[2] I think there was a genuineness (to her caring) about his welfare, Stellick said. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. Beloved husband of the late Joan McKee (nee Buss). He participated in the 133-mile Albany, New York-New York City marathon in April 1930, finishing second in his class. With Ballard's support, Imlach moved to dismantle the roster and undermine Sittler's influence, despite many analysts viewing the team as having a promising future. Follow Brad Wheeler on Twitter: @BWheelerglobeOpens in a new window. Funds were also used to renovate his Midland cottage, to rent limousines for his daughter's wedding in 1967, and to buy motorcycles for his sons (passing off the expense as hockey equipment for the Marlboros), as well as placing money belonging to the corporation into a private bank account that he controlled along with Stafford Smythe. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? Yolanda Ballard, the former companion of crusty Maple Leafs owner Harold Ballard who became a central figure in the circus surrounding the franchise in the 1980s and '90s, has died. Mr. McDermott, for one, remembers him differently. [2] Just after the advent of colour television in Canada, the Maple Leafs installed a new lighting system. Ballard. A visitation will be held on Friday, August 7, from 5-7 pm, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, 833 S. Marschall Road, Shakopee. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. This led to renewed criticism of Ballard's unwillingness to spend what it took to get the Leafs to the next level. The WHA had insisted on bringing in all three of its surviving Canadian teams, meaning revenue from CBC telecasts now had to be split six ways rather than three. Loving father of Alan McKee (Beverly) of Calgary, Nancy Buckham (David) of Burlington, Karen Charlebois (Del) of Newcastle and Brian McKee of St. Catharines. Robert A. Ballard, 82, of Mount Joy and formerly of Landisville, passed away on Thanksgiving, November 24, 2016, at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, VA. Robert was the loving husband. McKee, Harold Alexander (Reverend) Passed away peacefully at Henley House, St. Catharines, on Monday February 18, 2019 at the age of 86. The court awarded her $91,000.[32]. However, he insisted on receiving compensation for Keon, and set the price so high that potential suitors shied away, in effect preventing Keon from joining another NHL team. Ballard never forgave the WHA for this, and became the leader of the hardline faction of NHL owners who opposed any merger with the upstart league. After his playing days were over, Mr. Ballard quipped, "You didn't have to think too much to be the [football] centre. We have set your language to Never paid any taxes for me. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. There was a problem getting your location. Born to Fred and Merleen Steele, David grew up in Pennsylvania and New Mexico. The Leafs and North Stars both played in the Norris Division, which was extremely weak that year; the Red Wings were the only team with a winning record. He installed himself as president and chairman of Maple Leaf Gardens and governor of the Maple Leafs. One of them was Bernie Finkelstein, who with partner Bernie Fiedler was a major booker in Toronto in the early 1970s. They nearly duplicated that dubious achievement in 198788. In 1990, Harold Ballard died, irascible and overripe at 86. You can search by first or last name, state and publication date. The biggest loss was goaltender Bernie Parent, a superstar in the making, who was offered a WHA contract with financial terms far beyond what Ballard was prepared to match. In 1972, Harold Ballard's idiosyncratic bookkeeping and whimsical ideas on what money was his and what money belonged to Maple Leaf Gardens got him into severe trouble. When his cantankerous father returned from prison, Mr. Ballard was demoted, though he stayed on the board and kept his large chunk of common stock in the company. In one incident, Ballard was arrested in Paris following a fracas at a hotel. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. She was 87. Ballard also signed Brje Salming to a new contract with terms that Imlach had refused to offer. Please enter your email and password to sign in. Pennants proclaiming National Hockey League championships, Stanley Cup victories and other triumphs used to hang from the rafters of Maple Leaf Gardens. All Work and All Play: A Life in the Outrageous Sport, p. 124, John Wiley and Sons Canada Ltd., Mississauga, ON, 2005. A year later, they moved to the Gardens. