LOU JOYAL April 31, 1931 - September 18, 2020

LOU JOYAL
April 31, 1931 - September 18, 2020

Lou passed away peacefully at home, in his sleep, at the age of 87.

He will be dearly missed by his wife Irene; daughters: Jenny, Diane and Carol Wood (Harvey); stepsons: Joshua Cooney (Jennifer), and Benjamin Cooney (Grace); brother Harvey (Martha); along with many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by brothers: Raymond, Harold, Len and Wally; sister Myra, and first wife Eileen Daly.

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Lou worked as a salesman. His world revolved around sports, namely hockey. Lou played three seasons with the MJHL, with the Winnipeg Blackhawks and Winnipeg Barons. He joined the senior Winnipeg Maroons in 1954, and was part of the 1964 Allan Cup championship team which was inducted into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame in 2003.

Lou turned to refereeing for 10 years, handling Junior, Senior and International games. In 1969 he refereed at the World Hockey Championships in Stockholm, Sweden. He was appointed Manitoba Senior Hockey Commissioner in 1977-1978. Lou was also inducted into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame as an Official in 1995. Lou played a vital role in Hockey Manitoba, and was the Commissionaire of the CASH League (Canadian Association of Senior Hockey).

He also loved golf and was a long time member at Rossmere Golf Course even up to his passing. Recently he was able to play Bridge again which he enjoyed immensely.

Lou loved his grandchildren and would often come to their games to cheer them on and with a chocolate bar at the end. He also loved his pets and in later years when he couldn't travel Lou would stay home and make sure they were cared for and loved.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society.
A private gathering to honour Lou's memory has been planned.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 26, 2020