Ladner-based BC & Alberta Guide Dogs have provided a statement on the passing of Canadian hockey icon Howie Meeker.
Meeker was a BC & Alberta Guide Dog Patron and strong supporter of the organization.
We are saddened that Howie Meeker, CM has passed away.
Howie and his wife Leah, The Patrons of BC & Alberta Guide Dogs have played an enormous role in the development of our organization.
Howie likened the placing of a Guide Dog to winning the Stanley Cup in that it requires strong teamwork from many people, most of whom do their work quietly behind the scenes. One of the main reasons he enjoyed being out on the course every year at Golf for Guide Dogs was that it gave him and Leah a chance to meet some of the amazing volunteers, supporters and staff that all worked so hard to produce these life-changing Guide and Service Dogs.
He admired the dogs immensely, often referring to them as “absolute magic” and was always in awe at the communication between a Guide Dog and its handler when he used to take recipients out canvassing with him around Vancouver Island.
As Howie was a Veteran of the Second World War, he strongly supported our amalgamation with VICD-PTSD Service Dogs, and both he and Leah were happy to participate in fundraising events, such as the Evening of Compassion for Veterans in Qualicum Beach.
He will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him. Thank you, Howie for your wonderful support, friendship and dedication to our cause. Our thoughts and condolences are with Leah and the family at this time.
Leah Meeker will continue in her role as Patron.
BC & Alberta Guide Dogs is a registered charity that breeds, raises and professionally trains Guide Dogs for individuals who are blind or visually-impaired, Autism Service Dogs for children ages 3-10 with autism and their families, and PTSD Service Dogs for Veterans and First Responders living with an Operational Stress Injury. It takes two years and upwards of $35,000 to produce one certified dog, provided free of charge to the recipient. Learn more at www.bcandalbertaguidedogs.com.
