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Gerry Ravary

Lacrosse

  • Inducted in 2002
  • Builder

Gerry began his sports career in Cornwall, Ontario playing hockey and lacrosse, however, the latter eventually became his passion.

In 1950, he moved to Whitby and played for both the Brooklin and Whitby Intermediate clubs. Gerry began refereeing in the 1950’s and, from 1954 to 1976, he performed this function for the Ontario Lacrosse Association (OLA).  During this time, Gerry officiated in several championship series, including final games for the Mann Cup, the Minto Cup, the Founders Cup, and the Presidents Cup.

His refereeing career took him throughout Canada and the United States.  From 1970 to 1974, Gerry refereed in the professional National Lacrosse League. One highlight of his career was handling a championship game between Quebec City and Montreal in front of a sell-out crowd.

In 1984 and 1985, he was the Commissioner of the OLA Major League and in this role, he had the honour of presenting the Mann Cup to the 1985 national championship team from Brooklin. In 1987, Gerry was the recipient of the Presidents Award from the OLA in recognition of his commitment and service to the lacrosse community in Ontario.

Gerry also held many executive positions, including President of the Brooklin Redmen, Manager of the Brooklin Merchants and President of the Merchants (in 2001).  He also served as Referee-in-Chief for local hockey, and was instrumental in training local youth who later became referees in the Ontario Hockey League and the American Hockey League.

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