Michael's began a Building Fund Campaign to renew the school. Michael was the first volunteer. He was the President of the Building Fund and organized the Advancement Office to plan for the future of the school.
St. Michael's is proud of Mike Duffy and his ability to give of his time and talent to others. He has a vision of Goodness which always includes his neighbour. He is a St. Michael's man who is living out the lessons learned from his school. St. Michael's recognized his generosity in conferring The Order of St. Michael upon him.
* Professional Hockey Player * Hockey Hall of Fame * Volunteer * Alumnus
Dick Duff is a St. Michael's man. His loyalty to his school and to the men who taught him has lead him to spend his life volunteering and helping those in need. During his professional hockey years, he needed the advice of this teachers and pursued a university education during the summer months.
Dick admires education and took a personal interest in St. Michael's campaign of renewal for the twenty-first century, The Building Fund. Dick is a gentleman and a friend. His presence at the various events sponsored by the school and his willingness to help provide a St. Michael's education for generations to come is an admirable sign of his gratitude for what he received. It is with pride that St. Michael's inducted Terrance Richard Duff into The Order of St. Michael.
* Businessman * Philanthropist * Benefactor * Alumnus
Ed Odette is the President and C.E.O. of Eastern construction Limited. He is know as a just, honest and charitable man. In the words of contemporary, "a gentleman, admire for his good life and respected for his ability as a businessman and an engineer."
Ed Odette has lived out the expectations that St. Michael's has for each of its graduates: "be competent in your work, conscious of the needs of your neighbour; live your life aware that God has created you for some special work." St. Michael's is proud of Ed Odette. We welcome him to The Order of St. Michael.
* Businessman * Philanthropist * Benefactor * Patron of the Arts
Louis 'Bud" Odette is a well-know and successful businessman. His company, Eastern Construction is known for its mega-projects and for its quality of work. there are other construction companies who could make similar claims. However, 'Bud' Odette as Christian humanist, philanthropist, patron of the Arts and Education is apart from others. He stands for the ideals which St. Michael's College School teachers. He has consistently urged St. Michael's College School to academic and cultural excellence. We appreciate his collaboration in our renewal. With great joy, we honour him with The Order of St. Michael.
1999 Inductees
* Medical Doctor * Teacher * Volunteer * Alumnus
Dr. Wilson graduated from St. Michael's in 1942. He was a prominent cardiologist and was Chief of Cardiology at St. Michael's Hospital and an Associate Professor for the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto. Dr. Wilson was on the Honourary Board of Directors for the Building Fund Campaign, and is the current Alumni Campaign Chair for the Building on Strong Foundations campaign. His four sons- Brian, John, David and Greg, and two grandsons have all graduated from St. Michael's, currently three more grandsons are attending. On Friday, November 12th, 1999, the Order of St. Michael was conferred upon Dr. John Wilson.* Teacher * Coach * Mentor * Alumnus
Mr. Cerre graduated from St. Michael's College School in 1926 and played for the Majors from 1927-1928. He began his very successful teaching and coaching career in Sudbury but returned to St. Michael's to coach the Majors form 1950-1955. He taught for several years in the Etobicoke Board from where he retired in 1974. His two sons, Paul and now deceased John, graduated from St. Michael's. Mr. Cerre was a bright student, an exciting player, a caring teacher, an innovative coach, and a devout Catholic. On Friday, November 12th, 1999 the Order of St. Michael was conferred upon Mr. Charles Cerre.
* Businessman * Volunteer * Alumnus
Mr. Roddy graduated from St. Michael's College School in 1962. As a Chartered Accountant, he held senior financial and operating positions with Canadian public operating positions with Canadian public companies in the Manufacturing, Real Estate, and Retail industries from 1967 until his retirement in 1997. He served as a member of the Building Fund Honourary Board. On Friday, November 12th, 1999, the Order of St. Michael was conferred upon Mr. James Roddy.