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. Things changed when Mr. Ballard became president and governor of the Maple Leafs in 1972. At no time before or after his trial did Ballard show any interest in being associated with Eagleson or in having members of the Leafs play the Soviets, and the move was widely seen to be a means to generate favourable public relations. Their .300 winning percentage was the second-worst in franchise history. His last months were filled with court fights involving his children. He played a key role in the Leaf dynasty of the 1960s, winning Stanley Cups in 1962, 1963, 1964 and 1967. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. At age 68, Ballard won a battle with Stafford's family and bought his shares, giving him a 60 percent controlling interest in the Gardens. ''Harold is going aboard and get that gold.''. presentation-ready copies of Toronto Star content for distribution Occasionally the digitization process introduces transcription errors or other problems; we are continuing to work to improve these archived versions. In September 1981, after Imlach had another heart attack during training camp, Ballard told the media that Imlach's poor health meant that "he's through as general manager". Born Yolanda Babic, the daughter of Czech immigrants changed her name to Ballard in 1988, five years after first meeting the owner at the NHL clubs former home, Maple Leaf Gardens on Carlton Street, where he had an apartment. Under Day and Ballard, the Nationals won the Memorial Cup at the end of the 193536 season. In 1985-86, they finished with a .356 winning percentage, the fourth-worst record in the league and fourth worst in franchise history. After a brief stay at Kingston Penitentiary, he was moved to a minimum-security facility that was part of Millhaven Institution. Show your support Send Flowers You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. An email has been sent to the person who requested the photo informing them that you have fulfilled their request, There is an open photo request for this memorial. ", (Indeed, Mr. Ballard was an enthusiastic chaser of properties to bring into Toronto. [3], Ballard's greatest influence in this period was not on the ice, but on the financial performance of Maple Leaf Gardens. However, as Ken Dryden put it in his book The Game, he seemed "like [a] wrestling villain who touches the audience to make his next villainy seem worse.". cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. "Leafs' owner Ballard spends $1.3 million to buy the Tiger-Cats," Rick Matsumoto. He wasn't just talk. This article was published more than 8 years ago. Phone: (828) 428-2460 Fax: (828) 428-4154 1101 East Maiden Road, P.O. A system error has occurred. None of the three was wearing a life jacket. She could dine with the Queen of England at night and the next morning be busting it with any kind of maintenance person, Gord Stellick recalled. But he did more than work for his father. However, many players were unwilling to sign with Toronto in any event because of Ballard's reputation. Ballard wasn't initially named to the committee when it was unveiled in March 1957, but took the place of Ian Johnston nine months later. He was 58. If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to [emailprotected] and include a link to the page and details about the problem. He was also the owner of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League (CFL) for 10 years from 1978 to 1988, winning a Grey Cup championship in 1986. Many fans consider the Ballard era to be the darkest period in team history. "Maple Leaf forever? She was a canning manager and was a. If you do not yet have a Torstar account, you can create one now (it is free), Copyright owned or licensed by Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. [25] In 1986, Ballard publicly called the Tiger Cats a bunch of overpaid losers. Ballard was reappointed executive vice president. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. Harold Ballard, the owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League and a man described by his team's fact book as ''one of the most loved and hated men in Canada,'' died yesterday in Toronto. The Tiger-Cats made the playoffs every year under Ballard's ownership and played in four Grey Cup championship games, losing in 1980, 1984 and 1985 before finally winning the Cup in 1986. He removed the Queen's picture to make room for more seats. Dr. Henry Harold Ballard, age 79, of Grand Prairie, Texas passed away on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. Create an Obituary. [29], Despite his reputation, Ballard was well known for his charitable activities, and even leased out MLG for many functions. Smythe died just six weeks later. He floated the idea of bringing in the NHL's California Golden Seals into the Toronto area and much later was a failed bidder for the expansion NBA Raptors.). cemeteries found in Toronto, Toronto Municipality, Ontario, Canada will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Harold Ballard (10477)? He had his own brand of patriotism. BALLARD, YOLANDA ANNA January 3, 1933 - June 3, 2020 It is with the greatest of sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved Mother, Yolanda Ballard. Burke Mortuary - Newton-Conover Luckily, the singer's slightly wounded father made to his seat in time for his spotlight moment. Diamond Dreams: 20 Years of Blue Jays Baseball, Stephen Brunt, p.21, Penguin Books. I know the family and friends were totally aghast and Oh my god, shes a gold digger but he figured out she could take his s--- and she, as time evolved, became his caregiver.. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? I can see a lot of lawsuits flying around here. He was "Billy" to his friends, and he had many of those. Harold Ballard and Yolanda Ballard took out a marriage license last January in the Cayman Islands. To do that, Ballard bought 24% of son Harold Jr.'s shares for $25 million. Hurt, 91, of Salem, passed away on Friday, November 25, 2016. [24] Federal Labour Minister John Munrofrom Hamiltonled an unsuccessful campaign against the deal, while Bassett, having sold the Argos to William R. Hodgson by this time, was also unable to intervene. [33] The purchase was the subject of a securities commission review and a lawsuit from Ballard's son Bill, but the deal stood and Stavro and his partners in MLG Ventures became the new owner of the Leafs and Maple Leaf Gardens. Neilson did return, without the paper bag. He was a big fish in a big pond, his appetite was the stuff of legend and he knew all about "eat or be eaten.". At a game in the Philadelphia Spectrum in the late 1970's, Mr. Ballard defended his friend, a hockey legend named King Clancy, when Mr. Clancy, a former player and N.H.L. Ballard sold the team to businessman David Braley on February 24, 1989. Dave "Tiger" Williams who played with the Leafs from 1973 to 1980 had a close relationship with Ballard. On November 15, 2019, . The Leafs barely made the playoffs in 1980, finishing five games below .500. Learn . At the time, the CFL still consisted of two autonomous conferences. Gord Stellick, the Leafs general manager in 1988-89 and Bobs brother, recalled that she just appeared at the Gardens one day (holding a cake, according to some accounts, and refusing to leave until he spoke to her). Hockey Hall of Fame Team Owner. expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Toronto Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. Sorry! Featured Obituary. Try again. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. The storied arena fell into disrepair during Ballard's tenure. In 1955, she met Bill MacMillan, the son of a noted magistrate. Harold Edwin Ballard (born Edwin Harold Ballard, July 30, 1903 - April 11, 1990) was a Canadian businessman and sportsman. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. As it turns out, he didn't win the brawl for the Toronto Maple Leafs. He had worked early on with Neil Young and Joni Mitchell in smaller venues, but by the time CPI came into being he saw the writing on the wall. HAROLD BALLARD OBITUARY HAROLD BALLARD III "Bo" Gary, Indiana Age 19 passed away Monday, December 4, 2006. She claimed to have been with Ballard for eight years at the time of his death. After Day became coach of the Leafs in 1940, he recommended Ballard to the Leaf organization to run the Toronto Marlboros, the senior and junior teams owned by the Leafs. Mr. Ballard, a big, burly man with bright orange-red hair, was ''an old-fashioned pirate,'' said Conn Smythe, who ran Maple Leaf Gardens while the young Mr. Ballard was learning the business. One of the key players in the fight was his son Bill, a major concert promoter and something of a chip off the old block what he didn't learn at Osgoode Hall Law School, his father had taught him. Please. At the time of this fight, both Mr. Ballard and Mr. Clancy were in their 70's. However, Ballard did not object the following year when Hodgson sold his stake in the Argos to Carling O'Keefe notwithstanding the fact the brewer also owned a team in the WHA (the Quebec Nordiques). The executors of Ballard's will were Steve Stavro, Don Giffin and Don Crump. His disregard for his father's companion, the convicted fraud artist Yolanda MacMillan, made headlines when he was found guilty of assaulting her during an incident at Maple Leaf Gardens and fined $500. Face masks are required. There were differences of opinion on how good a businessman Harold Ballard was "He couldn't promote the Second Coming with the original cast," cracked Toronto Star columnist Frank Orr but his son's reputation was solid in that respect. Learn more about managing a memorial . Imlach never returned to work and his contract was allowed to expire. "He was in the shadow of his father and maybe I got more attention, but he was awfully sharp. BROWN, NELLIE G., 95, of Eugene, Ore., died Thursday (Dec. 29, 1994) at HCA Oak Hill Hospital. Ballard ran his $100 million empire, which included the Toronto Maple Leafs, Maple Leaf Gardens, the American Hockey League Newmarket Saints and a printing company, via a holding company, Harold E . Oops, something didn't work. ''I thought we were both going to get arrested. Ballard booked The Beatles on each of their three North American tours from 19641966. