Today we lost a Great Man…

Today we lost a great man, a true friend, a brother to all Firefighters … A HERO.

Ron has set a benchmark that all Firefighters will strive to achieve. Not only as a professional, but even more so as a father and a friend. On behalf of the Thunder Bay Professional Fire Fighters Association I send our condolences to Ron’s family and especially Jesse and Josh.

Brother Talakoski, you make us proud, we will never forget you.

“So love life… it’s great! Love your children, your family and friends. There is nothing better to look forward to.”   Ron Talakoski; February 6, 2009

Boot Hockey, The Team…

Boot Hockey…

The Saturday afternoon boot hockey game…

Please share the blog with friends and family…

Thank you for supporting Ron by visiting the blog. Please email your friends and family to share our Tribute to Ron Talakoski.

http://rontalakoski.wordpress.com/

My Best Friend…

Motivation to fight…

“With the help of people in the community, my family and friends but mostly for my two most precious gems, my boys, I have been able to find a little something each day to motivate me to fight and continue fighting my illness.”

“So love life…it’s great!”

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you…Ron can’t say it enough…

Please take this opportunity to leave comments on this post for Ron. At the bottom of this post, click on “leave a comment” and use it as our guest book.

Winning tickets will be posted shortly.

It’s what it’s all about, see you tonight…

He scores.

Wishing you all the best…

Submitted by Don Friday.

Ronnie…I just found out about the benefit being held on Feb 6th and I will definitely be there…I fondly remember our younger days playing hockey together. Over the years if someone asks me if I know you I always like to respond with, “oh yeah, he used to play hockey with ME when we were younger”. Looking back it was seeing a younger version of Guy Lefleur flying down the wing and blasting that magical slap shot of yours…Ron I just wanted to wish you all the best and please give my best to your family.

Regards…Don Friday

The Chronicle Journal article, “Tribute to Talakoski”…

http://www.chroniclejournal.com/stories_local_sports.php?id=163023

Check out the article in today’s issue of The Chronicle Journal.

Once a Firefighter, Always a Firefighter…

Ron,

We are all looking forward to seeing you tonight at the tribute in your honour.

From all of your brothers of the Thunder Bay Professional Fire Fighters Association.

YOU MAKE US PROUD.

The Ron we know…

The Times-News; October 31, 1980…

Submitted by Patrick Delay.

These are follow ups  for Sudsey’s article from 1980 Vikings team.

We always joked that Sudsey was his other dad because he took care of him and forgot about the rest of us!

We weren’t lethargic that day. Our Defence kicked the crap out of them but our conservative offence and coaches were a little nervous without Ron. He came in and the Muskies became the nervous ones. Our defence was led by Pat DeLay, Henry Hurdon, Roy Mylarri and Mark Ferrence but our O revolved around three great running backs and a QB who didn’t make mistakes. Dave Dick, Pete Kibzey, Mark Bjorstedt and Ronnie were ground movers who ate up yardage.  The Vikings were a tough team who new how to show up when it counted. We only had about 26-28 players in 1980 and went undefeated. All tough who were proud to where the Viking gold.

But when #36 rolled on the field the other teams were not quite as aggressive. We had Larry Santin in the league pretending to be a db for half the season, Willie Durston and Mike Grezelewski in FWCI, there was Stovel and Izydorczak at PACI and Churchill had Dave Olsen so the league was loaded with talent.

Ron was one of our main cogs but also a piece of our football machine and was a teammate.  I hope we see more of the Vikings from the ‘78-’80 undefeated string. At a reunion of 20yr  Hammarskjold grads there were pictures taken from team members who showed up. We never had copies made available so maybe they will surface.

Thanks and God Bless Ron.

Joy in knowing Ron…

Submitted by Carolyn Leonzio.

Over the last 25 years, I have tested thousands of candidates for the fire department. There is a man that stands alone in the #1 spot of all time. Ron Talakoski. Many of you I have seen going through the struggle to pass the job related testing then at some point have seen Ron do one of the job related tasks and you probably thought, “they must have made the tests harder when I went through!” But, once you got to know Ron, you saw that all that he did, looked easy. And not only a physical machine but a walking encyclopedia. Ron talked to me about training him to be on the firefit combat challenge team, but his life became a combat challenge, the challenge of a lifetime. In my opinion, he holds the top spot there as well for the best fight ever. Ron is not only an athlete, a firefighter, but is an unconditionally, infinitely giving soldier, that stands firm and strong for what he believes in. Unity, fairness, peace and the respect and love of fellow human beings.

