VERNON BLACK ‘BLACKIE’ O’DONNELL

Vernon Black “Blackie” O’Donnell, 88, of Rainycrest Long Term Care, 550 Osborne St., Fort Frances, Ont., passed away with his family by his side on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances.
Vernie was born Dec. 22, 1921 in Fort Frances to the late Philip and Rose O’Donnell. He grew up in Fort Frances, where he lived most of his life except while he played semi-pro hockey in New York.
Vernie’s hockey career spanned many years, and he played centre for the 1952 Fort Frances Canadians who won the Allan Cup.
As well as playing hockey, Vernie refereed many games in both Canada and the United States. Although hockey was very important to him, Vernie also played other sports, as well.
In 1954, he was united in marriage to the former Vivian Oien and together they raised their three children. Prior to his retirement in 1985, Vernie worked at the pulp and paper mill in Fort Frances.
Vernie enjoyed hunting and fishing, and also spending time with his family and friends at their cabin at Rocky Islet Bay on Rainy Lake. He was very active in the community throughout the years and was a member of many organizations, including the Shriners, Masonic Lodge, and the Royal Canadian Legion.
Vernie will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
He was predeceased by one brother, Aubrey O’Donnell; a sister, Faith Loney; and three brothers-in-law, Bob McCordick, Bud Rivers, and Gordon Loney.
Vernie is survived by his children, Shawn O’Donnell of Fort Frances, Ont., and Lizbeth and husband, David Lippert, of Waterloo, Ont., and their children, Carolyn, Tristen, Jackson, Victoria, Zephy, and Dawson Lippert.
Also surviving is son, Darren O’Donnell and wife, Dana, of Fort Frances, Ont., and their children, Justin, Whitney, and Hailey O’Donnell.
Vernon also has two sisters, Phyllis McCordick, and Merle Rivers, both of Toronto, Ont.; nephews, Todd and Ren Loney; and niece, Marilyn Rivers.
Cremation will take place at Rainy River Cremation Services in International Falls, Mn.
A memorial service to celebrate Vernie’s life will be held Saturday, March 6, 2010 at 2 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, with Rev. Barbara Miller officiating.
Interment will take place in Fort Frances at a later date.
The honourary pallbearers will be Sambo Fedoruk, Gordie Calder, Doc Johnson, Whitey Christiansen, Ray Coran, and Ed Kivimaki.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Memorial Sports Centre, 740 Scott St., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 1H8 or c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com