It is with a heavy heart I write this posting. On Friday November 11th - John Thompson passed away suddenly, leaving his family, friends, peers and teammates shocked and saddened.
It does not take special words to express our feelings for our captain and leader, honest ones will do just fine. For thirty-seven years he led this team with his dedication, passion, commitment and positive example both on and off the ice. His character, attitude and personality have become the ideal that this league strives to embrace.
To completely describe what Jocko has meant to everyone he has touched would take an eternity, but I would like to invite all who might like to share a story, or comment to do so by clicking ‘Comments’ below.
We miss you Jocko,
Your friends on the BBC Blues.
November 13th, 2005 at 4:42 am
It’s with a heavy heart and teary eyes that I leave this message. I consider it an honour and a privilege to have known and played with Jocko. To Cathy, his family, friends and teammates I wish you all the best in dealing with his tragic death in your own way. “… short days ago we lived, felt dawn, loved and were loved…” Up the Blues!
November 13th, 2005 at 11:44 am
What a most fitting start to what will be a gut wrenching next few days. To all of us, Jocko was our Captain and our Leader, fearless in passing on his wisdom and insight, passionate in his love of hockey, Balmy Beach and especially the Blues. No truer a gentleman has anyone ever met. To Cathy, Scott and Lindsay, to his immediate family and endless list of friends, we, The Basement Blues and the members of the Blacks, Reds, Golds, Whites and Greens, want to extend our heartfelt condolences to all. We promise to be with you all every step of the way and we also promise to never forget the virtues he extolled upon us all.
Personally, this loss has hit me like no other since my mom and dad passed away. How many people can boast to have being fortunate enough to play the great game of hockey with a wonderful role model and human being such as Jocko was for over 28 years. He was and will always be “our leader” and the dressing room and bench will be a different place for us.
The outpouring of love for Jocko since his untimely passing has been truly remarkable and I cannot thank everyone enough for that support. We’ve lost a real gem of a person and we will all need the collective support to move on over the upcoming days, weeks and months. Our hearts are enormously heavy at this time.
Cathy, Scott and Lindsay, we all LOVED your father deeply as he epitomized so much that we all strive to accomplish in life. He came, he laughed, he loved and he played the game with passion right up to the very end. It is that memory that will always sustain us.
I miss you already Jocko, thanks for the hockey, the golf , for always supporting me and for being my friend. Cheers pal and Up the Blues!!
#13 Forever
November 13th, 2005 at 1:48 pm
I am sitting here in shock and disbelief that we have lost one of the nicest men I have ever met. I am also saying it is not fair, why Jocko he was far to young. I will be having these thoughts and feels for a long time as I try and find a way to deal with the passing of our friend.
To Cathy, Scott and Lindsay your Father was the “Salt of the Earth”, he did not have an enemy on this planet and was liked, respected and loved by everyone who met and got to know him. I remember my first year playing hockey with the Blues, I was sitting beside the Leader and Captain of our Team who’s name was Jocko. The Team list went around to gather players information, I started to read the names and saw the name John Thompson. I turned to Jocko quietly and asked who that was? He turned to me quietly and said that he was John Thompson, I said sorry about that and he laugh and said no problem. He could have embarrassed me in front of the Team but that was not in his nature. He never had a bad thing to say about anyone.
He loved his Friday Night with the Basement Blues. Every game he played he gave it his all, he lead by example. He was what Balmy Beach Hockey was all about, work hard, play clean, then laugh and enjoy stories with the guys.
Jocko I know you are up there looking down on us and telling us not to be sad because you are OK, and you really don’t want the attention. Well my friend we are sad and we are all carrying heavy hearts because you have left us. There is one thing that I am happy about, you have been and will always be a part of our lives.
Cheers Jocko, you have made all of us better people for knowing you!!!
November 13th, 2005 at 4:55 pm
Although I only new Jocko for two years I did find out in a big hurry that he was definitely one of the nicest guys I have ever met.