As fate would have it, I was working at the hospital the first time Ron came to emergency. I was called to emergency and when I approached his bedside, my heart sank. This amazing soldier had fallen. Since that day I have been a part of Ron’s journey through this strange phenomenon that has invaded his body. As he said it was meant to be, so that I could help him, to be his angel and watch out for him. It was the beginning of a special friendship. I had not only tested Ron but worked with him during recruitments and saw what a powerful and determined man he was but that is a only a shadow of the strength, perseverance, and courage that he possesses. Over the years I have seen Ron meet unbeatable odds and has won. Not surprising. I have never seen anyone fight so hard for life, for his dedicated friends, for his wonderful parents, for his loving sister, for the lights of his life- his sons, and for every breath and every heartbeat. Each day, when I talk with Ron or read his emails, the tears roll down my face and my heart breaks. But yet there is joy. The joy comes from the gift in it all, that my life has been blessed by the presence of such a powerfully spirited person and such a kind, caring and compassionate soul.

In the last few years, so many times when I have visited with him and thought…

he can’t go on like this…..He has proved me wrong time and time again.

He is a fighter, a soldier for life.

Ron, you are my hero.

The legacy continues…

Special Guests to Perform at the Benefit…

We are very pleased to announce that guitarist Joshua Talakoski will be performing at the Benefit on February 6th, with his band Pedestrian Lifestyle. The Alternative/Indie Rock band will be debuting their newest song, “Motion” exclusively for the event.

Tickets are available from any Thunder Bay Firefighter. For more information please call Rob at 474-9892.

A message from a teacher and coach…

Submitted by Dave Linklater.

I was one of Ron’s high school football coaches and his chemistry teacher in his senior years at Hammarskjold High School. To me, Ron exemplified what I would call an “academic athlete”. In the classroom, he demonstrated a quick intelligence and seemed to grasp easily the more difficult concepts. On the playing field he showed the same qualities as well as his athletic prowess. Ron was never a show-off, but was a true team leader. While I was observing him on a number of occasions, it seemed to me that the Finnish term ‘sisu’ certainly applied to Ron. His tenacity of purpose and his moxy were evident in any activity in which he was involved, whether in athletics or in the classroom. Over the years, our paths crossed rarely. However, I can still remember his easy manner, his dedication, and his sense of humour.

Coaches have a number of old sayings that they pull out of the bag once in a while to try to inspire their players. Another of Ron’s coaches at Hammarskjold was fond of saying “Quitters never win. Winners never quit”. The memories that I have of Ron from those earlier times, and the comments that I’ve heard over the years, and that I’ve read in other blogs would definitely place Ron in the Winner category of that old saying.

It is evident to me when I look at the response to this benefit that Ron has the support and love, not only of his family, but also of a vast number of friends, co-workers, and acquaintances. As far as the health problems that have plagued Ron during the past number of years are concerned, I would like to say to Ron,” Continue to hang tough. Know that you have so many people pulling for you and are willing to help any way they can. It’s alright to lean on them from time to time. Continue to be the Winner that you are.”

Dave Linklater

A coach’s dream…

Submitted by Don Sutherland.

I had the pleasure of coaching Ron in both football and track and field (javelin) during his last two years at Hammarskjold. If he was not the finest athlete to ever represent “the Vikings”, he is tied with only a couple of others. He was a coach’s dream. Besides his obvious talent he always strived to get better and had a great sense of team loyalty. He was always at practice and, in his quiet way, was a team leader by the example he set in working hard, never complaining, and always rising to the task at hand.

Following our SSSAA victory in Ron’s final season, Ron badly tore a groin muscle early the next week in practice and it became doubtful as the week progressed as to whether he would even suit up, let alone play in the NWOSSAA against Fort Frances. On Friday, the day prior to the game, it was obvious that he was in pain and his limp convinced our coaches that we should not count on him for the next day. We should have known better.

