By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
HAGERSVILLE — Murray Johnson, known to many in the Hagersville community for his tireless support of local sports, passed away on April 21, 2023 following a bout with an unexpected illness.
Johnson has been an enduring presence at local minor league hockey and baseball matches over the decades, serving in many roles: player in his younger years, bat boy and stick boy for his peers, and eventually moving into coaching and training many generations of young athletes who have benefitted from his tutelage.
“Murray was a true ambassador for sport in Hagersville and for our community at large,” said Hagersville Chamber of Commerce President Rob Phillips.
Johnson spent his career working for Hagersville Precast Concrete Products. He spent his entire life living in town, with his mother until she passed 15 years ago, and more recently as a resident at Anson Place.
But it was the local arena and ballpark that Johnson called home in his heart. Long-time friend Bonnie McKinnon said, “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.”
Johnson 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 finally to the Hawks Junior C team of today.
Johnson was a living example of volunteerism done right. Known to so many players, coaches, parents, and fans, his legacy will live on long after his passing as everyone who knew him remembers his jovial, friendly demeanour. Johnson relished every chance to be a part of the action, ready to help with any task, big or small. From carrying jerseys, to looking after team equipment, to helping on the bench, to revving up players in the dressing room with his own rendition of the infamous ‘Hagersville Howl’, Johnson was there.
HAGERSVILLE—Murray Johnson (left) is remembered by the town of Hagersville for his dedication to local sports and youth. At right, Tim’s Tirecraft pays tribute to Johnson.
—Left, archive photo. Right, Haldimand Press photo by Mike Renzella.
Johnson would see his efforts paid back by the Hagersville Minor Hockey Association in 2012 when they named a popular annual hockey tournament the Murray Johnson Tournament in his honour.
Recently, Johnson was the focus of a community-driven campaign to raise needed funds that would allow him to stay in his place of residence at Anson Place. The call for action yielded a massive result, with a post on social media asking for help being shared 236 times, a clear indicator of the love the community held for him.
Below are some of the condolences shared by friends and family of Johnson on his obituary, posted by RHB Anderson Funeral Homes.
“Gone but never forgotten. Hagersville has lost a sporting icon with Moe J’s passing. He was one of a kind and touched so many lives throughout his years. We will miss him,” said Dennis and Dana Smith.
“My condolences to Murray’s family. An icon in Haldimand County. We have many memories of him playing darts and the legion bus trips. RIP Buddy,” said Wayne Awde.
“Hagersville has lost a true sporting icon. He has touched many lives over the years and we will all miss his sense of humour, his great smile, and his love for sports. Murray always gave 100% in everything he did. Gone but never forgotten,” said Mardi Broekstra.
“He will certainly be missed but his legacy will live on. Godspeed, Murray,” said Karen Dyet Sweeting.
“He truly was a big part of anyone who had children in sports. He was always such an uplifting presence when around. His sense of humour, a friendly spirit will be missed by our entire community which shares our grief along with his family. You are and will be greatly missed Murray,” said Greg and Chris Misner.
Johnson may be gone, but he can rest easy knowing he leaves behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, and a passion for his community that will continue to inspire those who knew him to follow in his footsteps and support local youth.
Rest in peace, Murray.
