CONSISTENT COMPETITOR

Sheldon played Western Ontario Amateur every year of tourney’s 56-year existence

Golfer dies after 56-year run

Bill Sheldon always had plans for the Civic Holiday weekend in August.

It may or may not have included a holiday barbecue, but it always involved the Western Ontario Amateur men’s golf tournament.

The two-day tournament has been a fixture on the local golf scene since 1964 and Sheldon played in each and every one of them, including last year’s 56th annual.

A talented and popular amateur out of Pointe West in Amherstburg, Sheldon died last Thursday from pancreatic cancer. He was 76.

“He was a real gentleman,” said Matt St. Louis, who helped organize the Western Ontario for many years. “To stay competitive and play in every one is incredible.”

Golfers must have a seven handicap or lower just to enter the event, which is played at Roseland and then either Beach Grove or Essex on a rotating basis.

“I played for maybe 20 years straight but then I missed one because I had a wedding or something,” St. Louis said. “For him to play in every single one is amazing.”

The tournament recognized his impeccable attendance in 2013 at the 50th anniversary event.

Sheldon was 69 when he was interviewed by The Star about playing in all 50 — and typical of his low-key nature and sense of humour, his take on what that meant was: “It means I’m old.”

Prior to returning to his hometown after retiring from Revenue Canada, Sheldon travelled from Toronto for 37 years to play in the event.

“It was always his weekend to come home,” said his sister, Janet Greenwood, an accomplished golfer in her own right.

Greenwood used to caddy for her older brother in the Western Ontario when she was just a kid.

“So I caddied for him last year because we knew it would be his last one,” Greenwood said. “We had a hug and a kiss on the last green because we knew.”

Sheldon lived 31/2 years after his initial diagnosis and despite spending three months in hospital this past winter, he recovered enough to golf in Florida last March.

“He epitomized the values of the game of golf, including honesty, fellowship, integrity, good sportsmanship and being courteous,” said Rick Schmidtgall, director of golf at Pointe West.

Sheldon was instrumental in forming Senior Ryder Cup divisions at Pointe West and six other local clubs.

He was a very humble, gentle giant. When Bill walked into a room, everyone gravitated to him. He was such a kind, positive guy.

The Senior Ryder Cup was formed among four Ontario clubs in 1999 to provide a competitive forum for senior male golfers. There are now 152 clubs with a SRC division.

The SRC has decided to name its South West Division the “Bill Sheldon Division,” in his honour.

Sheldon was a member of the Canadian Senior Golf Association and won the 2008 Ontario Senior Men’s Better Ball title with partner Paul Neilson. He won the member-member event at Pointe West last season with Debbie Clark and he shot his age with a score in the low 70s several times. He also had 11 holes-in-one.

“He was a very humble, gentle giant,” family friend Sue Demers said. “When Bill walked into a room, everyone gravitated to him. He was such a kind, positive guy.”

A private family service will be held Wednesday with a celebration of life to be held at a later date.