DYH mourns passing of coach, friend Jerry Cunningham

Letter to the Editor:

With much sadness did I hear of the passing of long time Bantam A assistant coach Jerry Cunningham on December 11. Although he retired from the program three years ago, his contributions and presence will not be soon forgotten.

Having received the news from a clearly emotional former DYH president and Bantam head coach, John McDonald, it felt fitting to pen a few words of remembrance to the man whose teams I covered in these pages during the 80s and 90s.

Few possess the selfless dedication required to support a successful sports program, but Jerry certainly did with unheralded aplomb. Much like fellow DYH supporter Noreen Pero, who also passed this year, Jerry stayed with the program long after his own children, Adam and Ryan, graduated.

From the very beginning of his DYH career as a volunteer for the learn to skate clinic with the erstwhile instructor Linda Perkins to 15 years at John McDonald’s side, Jerry was always calming and unassuming. His mild mannered and jovial approach will not be forgotten by any who had the good fortune of his company.

His volunteerism from the ice, to the snack bar, to the stands with the parents has impacted our boys and girls and our collective hockey culture.

RIP Coach Cunningham.