Jerry lived and breathed Glanbrook Rangers! Whether it was coaching teams, teaching kids in development or just coming to the arena to watch his favourite teams play. He was an excellent athlete and a cherished member of the Glanbrook community. Gone too soon, Jerry left a huge hole in the heart of our community. Click here for more words from his daughter.
In his daughter's words:
Jerry Smith and the Township of Glanbrook were like two peas in a pod, and Jerry was very proud to be a member of this community.
Jerry grew up in what was then called Glanford Station, and as a young boy he adored playing fastball and baseball. He was recognized as a batting champion many times and won several OASA titles. When the Glanbrook Arena opened, it became a new place of opportunity for Jerry to help coach and instruct young hockey players in the fine art of the sport.
In the early 1980s, Jerry ran a very popular power skating school called “Youth Fun and Fit.” Jerry believed that everyone should have an opportunity to learn how to skate properly and to develop strong techniques so they could take their game to the next level. An avid hockey player himself, he was a member of the Glanbrook Non-Contact Hockey League (which still runs today!) as well as an Old Pumper.
The friendships and connections Jerry developed while coaching or watching hockey was a source of pride for him, and he loved being at the rink and challenging youngsters with his “Knowledge of Canadian Trivia” questions! Jerry would present kids with correct answers with money for the snack bar.
Jerry was proud to play a role in the development of hockey in Glanbrook and he would be very honoured to know there is a tournament devoted to his memory.