June2012

A Legend is Gone - Rick McCaw passes

June 17, 2012

Union, ON

is with heavy heart I announce the passing of Rick McCaw, surrounded by his loving family, at 11:00 p.m. Saturday June 16.
 
Rick was a true fastball legend in southern Ontario, fleet of foot, powerful hitter and a centre fielder that teams could build championships around. He started his career in Union, Ontario playing with his Dad and brothers. As he grew up through the 1960’s he played on the best St. Thomas teams of that era. He was a member of the famed London TV Cable team that won the Canadian National Championship in 1970 and he was later inducted in the London Sports Hall of Fame as a member of that great team.
 
Through the 70’s and 80’s and early 90’s Rick was the driving force in keeping the game alive with his hometown St. Thomas teams. He was a recruiter, manager and player, respected by opponents and loved by teammates. Rick would have been honoured as one of the Legends of Fastball Hall of Fame at ceremonies in Kitchener on Saturday June 23.
 
Rick was the type of player who made the game fun to watch. He could beat you so many ways and even when he played against you it seemed appropriate to cheer some of his monster homeruns or game saving defensive plays from his domain in centerfield. Before there were phenomenon like Brain Paton and Ryan Wolfe in the Ontario outfield, Rick McCaw was the benchmark by which all others were measured.
 
 
Larry Lynch

 

McCaw, Richard William “Rick” of St. Thomas, passed away on Saturday, June 16th, 2012, at the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital, after a courageous battle with cancer, peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. Dearly loved husband of Susan “Sue” (Lampman) McCaw and much loved father of Steve and his wife Kim McCaw, Laurie and her husband John Milles and Stacy Wraight, all of St. Thomas and father-in-law of Dave Wraight. Loved son-in-law of Bill (late Kay) McArthur. Specially loved Papa to Mariah and Lily. Dear brother of Janice Zwicker (late Keith) of St. Thomas, Steve (Lynn) McCaw of Vancouver Island, Diane (David) Ketchabaw of Tillsonburg and the late Mike and Brian McCaw. Sadly missed by a number of aunts and uncles and nieces and nephews. Rick was born in St. Thomas on January 10th, 1942, the son of the late William J. and Vivian E. (Bond) McCaw. He was retired from General Motors Diesel , London. He was an avid sportsman. Rick played and coached fastball for many years. He was especially proud to be a member of the 1970 Canadian Champion London T.V. Cable and the 1974 Ontario and Memorial League Fastball Championship Teams. Rick worked passionately to keep fastball alive in St. Thomas. He was honoured and looking forward to being inducted into the Legends of Fastball Hall of Fame, this coming weekend. He also played hockey a number of years in St. Thomas and with the Lambeth Oldtimers. Rick enjoyed fishing, especially at Rondeau, with his friends. He was a member of the Centennial Sports Club. Rick was affectionately known as “Tricky Rick” and “The Legend” by many friends and family.
Resting at Williams Funeral Home, 45 Elgin St., St. Thomas until Wednesday afternoon and then to First United Church, St. George St., St. Thomas where funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Visitation at the funeral home on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Private family interment in Union Cemetery. Flowers gratefully declined. Remembrances may be made to the London Regional Cancer Centre, the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital Foundation or the charity of choice. Condolences may be sent to ahughson@execulink.com.
 

 

http://www.williamsfuneralhomeltd.com/obituaries/McCaw.html

 

 

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