FERGUS – The Fergus Whalers are going to “do it for Dan” as they head into the playoffs as the team is mourning the loss of one of their own who was known for going above and beyond for the local sports community.
Dan Reeves, the team’s equipment manager, died on Friday following a five-year battle with cancer. The 63-year-old leaves behind a wife and two children.
Reeves previously worked at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex for over 20 years and was also known for helping out with the Thistles lacrosse team.
“Everybody knew him at the rink, whether it was at the concession booth, somebody coming in for figure skating, everybody knew Dan,” said Ryan Duck, Fergus Whalers alternate governor. “It’s going to be a big loss for a lot of people.”
Jason Baier, Whalers owner, said when it was announced the Fergus Whalers would be coming to town, Reeves was one of the first people to reach out and offer a hand.
“He quickly showed people what were some of his major traits, very respectful, very willing to do anything it took to help the players, to help the team,” Baier said.
Although his title was technically equipment manager, Duck said Reeves did so much more than that.
“Whether it was going to the sports store and picking up new equipment, going to get cases of water, dropping off tickets for sponsors, he was just one of those guys you could count on for anything you really needed,” Duck said.
Duck believes Reeves went above and beyond for the love of the game and community. Even when he continued to battle cancer and his health declined, Duck said he always showed up.
“He was a committed dude, he didn’t miss practices, he didn’t miss games,” Duck said. “Everybody is just so heartbroken over it.”
The Whalers begin their playoff run on Saturday versus Mitchell and the team will be recognizing Reeves’ during it.
Baier said they are adding DR patches to the team’s jerseys and there will be a ceremony for him before a home game on Sunday. A yearly award given by the Whalers recognizing perseverance is also going to be named in his honour.
“We’re going to do as much as we can to recognize him and to show our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family,” Baier said. “Our playoff slogan is going to be ‘do it for Dan.’”
Relatives and friends of Reeves are invited to a celebration of his life on Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Elora legion.