* Professor * Scholar * Counsellor
Anyone who graduated from St. Michael's College at the University of Toronto in the last 50 years knows Fr. Robert Madden. He graduated from St. Michael's College in 1952 and except for two years at Assumption College in Windsor and St. Mark’s College in Vancouver, Fr. Madden spent his entire career at St. Michael's as a Professor of English, and Executive Director of Alumni and Development. On Friday November 12th, 1999, the Order of St. Michael was conferred upon Fr. Robert Madden.* Banker * Volunteer
Mr. Coffey is retired Executive Vice-President, Government and Community Affairs of the Royal Bank of Canada. He is a native of Woodstock, New Brunswick where he started his financial services career in 1962. Throughout the years, he held progressively more accountable positions in bank management, human resources, as well as personal and corporate banking. From December 1997 to 2001, Mr. Coffey has served as Honourary Chairman of the St. Michael's Building Fund Campaign. On Friday, November 12th, 1999, the Order of St. Michael was conferred upon Mr. Charles Coffey.
* Businessman * Coach * Mentor * Volunteer * Alumnus
Mr. MacLellan graduated from St. Michael's College School in 1946. He returned to St. Michael's to coach football, first at the old school and later as head coach at the new school. He coached the senior team in the 50's and later he helped coach the freshmen with Fr. Volpe. Mr. MacLellan has been a long time Basilian Associate and a member of the Building Fund Committee. His three sons - Campbell Jr., Ian, and Scott all attended St. Michael's. On Friday, November 12th, 1999, the Order of St. Michael was conferred upon Mr. Campbell MacLellan.
* Cardinal Archbishop * Educator * Author
Cardinal Carter is a long time supporter of the goals and objectives of St. Michael's College School. Cardinal Carter was born in Montreal, Quebec, and spent his first 25 years in the priesthood working in various educational fields. He founded St. Joseph's Teachers College in Montreal and was a member of tje Montreal Catholic School Board for 15 years. Throughout his illustrious career, Cardinal Carter was involved with adult education both at the university level and as president of the Thomas More Institute in Montreal. He also served the Toronto community in various ways such as caring for the treatment of minorities, opening of Covenant House, and worked to increase affordable housing for the elderly and disabled. Cardinal Carter also wrote several publications on his insights into catechetic and the teaching of religion, the Sacrament of holy Orders, and on his convalescences. From 1962 to 1990, Cardinal Carter spent three decades as Bishop in both London and Toronto, Ontario. In 1979, he was created a Cardinal by Pope John Paul II. The community of St. Michael's College School was pleased to confer the Order of St. Michael on His Eminence Gerald Emmett Cardinal Carter, on Friday, November 12th, 1999.
2001 Inductees
* Professed Religious * Counsellor * Missionary * Founder of “Out of the Cold”
Sister Susan is a member of Our Ladies Missionaries. She joined the staff at St. Michael's in 1987 working as a Special Education consultant and assisting in the chaplaincy program. Her concern for the poor and homeless led to the opening of the "Out of the Cold" refuge serving hot meals and donating clothing and groceries to the less fortunate. Her apostolate among the poor and homeless still consumes all her time to the present day. For her incredible determination to implement such a massive charity program that would feed, shelter and bring dignity and hope to so many we placed her name in the Order of St. Michael.
* Teacher * Founder of “Out of the Cold” * Chaplain
Fr. Murphy was a graduate of Catholic Central High School in Detroit. After high school, he joined the Basilian Fathers and was ordained August 11, 1973. He joined the staff at St. Michael's College School in 1984. He taught Religious Studies and was the Moderator of the Public Speaking Club. Fathers' solicitude for the poor led to the establishment of the "Out of the Cold" Refuge along with Sister Susan Moran and the students of St. Michael's. During his 10-year appointment at St. Michael's, he served as full-time Chaplain and Moderator of the Sodality, Meals on Wheels, Students for Life, Catechists Club, Saints Project and Good Shepherd refuge Volunteers. Fr. Murphy loved and cared for St. Michael's and it is with pride that we placed his name in the Order of St. Michael.