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. To use this feature, use a newer browser. A social media post showed video of what appears to be the shooting. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. Yolanda was not invited to Ballard's funeral, nor to the reading of his will. On the night of the singer's first major concert at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto, the plan was to put the spotlight on Mr. McDermott's father in the audience during the show. But Mr. Ballard became ill, called off the wedding and entered the hospital. You can always change this later in your Account settings. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. That deal closed in 1994, and shortly after Stavro bought Ballard's shares from the estate for $34 a share or $75 million. Soon after taking over as majority owner, he forced out several longtime front-office personnel and replaced them with his own men. Ballard was made president and general manager. Box 716 Maiden, NC 28650. "Peace is wonderful, but ", Frank Orr, Cole, Stephen. On the hot summer day of one of the concerts, Ballard ordered the building's heat turned up, shut off the water fountains, and also delayed both of the concerts for over an hour. [15] Ballard told the press that the real battle had been between Imlach and Eagleson, and Sittler just got caught in the crossfire. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. Concert Productions International would become a hugely profitable enterprise and a game-changing innovator in full-service touring in North America. He is 1 of 7 names to be on both the Stanley Cup and Grey Cup. There is a problem with your email/password. He was 86 years old and had spent most of the last two years in and out of hospitals because of diabetes-related heart problems. Ballard pleaded not guilty to all charges. She was led to the Lord by her grandfather at the age of 10 and dedicated her life to Christ at . Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. ). Keon never forgave Ballard for how he had been treated, and it was more than 20 years before he was reconciled with the Leafs. "Any time we were in trouble, and we were in trouble far more often than I'd like to remember, Harold was there for us.". Soon, they were a couple. When an outraged Bassett complained, Ballard demanded $3,500 for use of the lights. Ballard's desire to control players and their salaries also put him at odds with Alan Eagleson, executive director of the NHL Players' Association and a player agent whose clients included Keon's successor as captain, Darryl Sittler. Oops, we were unable to send the email. Individual Ancestors Maternal line Paternal line Descendants Relationship Connections Timeline Family GEDCOM Suggest Expand all | Collapse all Personal Information | Sources | Event Map | All | PDF Reference Your Name Here. He finished his sentence at a halfway house in Toronto, and was paroled in October 1973 after serving a third of his sentence. In those days, the top four teams in each division made the playoffs, regardless of record. His parents were Clarence Buchholz and Ruth Preston Buchholz. Indeed, the one story about Mr. Ballard's excitable metabolism that has been recycled more than the others over the years involves a visit to New York, where a stunned matre d' witnessed the man's gustatory feats. At the time, NHL teams relied on the reserve clause to keep players from jumping to other teams in the league, but the clause could not prevent players from leaving the NHL to join a different league. Most of Harold Ballard's fortune will eventually go to charity and his female companion will receive $50,000 a year until she dies or marries, executors of his estate said Wednesday. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. All told, the Leafs only had six winning seasons in Ballard's 18-plus seasons as majority owner, and never finished higher than third in their division in any format. . Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. When Day was busy with the Leafs and unavailable for games, Ballard would step behind the bench as acting coach. He competed in several regattas, and won the Toronto-Oakville marathon in 1929. There was an error deleting this problem. Around that time, the Leafs had made it as far as the Stanley Cup semifinals in 1978, losing to the two-time defending champions Montreal Canadiens.