Howie Meeker honoured
Posted May 27, 2011 11:29:06 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Kitchener-born NHL legend Howie Meeker has received one of the greatest honours of his great life: he is now a Member of the Order of Canada.
The Order of Canada recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community, and service to the nation.
The 87-year old Meeker was presented the Order today by Governor General David Johnston, himself a resident of Waterloo Region and former president of the University of Waterloo.
Aside from his career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Meeker became Conservative Member of Parliament for Waterloo South in a by-election in June 1951 — in fact he was an MP while playing on the Leafs at the same time.
Meeker also worked as a commentator on “Hockey Night in Canada”, and hosted “Howie Meeker’s Hockey School.”
Meeker also founded summer camps for hockey in Canada and the United States.
His charitable work includes support for the Special Olympics and the British Columbia Guide Dog Services.
The Governor General welcomed 29 Members and 14 Officers into the Order of Canada during a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa this morning.
Michael J. Fox was inducted as an Officer, as was folk-rock musician Robbie Robertson.