* Medical Doctor * Benefactor * Alumnus
Dr. Higgins attended St. Michael's College School from 1937-1942. After graduating from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, he went on the an outstanding career in the field of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology. Over his distinguished medical career he received a number of prestigious awards. From 1979 until his return to private practice in 1989 Dr. Higgins served as Physician-in-Chief at St. Michael's Hospital. His three sons Peter ('74), Brian ('81) and Kevin ('91) all graduated form St. Michael's. He has two grandchildren, Connor ('03) and James, who have also graduated. We honour Dr. Higgins for the accomplishments of his professional life, for the deep love of his Catholic faith and for his loyalty to St. Michael's, with deep pride we placed his name in the order of St. Michael.
* Teacher * Coach * Administrator * Alumnus
Jack attended St. Michael's College School for 1949-1954. He graduated form St. Michael's College in 1958 and returned to St. Michael's that fall to begin his 35-year teaching career. Geography was his teaching specialty and he also coached football for 25 years. The last seven years of his career he served as vice-principal. Over 10,000 young men have been taught, coached and counselled by Jack Fenn and the verdict is virtually unanimous from all - he was honest, fair, demanding and loyal to everyone who came into contact with him. For his years of concern and toil both in the classroom and on the football field, for his tireless efforts on behalf of the young men of St. Michael's community, for exemplifying the very motto of St. Michael's - "Teach me Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge" - it is an honour to have placed his name in the Order of St. Michael.
* Businessman * Volunteer
Mr. Ciccolini became involved with St. Michael's in 1992 when his son Robert enrolled. Max had two sons graduate from St. Michael's, Robert ('97) and Anthony ('01). Max was a very active parent at St. Michael's becoming involved in the Building Fund Campaign from the very beginning. He was secretary/treasurer of the Parent's Guild for years, he helped organize and was a major contributor to the annual Dinner Dance fundraiser, he helped organize the Fashion Show and he was an Executive Committee member for the 150th Anniversary Gala Dinner. Max did not graduate from St. Michael's College School but has a love and concern for St. Michael's which equals that of those who did attend. For his long record of service to many projects at St. Michael's, we proudly placed his name on the Order of St. Michael's.
* Teacher * Missionary * Scholar * Alumnus
Fr. Kelly graduated from St. Michael's College School in 1940 and went into the Basilian novitiate. He was ordained in 1950. He spent the next three decades at St. Michael's teaching Latin, Greek and Religious Studies. Fr. Kelly is best remembered for his care for the needy in his many food, clothing and money drives at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. In 1982 he was sent to Lethbridge, Alberta where he served at St. Michael's hospital and as a pastor of St. Joseph's Parish. In 1992 he retired to Basilian Anglin House in Toronto. Sadly, Father passed way September 29th 2001. With great pride we placed the name of this holy, humble and sagacious Basilian teacher in the Order of St. Michael.
2004 Inductees
* Volunteer * Fundraiser
Mrs. Cesario entered into the life of St. Michael's when her son, Frank, entered Grade 9 in 1987. For the next several years, she donated countless hours of her time to many activities at the school.
She was President of the Parent's Association for five years, she served as Chair of the Fashion Show and the Parent's Association Dinner Dance for five years. She helped plan other Parent Association events such as the Grade 11 Parents BBQ. She served as the Chair of the school's 150th Anniversary Gala Dinner in February of 2002.
She is a woman of faith and a fine ambassador for St. Michael's. For her long record of service to many projects at St. Michael's, we proudly placed her name in the Order of St. Michael* Professional Hockey Player *Hockey Hall of Fame *Mentor *Alumnus
Mr. Kelly came to St. Michael's in 1943. He was a member of the St. Michael's Majors from 1944 to 1947, the year he led the team to the Memorial Cup. After St. Michael's, he had an illustrious 20 year career in the National Hockey League with the Detroit Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Red played on eight Stanley Cup teams. He played on 13 All-Star games, won the Norris Trophy as the top defenseman and also won the Lady Byng (most gentlemanly player) four times. After his playing career ended, he coached for nice years in the NHL. He was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1969. Mr. Kelly was elected a federal Member of Parliament in 1962 and served in the legislature for three years. He was named to the Order of Canada in 2001. His two sons, Patrick and Conn also graduated from St. Michael's.
