By Sheila Phibbs
The Haldimand Press
HAGERSVILLE—Murray Johnson is a familiar name and face in Hagersville, especially to minor sports families. He has committed his time and energy to hockey and ball teams representing his beloved hometown. Now it is Murray who needs help and a group of his friends are coordinating a fundraising effort to ensure Hagersville’s number one fan stays in the community he has always called home.
Raised in Hagersville, Murray would often be seen walking through the neighbourhood, visiting at the Legion, or at the post office. He worked at Hagersville Precast Concrete Products owned by Henry Gentile. Murray lived with his mother until she passed away 15 years ago, then lived on his own for 10 years before moving to Anson Place.
Murray’s favourite places are the arena and ball park. While he played hockey in the 60s, his true passion for sports began to shine as he served as bat boy and stick boy for his peers, then coach and trainer for the generations that followed. One friend fondly shares, “He played hockey with my father … refereed me in the next generation, and coached and managed my kids in the third generation.”
Murray took his role as Hagersville junior hockey trainer seriously, with his white pants and white towel around his neck. He started in 1969 with the Laidlaw Jrs., then the Flyers, and continued on to the Hawks Junior C team of today.
As an avid volunteer, he is known to so many players, coaches, and parents. Even visiting teams recognize Murray. Whether carrying the jerseys, looking after equipment, helping on the bench, giving fist bumps to players, ramping up a dressing room with his version of the “Hagersville Howl”, or cheering from the stands, he has been a lifelong supporter of Hagersville sports.
Speaking on behalf of the committee working to assist Murray, Bonnie McKinnon says, “Every town has a legend they are proud of for their continual dedication toward the betterment of the town. Remember the person who was coaching first base at your child’s baseball game and looked after gathering up the equipment before the ball lights were turned off – that was Murray.”
She continues, “Who was on the bench of every Hagersville hockey team, no matter what age, and again looked after making sure all the equipment was in order? Murray.” Murray became such an integral part of local hockey that, in 2012, the Hagersville Minor Hockey Association renamed a tournament hosted in the community to the Murray Johnson Tournament.
Now 78, Murray has lived at Anson Place, where he receives the care he requires, for five years. Long term, however, his personal resources are not sufficient for his monthly expenses. As of March 2023, there is an estimated monthly shortfall of $1,500. His friends are taking a proactive approach to help his cause. This includes filing for CPP disability, which he has not accessed previously, and they have reached out to Haldimand’s members of parliament to support the request. They state, “Our goal as a community is to ensure he gets to stay there (Anson Place).”
They are also reaching out to the greater community, especially those whose lives have been touched by Murray’s kindness and generosity. A trust account has been established through Ed McCarthy of McCarthy and Fowler Law. Donations of cash or cheque (payable to: C. Edward McCarthy, in trust) can be made at the McCarthy and Fowler Law office at 17 Main St. S. in Hagersville. E-transfers clearly stating “Murray Johnson Fund” in the message box can be sent to ed@mccarthyfowler.com. It is suggested to use “Murray” as the password or contact the office to provide the password used.
The committee is considering managing this significant fundraising task in terms of monthly increments of $1,500; organizations or individuals can assume responsibility for a month with the funds deposited to the trust account in time for that payment. Some groups have already committed to be responsible for a month. It is hoped that, “With the great community we have, soon we are sure to have many groups step forward with support.”
Plans are underway for a fundraiser at the Hagersville Legion. Support is also coming from the Wanda and Scott Memorial Golf Tournament on June 23. Murray’s friends are very appreciative of this help. Anyone interested in contributing their time to assist with this event can reach out to Kelly Reichheld at 416-305-1190. The committee believes, “When you think of the countless hours he spent volunteering his time for us, it’s just a few hours of our time to help keep Murray where he belongs.”
Murray’s many friends know that the place he belongs is Hagersville. It is the place where he became a part of so many teams and has the jackets and trophies to prove it. It is the place where Murray Johnson truly is a sports legend. His friends ask, “Please let’s get behind this project and support Murray for the time and effort that he so unselfishly donated for the betterment of the town of Hagersville.”