He played and captained the blues longer than I have been alive, and by listening to everyone speak about him he did a fantastic job.
If he was this good of a person one day a week to me, I can only imagine what a top notch person he must have been in everything else he did in his life.
Thanks Jocko, The King of the Blues
November 13th, 2005 at 8:55 pm
With swollen eyes and a lump in my throat, my heartfelt condolences go to Jocko’s family and many friends. A kind and gentle man has left us much too soon. My D partner for 8 years is gone but my memories are strong #13.
November 14th, 2005 at 12:19 am
I like everyone else that has been lucky enough to have known Jocko feel this great loss. John has been a touchstone for me since I first moved to the beach and began playing on his team fourteen years ago. His sense of warmth and humanity were always a constant in and out of the dressing room and he did not have an unkind word for anyone. He did not complain about others or issues merely commented if he felt the topic warranted it. Always tenacious and determined on the ice then relaxed and jovial off. His actions and gentle nature were a stalwart on all Friday nights and he gave us all a goal to strive for. If these are the attributes of true gentlemen then John was surely one of them.
When I was in business for myself it was John handed out my business cards. When my twins were born and we hoisted a toast to them it was John who smiled the brightest and shook my hand first. When we had a passing in my family it was John who delivered the flowers and the kind words that eased our sorrow. When I changed careers it was he who took me aside and congratulated me. Once again always the gentleman not only saying the right thing but doing the right thing.
Cathy, Scott, and Lindsay I doubt that these words will ease your grief at the moment but in the future perhaps you can reflect upon what has been written by myself and my teammates and realize how important and special your father and husband was to us as well.
As Jocko would say “Up the Blues”.
Brian (Sweep) McGinnis.
November 14th, 2005 at 12:41 am
I have sat right next to Jocko every Friday night for the past eight winters in the Blue’s dressing room. For that I feel fortunate. It’s stating the obvious to say that Jocko will be terribly missed by the team, the league, the club and the entire community. I hope his family can take some small measure of comfort in knowing their sadness is shared by so many.
November 14th, 2005 at 1:47 pm
Jocko represents to me everything a man and a teammate should aspire to be. A gritty yet classy competitor on the ice; a jovial friend to all in the dressing room; and from what I’m told, a wonderful husband and father.
Remembrance Day will now have a new meaning for the Thompson family, BBC hockey, and all that knew him.
Despite much sadness, here’s to the memory of a true gentleman, family man, teammate and spiritual captain of the Blues forever.
Up the Blues…and # 13!
November 14th, 2005 at 3:41 pm
Although I have not played for the Basement Blues for a few years, Jocko’s untimely passing has greatly saddened me. My heart goes out to Jocko’s family and the rest of his teammates.
When I first joined the Blues in 1994, Jocko was our fearless leader. I understand from the comments above that he continued to lead the team year after year. He was a natural. There was not a person on the team nor in the entire league who did not respect Jocko. He was the definition of class.
I remember fondly when we one the league championship. There was no one prouder to hoist the trophy over his head than Jocko Thompson.
When Matt Deffett called me on Sunday I was in shock and I still am. Jocko truly made us all better people and better hockey players.
Up The Blues Jocko - You will be Captain of the Blues forever.
Eric Swan
November 14th, 2005 at 3:46 pm
To Jocko’s family and to the Blues, I would like to express my deepest regrets at the passing of such a nice guy at such an early age. It was with great shock that I was told of Jocko’s passing. In fact, I am still in shock. Regardless of the outcome of a game, Jocko was always willing to shake your hand, look you in the eye and congratulate you on a good game. Sometimes guys can forget that it is all about getting out for a skate with the lads and having a few pops afterwards in a social setting, escaping from the stesses of everyday life for a few hours. Jocko never forgot that. He was a gentlemen both on and off the ice. It is a testement to the type of person Jocko was, that I never heard anyone say a bad word about him. We can all hope that we will some day be held in the same type of light. It is with heavy hearts that I and the Greens will play the Blues this week.
