BCHL Mourns The Passing Of Ron Boileau:

This is on the BCHL website:

BCHL mourns the passing of Ron Boileau

Thursday, February 19, 2009 - Submitted by Dan Marshall

Former British Columbia Hockey League President Ron Boileau has passed away at age 62 after a battle with diabetes. He will be remembered as a builder of the BCHL and Junior A hockey in Canada and as an ardent researcher and statistician. Boileau's relationship with the BC Hockey League began in 1988 when he served as Vice President and statistician.

Ron then served as League President from 1990 to 2003. That span of 13 years makes him the longest running president in league history. In Canadian Junior A Hockey only Saskatchewan Junior A President Wayne Kartush lasted longer at 26 years.

Ron spent much time researching the BCHL back to its roots in 1961 and much of that data was contained in the 500 page League Media Guide which was used from 1997-2003 and was heavily supported by the media. He also compiled all BCHL stats from 1987 to 2003, and his last season in the BCHL was the 2004-2005 campaign in which he worked as Administrator for the Penticton Vees.

Ron Boileau was voted unanimously as an Honoured Member of the BCHL. He was also credited with starting the Canadian Junior A Hockey League. He was named the CJAHL's first President and stats man from 1993 to 1998 when he had to step down due to cancer. Ron developed a league logo and forged a list of By-Laws to present to the League Presidents. He was unanimously voted an Honoured Member.

The Pacific Coast Hockey Association (1911-1926) was one of Ron’s passions. He became interested in the league because a number of today’s rules came from that Association. Everything from the forward pass to the playoff format, the awarding of assists, the penalty shot, and numbering on all player jerseys came from the PCHA. Ron tabulated all the stats for the PCHA which the Hockey Hall of Fame have taken as the true stats.

During his hockey career Ron also worked with the New Westminster Bruins of the WHL and the Delta Flyers of the Pacific Coast Junior B Hockey League. His collection of media guides and memorabilia is one of the most extensive in Canada and dates back to the 1920’s.

Ron Boileau lived in Penticton with his wife Carolyne and spent many of his final days at the Andy Moog Hospice House.