It was with great sadness in 2016 that we mourned the passing of Martin Van Gool, the last founding member of our Golden Puck Committee. Martin passed away peacefully at his home on September 28, 2016 in his 85th year with his family at his side. He is dearly missed by many family members and friends in Canada as well as in Holland.
Martin was born and raised in Tilburg, Holland where he met and married Johanna
in 1959. In 1960, they immigrated to Canada, settling in Wainfleet where they lived
most of their lives. Martin worked for over 30 years at the Sunbeam Shoe Factory
here in Port Colborne.
He was a caring man who loved his family and friends. Martin was a dedicated volunteer to many organizations within the community; he was involved in the Wainfleet Lions Club for over 50 years, Golden Puck Hockey for over 50 years, Wainfleet Minor Hockey Executive, Red Cross Society Driver, member of the Harbour Lite Singers, the Knights of Columbus, the Wainfleet Cenotaph Committee and the Klaverjas Dutch Card Club.
Tom Lannan recalls some of his memories with his longtime friend, Martin Van Gool, “The first time I met Mr. Van Gool was some 40 years ago at the 1976 Golden Puck Tournament. There I met a fine gentleman and a dedicated volunteer. From that time forward we hit it off. I listened as Mr. Van Gool did most of the talking, and as he reminisced about Minor Hockey, his time growing up in Holland during the War, his stories from working at Sunbeam Shoes, and his volunteer work with many organizations, but most of all, he spoke about his dear Wife and his Family. At meetings or after tournaments I seemed to always be sitting near him to listen and learn, but most of all because he said so!!!!!!
I would say "Mr. Van Gool"
He would always reply "Tom, call me Martin" and I would reply with, "OK Mr. Van Gool"!!
He would smile and shake his head and have a chuckle.”
In honour of Mr. Van Gool’s dedication to the Golden Puck since its inception in 1964, we are honoured to announce that, moving forward, the tournament will be known as "The Martin Van Gool Memorial Golden Puck Hockey Tournament", and this marks our 56th annual tournament. Suffice it to say that the renaming of the tournament in his honour is a fitting tribute to a founding member who was not only a great person and a guy who had energy that put most members half his age to shame, but who was a driving force throughout Golden Pucks existence, especially since the "merger" between Golden Puck and the old Jaycees.
Rest In Peace Martin!!!