Whenever St. Michael's called upon "Red" to help with a school activity he was always willing to give his support. The Order of St. Michael is to be conferred on an alumnus who has brought honour to St. Michael's through his work, who is an exemplary family man, who is a model for students and who is respectful of religion. No one fits this description better than Mr. Leonard "Red" Kelly. It was with great pride that St. Michael's inducted "Red" into the Order of St. Michael.
* Businessman * Musician * Volunteer
Michael Remenyi began a long dedication of playing cello in the school musicals with The Music Man in 1963. He performed for the school for the next 41 years. Although he is not a graduate of St. Michael's, he has always admired the academic standards and spiritual dimension of the school, the discipline and the musical productions presented. On numerous occasions he has supplied instruments, especially pianos and organs for various functions.
About 15 years ago, Michael established the Michael Remenyi Scholarship in honour of his late father. The money is presented to a worthy music student at each Spring Band Concert.
St. Michael's recognized Michael Remenyi's generosity in conferring the Order of St. Michael upon him.
* Teacher * Coach * Mentor * Alumnus
Fr. Volpe graduated from St. Michael's College School in 1948. After high school, he entered the Congregation of St. Basil and was ordained to the priesthood in 1957. Except for one year at Michael Power High School, Fr. Volpe spent his entire teaching career at St. Michael's College School.
Father immersed himself in the teaching of Italian. He founded the Italian Club as well as the Italian Drama Society. Indeed, he served as mentor to the many students of Italian heritage at the school. His students loved this gentle, learned teacher and held him in the highest esteem.
Father always had a great love of sports. He was an outstanding hockey player in high school and his love of hockey led to his involvement in coaching at several levels including the Junior 'A' Buzzers. He coached football and for a time he served as Director of Athletics.
During his academic career, he served as Religious Education Consultant with the Metropolitan Separate School Board and also as Chaplain to Loretto Abbey. In conferring the Order of St. Michael on Father Rocco, St. Michael's recognized a great priest, teacher, coach and friend of youth.
2008 Inductees
Dr. Robert Michael Brock
Dr. Robert (Bob) Brock graduated from St. Michael’s College School in 1965. After Medical School and Orthopedic surgical specialty training at University of Western Ontario, he has been at North York General Hospital for 30 years.
Dr. Bob’s love of sport spawned at St. Michael’s was married to his zest for medicine and a career in Sports Medicine was born. As medical director of NYGH Sports Clinic, he has looked after all manner of athletes from “armchair” to Olympic and professional. Olympic Games (1984 Los Angeles and 1988 Calgary) saw him at the helm of the medical coverage for the Canadian athletes. Past President of the Provincial and National Sport Med organizations and as Chief MD for the Canadian National Figure skating team, he has traveled to 10 world championships.
Dr. Brock’s deep commitment to St. Michael’s has seen him give of his time and talent to starting the first sports injury clinic at the school. He has also treated numerous student-athletes during their time at St. Michael’s.
Bob is a committed believer in education as the answer to most of the world’s problems. Much sought after as a teacher, he has used the teaching skills instilled in him by the Basilian Fathers to win many Teacher of the Year Awards for post Graduate teaching. Answering a call for help in the Northern Medical programs, Bob has been doing Orthopedic clinics on Manitoulin Island for those unable to receive timely treatment. Bob’s joy in helping others is deeply rooted in his faith, faith that was formed by his mother, germinated by the Basilian Fathers and matured by life’s challenges and experiences. Using a dose of “Humour as the best Medicine,” Dr. Bob continues to use his talents to help others.
The Hon. Dr. Stanley Haidasz P.C.
The Hon. Dr. Stanley Haidasz graduated from St. Michael’s College School in 1941.
