Broncos’ Thomas loved ‘everything that went along with being a teammate’
The Humboldt Broncos’ April bus crash prompted a worldwide outpouring, and both grieved and galvanized a province like nothing else.
Evan Thomas was one of 16 people who died when the team bus collided with a semi while en route to a game, and like everybody there, he had his own big story — friends, family, hobbies, talents, antics, memories.
Evan’s family sends us a Sporting Christmas donation today to remember a young life, well lived.
“Our family makes this donation on behalf of our son Evan Thomas, who didn’t make it home from his bus trip to his playoff game with the Humboldt Broncos in April,” writes Scott Thomas. “Evan loved his teams and everything that went along with being a teammate.”
Thank you to Scott and the family, for helping those in our midst who need an assist over Christmas. Continued best wishes to them, and to every family affected by what happened on that April evening.
Longtime donor Rich Gabruch remembers two beloved family members today, as well as the Broncos.
“Mom (Betty Gabruch) passed away this spring,” writes Rich. “She supported us academically, socially, spiritually, and with all of our sporting endeavours. She was our No. 1 fan (for all seven of us Gabruchs) but was also not fearful of issuing a stern rebuke if my siblings (never me ...) got too many penalties, struck out too many times, or failed to play their best. Her encouragement for sports was rooted in her own youth — she was a pretty darn good ballplayer in her own right (won northern provincials one year) ... and we last had her swinging a bat in the park at about age 76 or 77.
“We pay a special tribute to Mom — and know she is now an angelic hockey mom to the Broncos players, coaches and staff, and a special hockey baba to Comets hockey alumnus and niece Lexi (who left us far too young 14 years ago). We donate to remember and honour all of them — and know that their Christmas cheers are some of the loudest ones in the rinks and parks wherever kids are playing their hearts out!”
Chuck and Anita Rhodes donate “in memory of our dear friend and colleague Klaas Post, who was a lifelong participant, coach and volunteer to the speed skating and soccer communities of Saskatoon. Gone but never forgotten.”
The good fellows at the Dakota Dunes senior men’s league “decided to pass the hat” at their weekly coffee gathering, and sent the money our way.
Kathleen Wheler remembers several loved ones today — husband Gordon, his brother Elliot, her sisters Ann and Mae, their husbands Ted and Alvie, her cousin Shirley Armstrong — adding “they are all missed sorely and all left in the last five years.”
“It is again that time of year that we would like to make a donation to Sporting Christmas, which is such a worthy cause,” writes Kathy Prongua. “We do this in memory of Charlie Prongua; a dear husband and father who is greatly missed and passed away nine years ago this week. Participating in sports, contributing as a coach and being a loyal fan was an important part of Charlie’s life.”
It’s good to hear from Jean Dahl and family.
“Again this year — in loving memory of my husband, Emil, and my son Brian — both of whom were great sports fans,” Jean writes. “Especially the Sask. Roughriders, and hockey and baseball.”
The Saini siblings are also there for us every season, and we’re glad to have them join us again in 2018.
“Justen, Serena and Jaysen Saini donate again this year and would like to thank the Salvation Army staff for all they do to make a difference in the lives of those who need a helping hand,” they write.
Our annual drive to help the Salvation Army with its Christmas hamper program is into its final days, but we’re not done yet.
To give online, please visit thestarphoenix.com/sportingchristmas and click the donation link, or stop at our downtown office and leave your donation at our front desk (if you arrive before noon), or in the slot inside the front doors. You can also mail to:
Sporting Christmas c/o The Starphoenix
204 Fifth Ave. North, Saskatoon, Sask.,
S7K 2P1
Thanks to today’s Santas:
Loving memory of husband Emil and son Brian from Jean Dahl and family: $75
Memory of Stella Geall from Don and Terry Moonie: $50
Memory of Cliff Puskas and Glen
(Louie) Lindsay, members who are no longer with us, from the Dakota Dunes Golf Links Senior Men’s League: $800
Memory of my husband Dennis
Lyster from Yvette Lyster: $100
Memory of James “Jim” Nash, a wonderful husband, father, grandpa and friend: $600
Finlay and Faye Mackenzie:
$100
Memory of my husband Gordon
Wheler, his brother Elliot, my sisters Ann and Mae, their husbands Ted and Alvie, my cousin Shirley Armstrong in Bassano, Alta., from Kathleen Wheler: $100
Memory of John and Ron
Deutscher from your family: $150
Ed and Patricia Holzman: $200
Skip and Diana Wright: $200 Memory of Elsie Peddle from
John and Heather Edwards: $500
Memory of Betty Gabruch, Lexi
Gabruch, Broncos players, coaches and staff from Rich, Tanya, Zoria and Bohdan Gabruch: $500
In honour of a fine young man,
Nick Hyshka, who is missed by his family and friends: $25
Memory of Charlie Prongua from Kathy Prongua: $100
Memory of Klaas Post from
Chuck and Anita Rhodes: $50
Justen, Serena and Jaysen Saini:
$120
Memory of two special grandmothers, Shirley Smith and Jean Tackaberry, from Maureen and Terry Scott: $100
To those who are no longer with us at Christmas time, and to those who are here to celebrate Christmas — hoping for a wonderful 2019, from Murray Taylor: $200
Loving memory of our cherished mother and wife who passed on 16 years ago, from Christa, Douglas, Dean, Darrin and husband Ron (the Ref ) Walsh: $150
Memory of a true sportsman,
Don Stevenson, from your loving family: $100
Memory of son Darren Schellenberg, love Mom and Arnie: $100
Anonymous: $35
Memory of Chris and Michael
Leppin from Barb and Dan Jiricka: $200
Memory of my dad, Stan Mcadam, a small-town (Conquest) sports enthusiast who spent many hours at the rink and ball diamond, from Terry Mcadam: $100
Memory of Evan Thomas from the Thomas family: $250
Memory of Brady Haughian: $50
Loving memory of Ray Unruh from Vi, Doug, Betts, Anita, Warren, Tyler, Derek: $50
Dennis and Laurie Wiebe: $100
Memory of my parents, Martin and Elaine West, and dear friend Peter Clark: Great sportsmen all, from Phyllis Wilson: $100 Today’s total: $5,205
TOTAL TO DATE: $64,262.11