JOHN ELLIOTT CHORLEY

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JOHN ELLIOTT CHORLEY September 12, 1931 - December 5, 2008 It is with great sadness that the family of John Elliott SPECS Chorley announces his sudden passing on December 5, 2008. Elliott was born September 12, 1931 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. As a youngster he was schooled at Kelvin Collegiate in Winnipeg. He spent summers hauling ice at Grand Beach and delivering papers. His junior hockey career began with the Manitoba Minor Hockey League in 1951. It started with the Glace Bay Miners and spanned over the next 12 years with seasons played in the AHL, WHL and IHL, wrapping up in 1963 with the St. Paul Saints. Elliott acquired the nickname SPECS during his hockey career as he could be seen on the ice with his ever-present glasses taped to either side of his head. Following his professional hockey career he went the way of most former hockey players of his era and became a salesman with Kiewel and Molson Breweries. Later, Elliott returned to hockey as a coach of the Brandon Wheat Kings and played OLD TIMERS hockey for several years. He was also employed by the Manitoba Liquor Commission, retiring in 1992. Elliott considered himself somewhat of a hobby farmer and maintained a farm south of Brandon with 56 acres of pastureland for his beloved Simmental cattle. SPECS was inducted both as a member of the Winnipeg Monarchs into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame in 1999 and in 2001 as an individual. In 2003 he was honored with an induction into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame with the Winnipeg Monarchs. His athletic prowess extended into a love for all sports, namely baseball and curling. He was a hobby train enthusiast, acquiring many a HO model train and magazine. Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife Lynda of 33 years; son Jeffrey (Brenda), daughters Kim Hatch (Craig), Kelly McBride (Mike); grandchildren Christopher Hatch (Erin), Ashley Hatch, Alex and Laura Chorley and great-grandson, Carson Riley Hatch; brothers Bob (Tina), Alan (Marlene), and sisters, Evelyn Gamble and Betty Dante (Dick); brother-in-law, Gary Kidd (Carol), and sister-in-law Gaylene Johnson; as well as many loving nieces and nephews. His parents Stan and Mary Chorley predeceased Elliott. Many thanks go out to the staff of the Brockie Donovan Funeral Home and to the staff and caring volunteers of Central United Church in Brandon. Also to the Brandon Regional Hospital ER staff and EMS services. A very special thanks goes out to Cole Grambo of Killarney, who presided over the service. His daughter Kim and granddaughter Ashley read eulogies. Donation in memory of SPECS Chorley can be made to the Shamrock Center at P.G. Box 820, Killarney, Manitoba ROK-1GO or to a charity of your choice. We love you SPECS Keep your stick on the ice!

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 13, 2008