Saturday came and there he was — suited up and telling us he was “ready to go”. Our coaching staff and I weren’t so sure that he was as ready to play as he insisted he was, so we began the game with him on the sidelines. The game started disastrously with Fort Frances scoring first and our Vikes making several errors and playing lethargically.  We needed a lift. Toward the end of the 1st quarter, with Fort Frances still ahead and the scoreboard showing a ‘zero’ under the “Home” team on the board, we told Ron that we were putting him in, but only for one play — if he showed any sort of discomfort at all. On his first play from scrimmage, Ron took the ball off tackle, ran over a couple of Muskies and outran the rest of them to score from over 40 yards out. That one play set the tone for the rest of the game: he had inspired his team-mates and everyone “caught fire”. If my memory serves me correctly, Ron continued to play, scored at least once more and rushed for well over 100 yards that day (he usually did).

About two months following that game I found out from a friend of Mrs. Talakoski that she had stood in front of Ron that morning, blocked the  door and insisted that he not play. Apparently, in the nicest of ways,  Ron just gently moved his mom aside and said something to the effect of “Mom, sometimes you just have to do what you have to do”.

I’m pleased to add that the activity of the NWOSSAA game seemed to have a remedial effect on Ron’s injury. The next week he was his ever-smiling self: ready to get into hockey season full swing and “get on with it”.

I know that the last several years have not been kind to Ron. to say the least. We can only hope that the quiet courage which he has always displayed, and his “will to win”,  help him overcome the health issues with which he is struggling.

On behalf of your coaches, Ron, — and I know these thought are shared by all who are lucky enough to know you, — we are all pulling for you and for your family. No one deserves a “big win” more than you.

Looking forward to sharing some memories with you on the 6th …

Don Sutherland

A lesson for all recruits…

Submitted by Rick Peotto.

Ronnie
Remembering a while back, I got to know you from being out on the ice at our firefighter pick-up hockey on Mondays and Fridays, you were head and shoulders – in stature and ability – the quality player out on the ice. We had guys who had played some pro hockey and we had some younger guys, who were not too bad, but you always managed to out-smart them, out-skate them or do that nice little stick move to get them going in the wrong direction, while you went in to score.
You were different though – you were always a gentleman to the guys who hadn’t played hockey when they were young and even to us old guys. You didn’t apply the Don Cherrie rules even when some idiot came full tilt down the ice with their head down and you had them lined up – I’d cringe thinking of how they should be in the hospital, but there was no collision, you used to let them go by and smile a little when they passed, not even noticing you. That’s the quality I remember the most, the gentleman, because you carried that quality over to your life in the Fire Hall.Who scored the highest on any of the firefighter exams – Talakoski. I should know, I had to mark your written and practical exams and they were like everything else you put your mind to, excellent, but you never bragged. Maybe I did look a little too hard to find a mistake, but I had to, you were a machine!
When we did the Recruit Testing and you were there to demonstrate the practical events, you made it look too easy.  The guys almost failed when they went to drag the 200 lb Manikin or did the Sled Pull or the Rope Pull – we used to love to watch their faces. Hey watch Talakoski, then watch those guys, hilarious! We had to issue a warning – the Talakoski Factor – after one guy, who had just watched your demonstration, took a run at the 200lb. manikin, grabbed the handle and fell flat on his face on the asphalt. He looked up and asked if he could try again, that’s heavy – priceless.
As a firefighter you had that same intensity at the fire scene. If we asked who was inside and we heard Talakoski, we knew you wouldn’t stop until the fire was out or the people inside the place were safe.
At the hall you were either studying or working out, but you were always respectful, always the gentleman.
Then you became sick and tried your best to battle this illness. I remember meeting at Tim’s and talking about what the plan would be, where you were going, to see if this or that doctor could  help, get your most recent medical records, research and study what could be done next, where you were going to go – Winnipeg, Toronto, Hamilton, Montreal, Mayo – but you’ve never given up, I know you’re still trying. Even after something like the pacemaker failed and had to be replaced, you  never complained, you just wanted to get better and never asked for help.
When I heard the boys were putting on a Benefit for you I thought it was a great idea and will do my small part to help, because you deserve it. I just wish there was something more that any of us could do.
I wanted to let you know how I feel and let you know that lots of people see the same qualities in  you that I do. We cannot help but admire you for your courage and tenacity through this illness and wish you the best. No matter how sick or how hard it has been on your body, you have always be that gentleman – you have never changed.

