W. (Bill) Crowley, Jr.

Few have contributed more to local sport than Bill Crowley, Jr., in capacities as player, coach and official. He was born in Drumheller, AB, grew up in Calgary and moved here in 1946.

A speedy, high-scoring forward with Legion and McGillis Eagles teams, he led Eagles’ scoring in 1950-51. His Legion team of 1948-49 won Ontario Sr. B honours and he ended a fine playing career with Petes’ teams. Bill played football with Petes and Panthers of the 1940s, and City League softball in the 1950s. He was also an ardent golfer, winning the Kawartha Club President’s Cup in 1954 and the Pinecrest championship in 1969.

While still playing, he became a referee in the OHA, OMHA and Ontario Rural League, as well as donating time to local minor hockey. He was a member of the OMHA Referee Instructional Clinic, umpired baseball and coached minor hockey and baseball, taking a Bantam A team to the Ontario finals.

With his father, William Sr., they are the first father/son honourees in the Hall. William Jr. died in 2008.