Frank Sabatino

May 9, 1955 – November 15, 2001
 

It was very important to Frank to contribute to the community.  He was an active member of the Minor Oaks Hockey Association, as convenor and serving as a director on the MOHA Board.  Frank was awarded the 2000 – 2001 Syd Peacock Award for the convenor of the year.

He was a 20 + year employee of GlaxoSmithKine and always said it was like he started working there yesterday.  Frank was an avid golfer and in the hockey off-season convened soccer. 

Frank was born in Trenton, Ontario to parents that had immigrated to Canada from Italy in the early 1950’s.  His parents instilled a strong work ethic in Frank so whatever Frank undertook and was passionate about he gave 110 percent.  When he was 12 years old he decided that he wanted to play hockey.  He worked hard to develop the skills that many of his friends had already acquired from years of playing hockey.  He became a strong house league player.

Frank loved participating and watching sports. In his early years, in addition to hockey, he successfully competed in cross-country, football, tennis, skiing and racquetball.  It was in his thirties that he caught the golf bug.

At 28, Frank developed a condition that affected his mobility.  As the years passed, it became increasingly difficult for him to walk without the aid of a cane or other mobility device.  Although Frank had to give up many of the sports he enjoyed, he found other ways to participate and be part of his children’s athletics.  He also discovered with the help of others that no matter how tough it got, you can still play golf.  During 2001, before he became ill, Frank had played 60 rounds and was hoping to break his 2000 record of 110!

Convening hockey and watching the players and being with the family at the rink, were very happy and rewarding for Frank.  He always said that he hoped that in a small way he made it possible for the boys to experience the challenge, competition, fair play, friendships, fun and great times like the ones he carried as fond and cherished memories.

Unfortunately, Frank was diagnosed with leukemia in August, 2001.  He didn’t get the chance to watch or convene any games but he did the division stats from his hospital bed for as long as he was able.  He lost his battle with leukemia November 15, 2001.

Enjoy the tournament, Frank would be happy to know that he continues to contribute to building on the children’s skills, experiences and fond memories.

By: Marisa, Paolo and Debbie Sabatino

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2009 Cheque presentation to the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital Foundation on behalf of the FSMT The FSMT tournament committee were very pleased to present a cheque for $2,500. to the OTMHF. A new tournament fund raising effort for which we thank everyone for their generosity.

In the picture from Left to right are: Trevor Nash accepting on behalf of the OTMHF, Debbie, Paol and Marisa Sabatino - Frank's family, and Shona Bradley, FSMT Chair.

During the 2009 Frank Sabatino Memorial Tournament, various fund raising events were held to benefit the Palliative Care Services at Oakville Traflagar Hospital.

Amongst the many services available at Oakville Trafalgar Hospital, it provides palliative care service to assist patients and their families facing life-threatening or terminal illnesses.  The holistic service offered deal with diagnosis through to loss and bereavement. It is active, compassionate care aimed at improving quality of life for the individual and the family.

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2008 Cheque presentation to the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital Foundation on behalf of the FSMT

During the 2008 Frank Sabatino Memorial Tournament, various fund raising events were held to benefit the Palliative Care Services at Oakville Traflagar Hospital.

Amongst the many services available at Oakville Trafalgar Hospital, it provides palliative care service to assist patients and their families facing life-threatening or terminal illnesses.  The holistic service offered deal with diagnosis through to loss and bereavement. It is active, compassionate care aimed at improving quality of life for the individual and the family.

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In 2007, the funds were directed towards the Oakville Hospital Foundation Palliative Care services  The $1,500 raised was donated in memory of Mr. Ken Morgan, a long service member of our association who passed away this season.
A picture with Ken's wife Elsie, his daughter and grand daughter, the Sabatino family, MOHA President Mike Zardo a representative from the Foundation, the captain of Ken's team the St. Hilda's Eagles and Gord Waldie a long time colleague is shown below along with a short note about Ken.

During the 2006 Frank Sabatino Memorial Tournament, various fund raising events were held to benefit the Palliative Care Services at Oakville Traflagar Hospital in memory of Gary White.
 

Amongst the many services available at Oakville Trafalgar Hospital, it provides palliative care service to assist patients and their families facing life-threatening or terminal illnesses.  The holistic service offered deal with diagnosis through to loss and bereavement. It is active, compassionate care aimed at improving quality of life for the individual and the family.

 

from THE OAKVILLE BEAVER - FEBRUARY 1, 2006

Gary White

MOHA coach and convenor

The Minor Oaks Hockey Association (MOHA) lost a dedicated volunteer when Gary White died of cancer Sunday.

White, 42, was a coach and the convenor of MOHA's 10-team novice white division.

Wayne Moorehead, MOHA's vice-president, house league, said White's commitment was incredible. Despite his failing health, Moorehead said White was at the rink just a week before his death making sure he fulfilled his duties.

"This is a guy who knows he has limited time with us and he's doing everything he can to help the kids," Moorehead said. "It speaks a lot for his character and his commitment because clearly it was difficult for him."

MOHA and the Minor Oaks Mom began selling white wrist bands for $4 earlier this year with the money going to help pay for specialized treatment for White, who began volunteering three years ago.

"He really worked hard with the coaches in the division to do what was right for the kids. He would always try to find a way to solve a problem and it was always with the kids' best interests at heart," Moorehead said. "He didn't talk a lot about (his illness). He let us know he had a challenge, but he was optimistic he could lick it. It's not an easy job to do at the best of times and considering the health and personal issues he was facing, it had to be hard."

Proceeds from the sales of the wrist bands, available at MOHA games, were redirected to a trust fund for White's children, eight-year-old Christopher and two-year-old Sydney.

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