See you at the benefit.
Rick Peotto

A Message from Hammarskjold High School Football…

Submitted by Kevin Campbell.

Ron Talakoski & I were both rookies on the 1984 University of Manitoba Bisons football team. Ron was two years older than me and I new of him as an opponent playing the juggernaut Hammarskjold Vikings football teams that Ron starred for. Even though I was younger than him,  he treated me as an equal and I learned a great deal from Ron in his dedication, discipline and strength of character. His sense of humour and kindness were masked behind his stoic “keep them guessing” demeanour (A lesson Penti passed on to his son). I have been friends with Ron for since that time and have been aware of his health struggles over the past few years. This past season, the Hammarskjold Vikings senior football team dedicated their season to Ron. Ron, and two former teammates Pat Delay and Ron St. Mars, came to our practice prior to our first game. I know seeing Ron was an inspiration to our players. I knew Ron’s visit to our practice made an immediate effect on out team when Matt Montague, one of our players, asked if Ron’s jersey could be taken from the display case and have our players touch it prior to our games.Our league was very tight and we squeeked into the playoffs as a fourth seed. The Vikings defeated the heavily favoured St. Pat’s Saints  7-0 in the SSSAA semi-finals and found ourselves in the SSSAA finals against Churchill. Needless to say, the game didn’t go according to our game plan and we found ourselves down 14-8 with less than 2 minutes to go.Ron’s jersey #36 was a fixture of our sidelines and I found myself looking at and thinking about Ron  after Churchill scored to put them up 21-8. We quickly scored a touchdown and converted to make the score 21-15. Mike Judge, our head coach, called a timeout and reviewed the short kick play that we had practiced many times. We kicked off  and we recovered the ball!. The winning play had a surreal feel to it. On a long pass, Jamie Kirychuk, our quarterback,  threw to our receiver Steven St. Jean, our “go to” guy. The Churchill defender was in a good coverage position when, in the words of our principal , Steve Daniar, “a gust of wind picked up the ball and pushed it over the Churchill players hand” and into the waiting arms of St. Jean.  We kicked the convert and won 22-21. In the post game mayhem, I was in a state of shock and I thought about what our team had accomplished. At that time I knew Ron’s spirit was with us and propelled us to victory, not only in this game  but over the ups and downs of our season. His strength  and fortitude were an ingredient that this group of athletes have interwoven into their personal memories of the 2008 SSSAA Championship season.
We owe a lot to Ron and the inspiration he is to the Vikings and we proudly brought his #36 jersey to be with us  during our  Northern Bowl game at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. Ron Talakoski exemplifies the Viking spirit and will always be a part of the Viking Football program.

Leave your comments or send Ron an email…

We strongly encourage everyone to make comments on any of the entries and also use these to send Ron your best wishes. Feel free to also send a personal mesaage to Ron via email at bestwishesron@hotmail.com

About Ron…

Submitted by Ron’s Family.

Ron Talakoski (Ron T) is a man with many passions.

Passionate about Sports!
Ron began playing hockey at the West End outdoor rink at the age of six. Even in those early days he was a smart, and hard working team member. His skills were honed through the local hockey program in the Pee Wee, Bantam, Midget and Junior levels.

During his high school years at Hammarskjold, he excelled academically and was an outstanding football player. His rushing led the Vikings to four championship seasons.

Following high school he was given an athletic scholarship to attend Princeton University. He returned to study at the University of Manitoba in the Physical Education program. At U of M he played two years of football. During this time the publication Canadian Football 85 touted Ron as one of the players to watch “the most valuable backfielder in each of his four years at Hammarskjold High, big Ron Talakoski began with the Bisons as a defensive end in 1983, but returned to his old position last year finishing fourth in the league in rushing”.

