I wore a Gary Dineen Hockey School jersey to middle school one day in sixth grade. Sports gear was all the rage then—Champion brand was by far the coolest. So my Champion brand genuine sports duds made me mildly cool, or so I figured. But nobody was as impressed as my teacher, Mr. Frankel.
Mr. Frankel did a double-take when he saw me wearing the oversized red jersey. A big smile broke out across his face.
“You went to the Gary Dineen Hockey School?”
“Oh. No. It’s my uncle Gary’s school.”
“Your uncle is Gary Dineen? That is amazing.”
From then on, Mr. Frankel had me call him “Rick.” He looked back on his days as a student in the venerable Massachusetts institution as the best time of his life. Gary had been a mentor to him, had helped to shape his life in a significant way. Gary’s irrepressible optimism, enthusiasm, and energy molded two generations of soft kids into professional hockey players. After playing for the Springfield Kings and winning a medal in the Olympics, teaching became Uncle Gary’s passion.
Shortly thereafter came the terrible news: Uncle Gary had cancer. Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He may not make it through the month. His doctor had told him to simply go home and prepare to die. This did not suit Uncle Gary—death isn’t in his personality. So he fought. He continued to coach, to teach, to run his business, and to live his life, month after month, year after year, prognosis be damned.
His fight ended this morning. The cancer got him, though don’t let it be said that it got the best of him.
I think I have that Gary Dineen Hockey School jersey somewhere. I bet it’ll fit.
I’m sorry to hear about your loss.
At a dinner in his honour back in August, 2004, Gary spoke to his alumni:
His school has instructed over 20,000 students, and his juniors program “has produced 35 NHL draft choices and garnered more than $6 million in college scholarships for its players.” [source]
What a legacy.
He’s not related to the other Dineen boys, is he? Bill and his sons: Gord, Kevin, and Peter?
He sure is, though I don’t know the precise relationship—that’s the other side of the family, by marriage, so it’s less clear to me. :) I expect to be regaled with tales of hockey greatness at the wake on Tuesday, which will likely feature substantial portions of the Bruins, Whalers, and Maple Leafs. I’ll have to pretend that I know something about hockey, I guess. :)
Waldo,
Your uncle will indeed be sorely missed – and not just in the hockey world.
He was a great teacher and a great man who knew the ‘right way’ to do things.
Space and time do not allow for detailing what he has given to so many (my family included).
You and your family have our deepest sympathy.