November 14th, 2005 at 4:05 pm
My heart is still broken over this, I wish his family all the best through the troubling times ahead. Jocko will be sadly missed by friends, family and the whole BBC Hockey League. Up The Blues!!!
November 14th, 2005 at 4:28 pm
I received an email from Swanee this morning concerning the passing of Jocko. One of the first things that came to mind was that great smile he had when we would watch Sweep and Cheese go at it in the bar after hockey. It is with great sadness I extend my condolences to the family. The sentiments found on this site speak volumnes to the character of the man. I can only add he was one of finest guys I’ve had the pleasure to meet.
November 14th, 2005 at 4:54 pm
It is with deep sadness that I express my sincere sympathies to Jocko’s wife, children and many friends.
Upon hearing of his passing on Saturday morning I have reflected many times on my chats with Jocko in the corner of the dressing room, always coming back to his love of his time up north with Cathy or his enjoyment of his work and always his children.
I will miss those chats and having Jocko around!
Up the Blues - #13!
November 14th, 2005 at 8:12 pm
As so many have already said, and many more will continue to say, Jocko truly was a great guy. Always a gentleman on the ice, and an even better man off the ice, he was someone that could be looked up to for leadership, strength, respect and compassion too. Truth be told, I cannot say enough about Jocko. He was just that kind of guy.
November 14th, 2005 at 9:33 pm
I have had the pleasure of having my brother, Matt, introduce me to the incredibly close-knit group of guys that make up the Blues. I was also lucky to make the acquaintance of John Thompson. Thus, I may begin to understand your grief. To John’s family and his teammates I would like to offer my sincere condolences.
-Randy Deffett
November 15th, 2005 at 11:54 am
I have approached this task several times over the last couple days and each time I try, I can’t seem to find the right words to properly express how I feel about Jocko. I now can say:
I remember : a smiling face who welcomed me to the
Basement Blues many years ago
I remember : a hockey player who came up with some
great plays on the D
I remember : a dressing room where Jocko offered anyone
who was without - a cold beverage
I remember : a man who never had anything bad to say
about other players, even though the rest of
us did
I remember : a guy who commonly gave up his shift so
another team mate could get their share
of ice time
I remember : a guy who enjoyed staying after the game
to talk and get to know the new guys
I remember : a father who spoke often of his wife and kids
and how proud he was of them
I remember : a husband who would bring his wife Cathy to
my Christmas party
I remember : a guy who made you feel good especially
when you had a bad game
I remember : alot of laughs in the dressing room
I remember: A guy with alot of “Class”
I will remember : a friend
Gods speed John “Jocko” Thompson #13 Captain of the Basement Blues.
Mike DeLisle
November 15th, 2005 at 2:44 pm
Similar to Mikey D’s comment about sitting down and trying to put into words the way I feel has been difficult. Reading previous comments have really helped because they truley express the type of person Jocko was.I remember for the best part of 20 years Jocko and I would whack the shit out of each other on Friday nights. In the last few years I had the pleasure of getting to know him a little better and as a result of that we didn’t have our usual Friday night episodes.To the Blues…You definately have a special team chemistry, like none other in our league. Jocko was a big part of how you have bonded and we know he will always be a big part of the team. ” Up the Blues” To Cathy and family…Our deepest sympathies go out to you. Love Ronnie.
November 15th, 2005 at 4:15 pm
I can’t stop thinking of what has transpired in the past few days. I have had such a wide range of emotions. For the first few days, I was, as we all were in shock. Then came reflection of all the good times we had together and as a team. Since then I spoken to a few Blues, a few old Blues and I have read all these extrordinary tributes to a special person. And it is quite obvious that Jocko has touched each us in his own special way. I also remember Jock being one of the first people there to shake my hand after the birth both of my children. I remember when I was getting married, Nat and I were looking into where we were going to have the reception and he immediately offered to sponsor us at the Hunt Club.