If this wasn’t quite enough Ron also played varsity hockey for U of M Bisons.

In October 1986, Ron signed as a free agent with the New York Rangers and played 9 games in the NHL. The balance of his professional hockey career was in the AHL with the New Haven Nighthawks and the IHL with the Colorado Rangers. As captain of the Colorado Rangers, he scored 24 goals.

After hanging up the pro hockey skates, he returned home to Thunder Bay where he helped the Thunder Bay Twins win an Allan Cup and the Thunder Bay Senators to win the Colonial Hockey League championship.

Passionate about creating!
As talented as Ron was on the ice or the field, he is equally skilled and creative when it comes to working with his hands. Carpentry, plumbing, electrical, just to mention a few. He excelled in the Hammarskjold ‘shops’ programs and  as a young teenager, he built his own speed boat. There really wasn’t any type of project that he wouldn’t consider undertaking.

Passionate about work!
After returning home to Thunder Bay, Ron became employed as a firefighter with the City of Thunder Bay. He loved his job, derived great satisfaction from it and was devoted to helping others. He has always held his fire service colleagues in highest regard, and is extremely proud to be a member of this fraternity.

But his greatest passion in life, is being a dad. He is a great father and role model who loves and supports his children Joshua and Jesse. He encourages them to follow their dreams and it gives him great joy to watch them grow and pursue all of their interests.

Best wishes from across Ontario…

Submitted by Fred Leblanc.

Ron,

let me pass on the best wishes of your Brothers and Sisters in the Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association.  Your reputation as an exemplary fire fighter who is well respected by his peers precedes you.  I have been kept up to date with some of the details of your health problems.
From what I have heard of you, you will take this fight on with passion and zeal.  I want you to know that Fire Fighters from across the province are saddened by your situation and we are with you in spirit.  I hope that you can draw from our collective will and strength as you battle these challenges that lie before you.
You remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Fraternally and Sincerely,
Fred LeBlanc,
President, Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association

From all the guys at the fire halls.

Submitted by Eric Nordlund.

Hi Ron,

as the President of the Thunder Bay Professional Fire Fighters Association let me pass on the thoughts and concerns of all your Brother Fire Fighters.  Everyone is thinking of you.
At a recent Ontario Professional Fire Fighters event in Toronto it was heartwarming to hear from Fire Fighters from across the province that have heard of your health problems and sought me out to inquire as to your well being.  We have heard it all before, but it doesn’t matter where you live Fire Fighters have a lot in common.  They are caring, compassionate and loyal brothers and sisters who truly care about family.
We are all proud to have you as a one of our Brothers and hope for nothing but the best as you continue this fight.  Keep your chin up.  We have got your back.

Eric Nordlund, President, Thunder Bay Professional Fire Fighters Association

Get your tickets.

Be sure to get your tickets for the Benefit and Tribute to Ron Talakoski, Friday February 6th at the CLE Colisieum from 8 pm – 1 am. Tickets $5 and are available from any Thunder Bay Firefighter. For more information call Rob at (807) 474-9892.

Article from the Winnipeg Sun

Tribute to Trucker
Duel-sports wonder battles unknown disease
By PAUL FRIESEN, Winnipeg Sun
Last Updated: 17th January 2009, 2:22am

