Tribute Memorials
2023 | SSAC Alumnus Earle Fladager
It is with deep sorrow and fond memories to announce that Earle Fladager passed away on December 17, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. Throughout school Earle excelled in baseball and hockey, earning accolades and championships, including being named Most Valuable Player during his Midget year with the Edmonton Athletic Club. He went on to the Junior level and even had a Chicago Blackhawks NHL Scout offer a professional contract!
A lifelong member of various organizations, including the Boy Scouts of Canada, the South Side Athletic Club, the United Empire Loyalists and Hockey Edmonton all reflect his dedication and commitment to community service and youth development. In 2022 Earle received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Earle served as SSAC President from 1990-93, then subsequently joined the SSAC Alumni Executive. With then Alumni President Bill Goode, Earle met with the members of SEASA (South Edmonton Athletic and Sports Association) culminating in a $50,000 donation ($96,000 inflation 2024 value) to purchase the current SSAC Clubhouse on July 30, 1991.
“One final word – do all things in a positive way with love and truth because the negative will not provide good results.”
2019 | SSAC Alumnus Garnet McKee
It is with a sad note that Garnet McKee passed away October 24, 2019 peacefully with family at his side. Garnet’s history with the SSAC and the Alumni as a volunteer spans over many years as a club member, alumni, coach and much more. His son Kevin played with the club, and now his grandson Ben, is with the Midget 15AA Dolce Vita team.
I personally will miss his contribution to the Alumni as one who I often phoned and asked, “what do you think Garnet?” We will miss him dearly as a friend, a member of our organizations and a true gentlemen. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Rest in peace, my dear friend. – Horace Chyzowski, SSAC Alumni President
2017 | SSAC Alumnus Don Crockett
Long time South Side Athletic Club treasurer Don Crockett passed away on March 15, 2017 at age 77. We wish our heartfelt condolences to the Crockett family, his wife Lynn and sons, Leigh and Jay.
Having been under the employ of the Canada Revenue Agency, Don served aptly as SSAC treasurer from 1990 – 2009. He then went on to become the SSAC Alumni treasurer from 2009 – 2017.
Don played oldtimers hockey as a goalie until injuries took its toll. Don also served as the Edmonton Royals Junior B timekeeper for many years. For those who had occasion to drop by the Derrick Club, Don was common presence often seen relaxing in the lounge.
Don attended many games at Confederation and Midget AAA games at Bil Hunter. We will miss Don. He was a true gentleman and the epitome of our club as an outstanding role model.
“GOALIES ARE SPECIAL”
2016 | SSAC Alumnus Bob Lamont
The South Side Athletic Club graciously offer sincere condolences to the family of Bob Lamont on his passing on February 4, 2016. Most recently, Bob served as the SSAC Alumni treasurer assisting on virtually all Alumni matters. His Alumni tenure spanned 16 years from 1990-2016. Bob also was the SSAC President in 1986-88 and was on the board from 1983-90. Bob’s son volunteered as a team manager and his grandson plays for SSAC. We will miss seeing Bob watch his grandsons’ games at the arenas.
2015 | SSAC Alumnus Cole Hawkins
The South Side Athletic Club offer our heartfelt condolences to the family of Cole Hawkins. His friends, teammates and coaches knew him well. We are all are saddened by his passing in late November 2015. Cole played for SSAC in Bantam AA and Minor Midget AA, both championship teams – in memoriam, an alumnus forever.
2011 | SSAC Alumnus Kyle Fundytus
On November 12, 2011, Kyle Fundytus, playing for SSAC Midget AA Don Wheaton, went to block a shot during a game. The puck struck an artery in his neck. Kyle tragically passed away the next day. By 2013, Kyle’s father Laurie led a campaign to name Mill Woods A arena after his son. On December 22, 2013, the city held a dedication ceremony to officially name Kyle Fundytus Arena along with placing a commemorative bronze plaque.