I can’t forget the numerous discussions we have had in the past few years about the team, line match ups, drafting etc. I got to work on Monday and I went into my sent items and there were 10 to 20 e-mails from Jocko. It put a smile on my face but at the same time it put a tear in my eye.
I remember more than a few times in the summer running into him and Cathy walking along Queen St or the Boardwalk holding hands. I think, we can all aspire to have a relationship that they have.
To a true class individual, you will always be remembered as the loving husband and father and our team captain.
“Up the Blues” #13
November 15th, 2005 at 6:03 pm
To me Jocko represented what our hockey league strived to be.He was the epitome of gentlemanliness on the ice,of friendly rivalry and of shared laughs noting the pro scouts were missing from the stands once again when the action got a little silly.
He was welcoming to a competitor after a game where one could sense that this was his dressingroom among the close knit team that Ronnie wrote of as being unique.
I only knew Jocko through Friday nights and I am sorry I didn’t get to know him better.He was a great guy and although sadly casual,I considered him a friend.To his family and friends and teammates I extend,on behalf of the GOLDS hockey club,my deepest sympathy.May God Bless you all. Mark Clancy
November 15th, 2005 at 8:02 pm
I can´t believe its been 5 days since the sudden passing of my fellow teammate Jocko. Not a moment has gone by that my thoughts haven´t been of him, his loving family and many friends. Our recent conversation of life and its many challenges certainly now rings loud & clear. I thank you for being such a great leader, friend and coach. You welcomed me onto “The Blues” in the early nineties and throughout good and bad games you were always upbeat and never one to critizice or lay blame. When back at Ted Reeve arena, I know you will still be with us and watching from above. For 37 years you loved our league, the players, their comraderie and many laughs we had.
I have fond memories of winning the championship, the tournament in Kingston, the impromptu game at The Hunt, beers at The Alpine and our dressing room talks.
My sorrow of your loss goes out to Cathy, Lindsay and Scott. To my fellow teammates, I will be thinking of you over the next couple of days and most especially Friday when the absence of Jock will truly be felt. Be strong and hold #13 always in your memories, I know I will.
“Up the Blues”! Mike Emo
November 17th, 2005 at 11:11 am
I had the pleasure to work with John at Moore many years ago.
He was a great member of that team too. We worked hard and played hard. As John was a good guy to his fellow workers he was even more dedicated to the business. He hated losing an order.
How can one guy possess all of life’s good ingredients?
Love, Class, Friends, Morals, Respect, Ethics, Winning Attitude….If a person only had half of John’s qualities, that person would be considered good.
And let’s not forget who helped make him the person he was. His friend and wife, Cathy. Probably one of the sweetest ladies that I have ever met. Seeing Lindsay and Scott yesterday after many years and the people thay have become, is a testament to what wonderful parents Cathy and Jocko were. Another attribute to add to John’s list.
It would be a couple times a year that John and I would bump into each other downtown somewhere along King Street . We would pick up where we left off from our previous meet. John was certainly a friend for life and I will miss him.
Over the past few days I would think of John’s passing and would become sad. Then I would think of something about John over the years and everytime, a smile would replace the frown. Damn, you’re good John.
November 17th, 2005 at 11:14 am
I would like to add my praises of Jocko to those already posted. I first started hanging around the Blues in the late 1970’s. I did not know how to skate and had no equipment. I would watch the Blues play every Friday night and go in the dressing room afterwards to be with my friends Mike Toole and Carl Trinier. This is where I first met Jocko. Later on, ex Blue Scotty Porter gave me a set of hockey equipment and I entered the draft hoping to become a Blue.