I remember Ron Talakoski as a bit of a freak of nature.
I mean, how many athletes can play university football and hockey — in the same season?
That’s what Talakoski did at the University of Manitoba in the early 1980s, a 6-foot-3, 230-pound fullback/defensive end one week, a
power right-winger with a heavy shot and a heavier punch the next.
“Even back then, to have played dual sports is amazing,” Mike Sirant, one of Talakoski’s hockey teammates, was saying yesterday.
Talk to people about Trucker, as they called him, and the first word they use is tough.
“Tough as nails, right through,” former footballer Pat DeLay said.
“Oh, man, he was a heck of a specimen,” former football coach Dennis Hrycaiko said.
“I’ve still got a scar on my back,” Sirant recalled.
“From a big, mid-ice collision with the Truck in practice one day.”
Talakoski’s ability and toughness landed him a brief pro career, with stints in the AHL, the old IHL, the Colonial League, even nine
games with the NHL’s New York Rangers.
These days, the 46-year-old’s toughness is simply keeping him alive.
Something began affecting Talakoski’s nervous system about seven years ago.
It’s progressed to the point where he’s mostly in a wheelchair.
Doctors from his home town of Thunder Bay, Ont., to Winnipeg to Toronto to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., still can’t agree on
what’s wrong.
The best guess is Shy-Drager Syndrome, a rare disease affecting the central nervous system.
“We started noticing stuff,” DeLay said, recalling the early days of his friend’s condition. “Just not his normal self. His motor skills were
almost roller-coaster like.”
One minute Talakoski would be fine, half an hour later he might not be able to stand without the assistance of a cane.
“He went from playing hockey, skating with his boys and us on our visits, to less and less physical activity, because it would cause so
much reaction,” DeLay said. “And weight loss. That really showed up.”
Today, Talakoski weighs about 150.
But just because he can’t skate or run or hit the weights anymore doesn’t mean he’s stopped lifting people around him.
Take the Hammarskjold Vikings, his old high school football team in Thunder Bay, which dedicated this past season to Talakoski,
squeaked into the playoffs, then came from behind to score two touchdowns in 15 seconds to win the city championship, 22-21.
“They were an underdog,” Delay said. “Just like his story has turned into.”
Then there’s the way he continues to inspire those around him, simply because he keeps on trying. Trying to go for a walk. Trying to go
out to feed his dog. Trying to put his own boots on.
“Even in his condition, he still gives off this strength and character,” Mike Krpan said from Thunder Bay.
Krpan is a fellow firefighter, the job Talakoski took up after his hockey career.
“I just feel a lot better when I’m around him,” Krpan said. “Not only has he been battling what’s killing him, he never gives up hope. It’s
hope that’s got him to where he is.”
Talakoski’s spirit is lifting his former Bison teammates, too, giving them a different perspective on their own lives.
“It gets you to look at yourself,” DeLay said.
“He’s not able to do what we’re all able to do. And he was at such a high level at one time. You get to look inside and count your
blessings.”
Next month, Talakoski’s friends want to do something for him.
They’re organizing a benefit to honour his life, Feb. 6, in Thunder Bay.
So DeLay, Ron St. Mars, another football player who’s now a Winnipeg firefighter, and probably some other ex-Bisons are heading to
Thunder Bay in three weeks.
A tribute to Trucker, you might say, the teammate who never quits.
“He never has given up hope that something will come of it,” DeLay said of Talakoski’s illness.
It sounds like plenty already has.

20 in 30…So you think you’re tough.

When I first started on the Dept. in 1998, I was stationed at NC with Ron. He was a tree of a guy back then and worked out ALL day, breaking only for lunch on most days. I always respected him as a hockey player and athlete. One of his athletic “feats” that impressed me was his domination of the Hose Tower. I may have mentioned this story to you before, but Ron claimed that he had run the Tower twenty times in thirty minutes!  Starting from the bottom, running to the top and back down as one “repetition”, one must average 90 seconds per rep. for all twenty trips to make the thirty minute cut off.  Of course I had to accept the challenge of Ron and the Tower. I was successful and joined Ron in  the  “20 in 30″  Club.
I couldn’t walk properly for a week after that but it was worth it if Ron was even just a little bit impressed. I encourage all firefighters young and old (with good knees!) to pay tribute to Ron and take his Hose Tower challenge. Maybe the 20 in 30 Club can join the Ten Miler and the Combat Challenge as a “must do at least once before you retire” activity.
I hope this adds a little bit to the Ronny Legacy!

Cheers,  Mark McLeod

Keep up the fight Trucker.

Ronny,

Pat Delay has kept me abreast of your current situation old friend. Cannot tell you how sorry I am to hear how life has dealt you this hand of cards. I know how tough you are and I know that you will push back with everything you have – don’t think that you would know any other way to handle it. Ronny, I have often told people about you. You are easily the best athlete that I have had a chance to play with. A cinch to be one of the most competitive guys I have known and easily one of the best teammates a guy could have.

