ROLY SAMMARTINO
ROLAND ENZO SAMMARTINO
Novermber 12, 1921 - September 27, 1985
We regret to announce the passing of Roly Sammartino in the Vernon Jubilee Hospital on September 27, 1985 at 64 years of age.
He is survived by his loving wife, Thup, son Barry and Stacy, three daughrers Debi and her husband Ernie Gare of Vernon, Jody of Vernon and Teddy of Victoria, five beloved grandchildren Tyler, Skyler, Lanny, Grady, and Leath a brother Boonie, two sisters Lydia and Eleana and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Roly was predeceased recently by two brolhers; Sarge, Lloyd and one grand- son Roland Martin in August.
A service of remembrance will be held Monday September 30, 1985 at 2:00 p.m. from All Saints Anglican Church with Mr. Brian Jackson olficiating.
Friends wishing to do so may make donations in memory of Roly to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Arrangements are in the care of Vernon Funeral Home and Crematorium. 542-0l55.
Roly died this year after losing a battle with cancer.
Everyone involved with hockey or lacrosse knew Roly. After his playing days ended, he spent more than a quarter century devoting his time to those sports as a coach, trainer, manager, and administrator.
If Roly had kept the money he invested in amateur sports, he would have died a rich man, but not as happy.
KENDALL'S KORNER
By Don Kendall: Daily News Sports Editor - Vernon Daily News - September 30, 1985
We've lost a good friend
Once upon a time, not so long ago, I met a man who always had a good word and a smile.
He was different than most men because he freely gave his time, and often money, to help the North Okanagan's sporting community. Roly Sammartino was a special guy.
Roly had always loved lacrosse. He played for Vernon Tigers when they won the B.C. senior tiile in 1950 and 1952. And when his playing days were over, he helped the sport in various capacities. He served on the minor lacrosse executive, coached, and was commissioner of the Interior Lacrosse Association, refereed in the senior league, and was the Interiors's representative on the B.C. Larosse Association's senior directorate.
IN HOCKEY
His participation in sports didn't stop when summer ended. He was involved with junior hockey for more than 20 years. Roly acted as trainer, manager, and shareholder during his stint with the Vernon Essos, then the Vikings, then Canadians, and finally Lakers.
ln the 1980's, he also got involved with intermediate hockey and became part-owner of Vernon Cougars ... because more than anything, the team needed some money.
Roly wasn't wealthy, but he always lent a helping hand. He hired athletes to work for his masonry company and was often seen badgering his friends, who owned businesses, to hire athletes.
During his involvement with hockey, he became friends with Eddie Johnstone, Ken Holland, Don Murdoch. the late Bob Gassoff, Terry Lowe, Jim Lawrence, Ernie Gare, and hundreds of others. After his junior playing days were over and he moved on to senior hockey, Gare became Roly's son-in-law.
In the early-1970's. Roly was among a small group responsible for keeping lacrosse alive in this area. He prompted teenagers like Jeff Shirley, Graydon Brown, Dale Rintoul, Rick Horsley, and Marty Stein to get involved in the sport. Those players later helped Vernon win three consecutive national senior 'B' championships, from 1976 to 1978.
A DREAM
It was like a dream come true for Roly, in 1978, When Vernon hosted and won the national lacrosse tiile. For his years of dedication to the sport, Roly was an honored guest at that tournament.
There were few Vernon hockey and lacrosse players who Roly didn't help, and become friends with, in the last 20 years
The last time I spoke with Roly, in mall parking lot a few weeks ago, he was more interested in discussing my problems and the upcoming hockey season, than his illness.
That was the kind of guy he was . . . a good friend. Roly won't be watching any more hockey games in the Civic Arena . . . we buried him today.
Page source Dana Sammartino via email
Note: Roly often spelt his name shortend to
"Samartino"