Things did not work out as I planned and I ended up being a Green, After 20 plus years I still do not know how to skate but I did find out about the character of most of the players in the league. None exemplified what an ideal Friday night hockey player should be more than Jocko Thompson. Always determined, always hard playing, he was a gentleman on and off the ice. He lead his team with courage and conviction, with class and humility.
I think the term that sums him up best is ” Salt of the Earth “. We would all do well to try to emulate his behaviour.
My condolences to Cathy, her children and his family. People like Jocko can not be replaced.
On a final note, I would like to congratulate the Blues for their solidarity in supporting the Thompson family in their hours of need and especially Scanner. His words at a packed Kew United yesterday were exquisite and made me proud to be associated with the league that Jocko loved so much.
November 18th, 2005 at 10:30 am
I haven’t been on the ice with the Basement Blues for a number of years now, but like all former members of this great team I do believe in the saying, “Once a Blue, always a Blue”.
When I first joined the Blues I considered myself to be very fortunate because I was going to get to play on the same team as my brother Paul. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I was fortunate for a very different reason. There was definitely something special about the Blues. I don’t know what it was and I can’t put it into words; there was simply something different.
Sitting in the Church on Wednesday, I realized that the Blues have continued to be something special and that this fact is due in large part to the leadership of Jocko. While the overall chemistry of the team is bigger than any one man, there is no one that contributed more to that special character than he.
Of all the memories I have of Jocko, there is one thing I remember most. The fact that he treated all the guys, regardless of their skill level, with respect and as equals. As is often the case, the dressing room could be the place where verbal shots replace slap shots. The Blues were no different in this respect and quite often we would laugh at the expense of a team mate. This is part of the game and I’m sure all you players can relate to this. Jocko was always the voice of reason in the room. He seemed to know when the joke had gone to far or when the person being razed wasn’t in the mood to be the butt of a joke. This is what I remember most about Jocko. It was his presence that kept the bantering from becoming devisive. It was his intervention that kept teammates from pushing too far and potentially disrupting the chemistry of the Blues. He always liked to have fun, but he knew when it was no longer funny and he knew how and when to shut it down.
I learned a lot from Jocko. I’m proud to have been his teammate and I’m a better person for knowing him.
Thanks Jocko, you made a difference in my life and I’m grateful. I’ll miss you.
Up The Blues.
Shep
November 18th, 2005 at 10:30 am
God Bless you Jocko, Up the blues.
I have just heard today Friday Nov 18th, and am extremely saddened, He will be truly missed by all.
November 18th, 2005 at 12:49 pm
The message left on my answering machine 5 years ago was this: “Paul…It’s Jocko from the Blues – you are on our team” – click – and so began one of the most enjoyable periods of my life. A member of the Basement Blues. Never mind that Jocko neglected to give me any details about the team or the first game. He would later tell me that he knew I would figure it out.
Jocko welcomed me to the team dressing room - before the regular “new guy” trashing began. He was always considerate and kind and most importantly - always team first. Not many guys would sit out a shift, offer not to dress or gladly defer his opportunity as an extra attacker. He was the most unselfish hockey player that I have ever known.
The consummate team guy – team first….Blues first. A true leader.
Jocko was a reliable and consistent performer on the ice. A smart chip off the boards, proper positioning that forced a guy to the outside, or a friendly tap on the shins that reminded you not to venture near the crease. We would marvel at his abilities – and I know that I was not alone in watching him and thinking that if I was half as good as him at his age – well I would be pretty damn pleased.
Jocko and the Room (yes the legendary Blues room) is a scene that will leave an indelible imprint on my memory. Jocko was never in a hurry to leave his perch. Beer in hand, gear still on, sweat blending with his favorite beverage shirt – sitting back and taking in the show, usually with Sully and Sweep as the opening and closing act. Always laughing – always smiling – always ready to add the appropriate (and sometimes inappropriate) comment.
That hour after the game is why we all play and you knew that Jocko loved every minute of it. You could bet money that Jocko would always be one of the last guys to hit the showers where further commentary would continue on the team, the game and life.