His professional career included forty years of service as a General Medical Practitioner at St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Toronto. His career in politics was long and storied as he stands as Canada’s longest serving Parliamentarian. He was an elected Liberal Member of Parliament seven times (1957 to 1978) and served as Parliamentary Secretary to six ministers including Health & Welfare, Foreign Affairs, Consumer & Corporate Affairs and Indian Affairs, and Head Delegate to the United Nations General Assembly (1963-66). Dr. Haidasz was responsible for delivering the eulogy for Sir Winston Churchill, was appointed to the Privy Council of Canada, the first Minister of State for Multiculturalism under Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau (1972-74), and served in the Senate of Canada for twenty years (1978 to 1998). He was the first Polish-Canadian appointed minister of the federal cabinet and member of the Senate. His commitment to St. Michael’s included being one of the first volunteers of the school’s Building
Fund Campaign.
Dr. Haidasz was a true public ambassador for the Catholic Church. He was appointed Head Delegate to the funeral of Pope Paul VI and delegate to the installation of Pope John Paul II, as well as serving as Co-chair for the Pope John Paul II Collegium at the Catholic University of Lublin.
Among his many awards and accomplishments, Dr. Haidasz was awarded Knight Commander Order of St. Gregory the Great with Silver Star by Pope John Paul II (1997).
Patrick Edward Hannigan (posthumously)
Patrick Edward Hannigan 1936-2007, professional hockey player, refugee advocate and family man was born March 5, 1936 in Schumacher, Ontario and came to Toronto in 1953 to play for the St. Michael’s Majors. After St. Michael’s his professional hockey career continued for 15 years as he crisscrossed North America with stops in Winnipeg, New Westminster, Rochester, New York, Baltimore, Portland, Buffalo, Philadelphia,
Vancouver and Phoenix. After retiring, Pat was the colour commentator for the Buffalo Sabres for 13 seasons. Pat and his wife, Lynn, settled over the border in Fort Erie and raised three children, Ted, Carey and Bill.
In 1967, Pat’s older brother, Gord, who had preceded him to the NHL, died at 37. Gord had given Pat the best advice he had ever received. If you are going to play pro hockey, start to read and stay out of the pubs. Gord’s death deepened Pat’s faith and added gravitas to his fun loving character. It was in 1985 on a trip to Nicaragua with the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace, that Pat had a life changing experience as he witnessed first hand the devastation of civil war and the country’s poverty. Five years later, Pat and Lynn and a group of Niagara-area Christians opened Casa El Norte, a refuge house in Fort Erie. A few years after that, a second house was added next door. The work that Pat and Lynn and the Casa community have done over the years has helped thousands of people escape persecution and conflict to find peace in Canada. Pat’s life and that of his family blossomed as they welcomed refugees from around the world, forged friendships and worked with countless volunteers from the local community for anything that was needed.
Pat’s health began to deteriorate as he underwent dialysis treatments, then open-heart surgery. Yet he never missed a St. Michael’s College School reunion insisting on wearing his 1955 St. Michael’s Majors jacket and school ring. Pat passed away quietly on December 11, 2007 totally at peace with the God and family who had long sustained him.
