Don Yeck was born in Belmont, Ontario and was a lifelong resident in that area. After a few years of exploring employment opportunities in London he took advantage of an opportunity to work where he lived. His new workplace was the Belmont Community Centre where, as an Arena Manager and Sports Field Supervisor committed himself to community betterment until his retirement.
Don spent much of his off-work time volunteering with others within the Belmont community, utilizing his time with Belmont and its citizens. Beginning in 1964, Don became an active volunteer with Belmont’s Minor Hockey Association and eventually held every executive position within the organization.
From 1973 through 1978 Don was a Coach in the Belmont Minor Hockey system where he met with good success. His teams were Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) Champions three of those five years. Don was recognized by the Canadian Hockey Association in 1967 for his support of minor hockey. Don also supported Belmont’s Junior D teams as its Manager from 1964 through 1980. In the 1974-75 season, Belmont won the OHA Junior D Championship under Don’s stewardship.
Don became a Board member of the OHA in the 80’s, and rose to officer level in 1987. He was named an honorary Life Member of the OHA in 1997. Don was one of the founding representatives of the Ontario Hockey Federation, and for a number of years held the position of OHF Chairperson of Senior and Adult Recreation Hockey until retiring from the position.
Don was a recipient of a Canadian Centennial Medal in 1967 and in 2003 was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Medal by the province of Ontario. He was recognized many times over the years for his contributions to the sport. Don was awarded OHA Life Membership in 1997 and received the OHA Gold Stick Award in 2013.
Never married, Don was a special volunteer and friend to the OHA and minor hockey groups. His legacy lives on in the OHA and the newly formed Yeck Division of the PJHL West.
Sadly, Don passed away at the age of 80 at his residence in Belmont. Don was a true pioneer and inspirational hockey figure in Ontario.