His insight and observations were always respected.
And it wouldn’t necessarily end there – Act 2 in the parking lot – Act 3 at the Alpine.
We were always looking for another opportunity to analyze the game or share a few more laughs – another Friday night with the Blues – the best of times.
Friday nights – the Blues will never be the same. But we will always remember this special man, the good times we shared with him, and the friendship we forged.
Cathy: your husband will have a lasting impact on every single one of us.
Lindsay and Scott: We loved your dad.
Stay strong, be positive – Jocko’s way.
November 21st, 2005 at 1:00 pm
I have just returned from vacation, but did hear the terrible news while abroad.
I have known Jocko personally for 25 years and had the privilege of being a Blue from 1980 to 1990. Those were certainly fun years and I have many memories on the ice, in the dressing room and at the “locals” with Jocko.
In my association with the Balmy Beach Club of almost 30 years-I have not met a finer man. His character was beyond reproach. He always carried himself with dignity and honour, in addition to being selfless both on and off the ice. He liked to have a good time, but commanded respect from his peers, in a sporting environment that was fun yet competative.
I will miss Jocko’s laugh and smile, and still can’t imagine not seeing him on Friday night’s.
My regrets for not being able to attend his funeral-although halfway around the world-we “hoisted” a few to Jocko last Wednesday.
Fair, honest and decent Jocko Thompson will be missed. He was the type of man-that I think we all should aspire to be like.
My sincere condolences to his wonderful wife and children. I wish you strength during this most difficult time.
Once a Blue….always a Blue…..
Brian Spanton
November 21st, 2005 at 11:52 pm
To all the clubbers your comments only express what I saw in John as we grew up at Kew Beach and Malvern. In the early days John was a leader and many a game of shinney at kew gardens. To all who played with him i share your sorrow. I still remeber his smiling face at the MCI reunion with Cathy by his side. His spirit will live on. Farewell my friend.
January 15th, 2006 at 2:28 pm
I understand a defribulator was donated to the Ted Reeve Arena in memory of my brother John. I wish to thank everyone for their kindness and generosity, and for the support,love and comfort extended to John’s Family. Every word and action has been so greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Marilee
April 4th, 2006 at 3:21 pm
Well Jocko you would be very proud of all of the guys!!! We are in the final against the Greens and it is because you have been with us all season. We are going to win this for you my friend so cheer loud and get ready to toast with us after the game.
Thank you for your inspiration all year and we all miss you very much!!!
Scott “Silver” Fox Wagner
April 5th, 2006 at 7:04 am
Ah Silver Fox, you have a way with words. Yes, Jocko would be proud; in fact, he is very proud of the way we have conducted ourselves this year in true Blues fashion, his way, the only way. We are but one game away from our goal, our drive to keep his memory alive and I too, am proud of each and every one of you. We have supported each other throughout and as JP states, we are in the finals for the first time in 7 years. Jocko’s sweater will hang in it’s usual spot this Friday. He will be with us as he has every step of the way.
This week, I have received email, phone calls and best wishes at the Club to succeed and to do so in Jocko’s memory. All realize that we are doing this for one reason and one reason only. This morning, on my way to work, I drove by 89 Blantyre as I always do. It was 6:35 a.m. and the light in the front window was on. Symbolic? Maybe. Powerful message? Yes. Then, I read the Fox’s note. We can and we will prevail. Same game plan that has gotten us here will lead us on.
So my fellow Blues, for one last time this year, come prepared to do battle, come prepared to play the game like no other, come wanting to share in the joy and spirit of a true Blue, for one last time THIS season. He is watching, he has guided us to this point and wishes us to succeed. Afterall, it is the only way; Jocko’s way!! For Cathy, for Scott, for Lindsay and the rest of the family…believe. I do!!
Cheers boys… your new Captain!
Up the Blues.
Jocko, #13, Forever