I ran across Rick Carriere the other day. You will remember him. He played for the Univ. of Alberta in that heartbreaking loss that we had to them in the Western Finals. He was the guy that you fought and really nailed with a punch. I remember it well because I was on the ice at the time. When you hit him, his eyes roled back in his head like a slot machine. Anyway, we were talking about the fight the other day. Told me he had never been hit so hard in his life! Hell, it hurt me and I was just watching the fight.

Ronny, I have forwarded a Habs’ jersey with the player’s autographs for your benefit dinner early next month. I am only too happy to do it & wish I was in a position to do more.. I have to be in Europe that week or I would have been there in a second. It is one of the few trips that I cannot reschedule in a season.

I know that you will continue to fight this damn thing with all of your might. I wishing you and your boys the very best in this difficult time. Keep up the fight Trucker.

Sincerely Yours,

Vaughn Karpan

A message from Ron’s U of M Hockey coach…

Ron,……hello from Russia
It has been a quite a few years since we have seen each other but it is amazing how often I think about my days as coach of the Unversity of Manitoba Bisons and my thoughts immediately turned to a select few of talented Bison players that were in my eyes, very special people. Ron, it is with all sincerity when I say that of the virtually thousands players I have coached during my career, University, Europe, NHL, Team Canada, you are one of those select few that I truly admired. I always admired your commitment to self improvement & your continued support of your team and teammates.
I also admired the confident, yet humble manner in which you conducted yourself..humble that is until the puck was dropped..then it was all business. There was no player more competitve, stronger or tougher..I still remember that quick snap shot coming off the right wing and the beating you laid on supposedly tough guy, Rick Carriere from the Alberta Golden Bears in the conference playoff finals. I have seen Carriere a few  times over the years and his conversation always reverts back to “Boy, that Talakoski was one tough SOB”

I also remember the day I introduced you to Glen Somner, former, GM of the Minnesota North Stars. I thought his eyes were going to pop out of his head when he met you outside my office at the Max Bell Ct…you had on a sleeveless t-shirt, with biceps bulging.
Somner  commented “that is one the strongest players I have ever met..I am going to be watching that guy very closely”..which did lead to your eventual Pro career.

Even though we have not communicated very much over the years, I have continued to check up on you every time I meet someone from Thunder Bay…my first question is always “Do you know Ron Talakoski?”  The answer is usually yes or not personally, but I certainly know of him and then before they can say anything more I have to share a few Bison and memorable Ron Talakoski stories.
Ron your are the complete package..outstanding student, athlete, colleague, person & father. I am not sure if your two sons realize that their father is a Hero, but I would like them to know that you are a hero in my eyes. As I said earlier there are a select few of great players and more importantly, great individuals that I have had the privilege of coaching and of whom I think about quite often:  they include Mike Ridley, Vaughn Karpan. Steve Yzerman, Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg..Ron you are also on this list. You may not of played in the NHL, but  there was no one that I have ever coached that gave their teammates a true sense of confidence when you were on the ice with them..you made the people around you better and more confident..they played 10 feet taller and 30 pounds heavier when they were on the ice with you…..that’s the kind of stuff that heros are made of..always there to help and support.
Ron you are more than the complete package you are one of the most Complete Individuals I have ever met.

As you can see Ron, you made a lasting impression upon me as well as upon so many others with whom you have come in contact. My heart and thoughts have always been with you and no more so than right now.

My sincere best wishes to you and your family.

Your OLD coach,
Wayne Fleming
University of Manitoba

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Tell your friends, family, co-workers,.,.,., about the Ron Talakoski tribute blog. Add your stories to let Ron know how he has made a difference in your life. Send us your stories and photos to bestwishesron@hotmail.com and we’ll make sure that they are uploaded for all to see. Also,please feel free to email Ron at bestwishesron@hotmail.com

Thanks.

Get your tickets now!!!

A benefit and tribute to Firefighter Ron Talakoski. Friday February 6, 2009 at the CLE Coliseum. 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. Music, Food and Special Prizes. Tickets $5 and are available from any Thunder Bay Firefighter. For more information call Rob at 474-9892. Do you know of someone that wants to donate a prize for the auctions? Call Rob at 474-9892 to make arrangements for pickup.

Please share your comments and stories about Ron.