Eugene Melnyk
Eugene Melnyk graduated from St. Michael’s College School in 1977. In 1989, he founded Biovail Corporation and turned it into Canada’s largest publicly traded pharmaceutical company. Eugene retired as Chairman of Biovail on June 30, 2007. Apart from his strong desire to succeed in business, Eugene is a passionate sports fan focusing much of his efforts on hockey, horse racing and amateur sport development. He currently owns the OHL’s Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors, the NHL’s Ottawa Senators and the Senators’ 20,500 seat home arena, Scotiabank Place. His rise to become one of North America’s most successful thoroughbred breeders and owners is evident in his acquisition and restoration of the prestigious 1,000 acre Mockingbird Farm in Ocala, Florida, which he renamed, Winding Oaks Farm. On the amateur sport front, Eugene recently chaired the successful bid group to host the 2009 World Junior Hockey Championships in Ottawa. Last August, he pledged $1 million to launch a national campaign called Patrons of Sport in support of Canada’s amateur athletes. Eugene gives back to the community through a variety of initiatives choosing to focus on causes involving children, health care and education. He is the founding donor of “Anna House” a unique childcare facility at Belmont Park and he is also a founding donor of Roger’s House, a pediatric palliative care facility in Ottawa. Eugene and his family host the Melnyk Family Skate for Kids which annually donates new helmets and skates to hundreds of underprivileged children. For the past decade, he has been a lead donor and honorary director of Help Us Help The Children, a humanitarian organization that offers vital care to over 100,000 children living in 220 orphanages throughout Ukraine. He is the largest donor in the 87-year history of St. Joseph’s Health Centre where his late father worked as a family and emergency room physician. Eugene supports education through a variety of academic institutions. Recently, Eugene and his wife Laura helped to establish Providence Elementary School set within the historic Francia Plantation in Barbados. Most notable, however, is the fact that Eugene is the largest individual donor of St. Michael’s College School reflecting a deep commitment to his faith and his alma mater. He remains one of the school’s greatest ambassadors and proudest alumnus.
Father Thomas F. Mohan csb
Fr. Thomas Mohan C.S.B. graduated from St. Michael’s College School in 1948. He entered the novitiate in 1950 and was ordained in 1959. His first appointment as a priest was to Michael Power High School where he taught and administered for twelve years. In 1973, he was asked to found Fr. Henry Carr High School and later, in 1977, Don Bosco Secondary School. Fr. Mohan was appointed by the Basilian Community to Calgary as an Associate Superintendent of the Calgary Separate School Board in 1981. On his return, he was appointed President and Principal of St. Michael’s College School, and under his guidance and vision, spearheaded the renewal of the school building and its academic program. In September 2000, Fr. Mohan retired to Fr. Henry Carr Farm to conduct retreats, participate in Canadian rural life and to assist when called upon by the parishes and schools in the area. For more than forty years, Fr. Tom Mohan has exemplified the contribution of the Basilian Fathers to Catholic education throughout the country in fostering “goodness, discipline and knowledge”. In his words, “Since 1852, Basilians have invited young men to join them in identifying Goodness and pursuing the Truth. As students of St. Michael’s, we became disciples of the Basilian Fathers; some as priests, others as lay Christians.” It is truly fitting that we induct into the Order of St. Michael the man responsible for its founding.
St. Michael was ordered to the goodness of God. We are ordered likewise.
Edward V. Santi & Leda SantiMr. and Mrs. Santi became members of the St. Michael’s community when their son, Paul, entered grade 9 in 1994 followed by Marc in 1996 and David in 1998. They became active supporters of many fundraisers during their sons’ high school education. Leda graduated from St. Joseph’s Morrow Park in 1967 and attended Teachers’ College and York University. She went on to teach with the Toronto Catholic District School Board for 10 years. Edward has been a very dedicated volunteer with numerous St. Michael’s committees, including the 150th Anniversary Gala Dinner, 100 Years of Hockey Anniversary, and the St. Michael’s Annual Golf Tournament. Through the Marc Santi Foundation, they have sponsored a stain glass window in the Grand Foyer of the school and established the Marc Santi Exit Scholarship in memory of their son Marc. Ed and Leda serve as active members of the York Central Hospital Foundation where Ed is a current member of the Board of Directors and Past Chairman. In 1994, he was responsible for the inception of the hospital’s Proud Partner Golf Classic that has raised over $800,000. Ed has been a dedicated volunteer to several youth organizations in his community, in particular minor hockey where he served as an executive member for the Richmond Hill Hockey Association for more than 20 years. Ed and Leda founded The Marc Santi Foundation in honour of their son Marc who lost his life in a traffic accident during his graduation year at St. Michael’s. The Foundation has raised and disbursed $185,000.00 to many charitable organizations, institutions and individuals in need. Both Ed and Leda are strong community minded individuals and deeply committed to their church.
