1982

Dr. Don Gamble | George Hope | John A. MacDonald | Ranald McDonald | Neil McGillis | Sebastian Nichols | Baptiste Sauvé

Dr. Donald "Doc" Gamble



Dr. Donald MacIntyre Gamble, of the Russell Gambles, became a Glengarrian by adoption in late 1939 when he began his Veterinary practice in Maxville and area. His ice leadership promptly enhanced his professional status with the Maxville Millionaires, so much so that they won the Eastern Canada Intermediate hockey championship, April 1940, by defeating the Maritime representatives in Glace Bay.
In community leadership he was a pillar in every way. You name a committee and Doc Gamble was a member. His greatest contribution has to be as the co-founder of the Glengarry Highland Games. For a score of years and more he was the generator of the Kenyon Agriculture Society Maxville Fair. Doc Gamble was among the first selection of the executive that founded the Maxville Manor. His dedication to sport promotion was evident when he was among the co-founders of the Glengarry Sports Hall of Fame.

After retiring from his veterinarian practice, Doc Gamble continued to live in Maxville until his death in 1996.

George Hope



George Hope was a distinguished Glen Robertson and Glengarry sportsman especially in the show ring with his prize winning horses. The Hope Percherons are admired and applauded at ribbon presentations by throngs of horse fans attending country fairs, provincial plowing matches, the Ottawa “Ex” and the C.N.E. famed Royal.
Hope’s efforts were largely concentrated in the heavy draught classes, competing at county fairs. From a humble beginning at the Maxville Fair with a single entry, he eventually made his way to attending the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto, where he won first-class prizes. George Hope is regarded as one of Canada’s leading horsemen and his array of ribbon awards especially in international competitions at the “Royal” is authentic evidence of his rating.

John A. "J.K. Gardenfield" MacDonald


In order to distinguish John Alexander MacDonald from Williamstown MacDonalds, it is necessary to insert his life time popular identification, “J.K.” or John Kenneth (Garden field).

Like many pioneer athletes who had the opportunity, J.K. became active in sports while attending Williamstown’s original high school. He developed into one of Glengarry’s top ranking track and field competitors. He was also a boxer of note.
“J.K’s” track, field and tug-of-war exploits were accomplished at home and far beyond our county boundaries. His most prestigious medal was awarded at the Armed Forces field day in 1919 at Aldershot, England. “J.K.” was a member of the Canadian Forestry Corps track and field team. A couple years after running Overseas, he retired from active competitions and devoted his athletic dedication to coaching Williamstown tug-of-war teams.

Ranald Alexander Joseph
"Little Alex" McDonald

“Little Alex” Macdonald was one of Greenfield’s all time great athletes and sportsmen at the county level. He played junior hockey in Alexandria and intermediate in Maxville, where he was a key member in both teams’ playoff performances. “Little Alex” was a stalwart lacrosse player in the era of the box game with Greenfield, Third of Kenyon, Dalhousie and Kirkland Lake. As a part of the Third of Kenyon team, the club won the regional championship.
Soccer was his greatest forte. In his lengthy career he excelled as goal keeper with the 1948 Glengarry champions and in Ottawa-Glengarry Shield play. He then retired to coaching and led Greenfield to another Glengarry championship in 1961.

Neil "Buster" McGillis

Lancaster’s (upper and lower) village native son, “Buster” McGillis, inherited his athletic ability from his family heritage in sport. His father James and uncle Bill were among the top lacrosse players. His uncle Stewart and namesake was one of Canada’s distinguished football players.

“Buster” McGillis began his hockey career with Williamstown High School. He played a major role with Lancaster before joining the Lake Placid Club. While there he became a member of the U.S. Olympic Bob-sled team. He had to resign when the oversight was noted that he was a Canadian citizen.
Montreal Maroons of the NHL were impressed with his defensive hockey ability to the point of negotiations. The best interest of his family business, civic politics and village sport projects was uppermost in his mind so he retired from play.

Sebastian "Sibby" Nichols

“Sibby” Nichols, as he was known throughout his life, was born in Alexandria where he played his first lacrosse and hockey. At a tender age he moved on to Montreal and played lacrosse with the World Champion Shamrock Club. Along with Newsy Lalonde and Charlottenburg’s Ranald Mcdonald, “Sibby” Nichols joined the New Westminister lacrosse team and they also won the world championship.

“Sibby” Nichols then played hockey with Vancouver Millionaires in the new West Coast Pro League. They won the Stanley Cup in 1915. Among “Sibby” Nichol’s colleagues known as Canada’s all time greats were Frank Patrick, Newsy Lalonde, “Cyclone” Taylor and Frank Neighbor.

Baptiste Sauvé

Baptiste Sauvé was one of Alexandria and Glengarry’s great French Canadian sportsman and craftsmen. Baptiste Sauvé emigrated with his family to Alexandria from the St. Marthe – St. Clet area of nearby Soulanges Compte at the turn of the century.

Baptiste Sauvé was an expert in the pioneer era of hand made wooden pumps. He was also the owner, trainer and driver of noted trotting horses. The names of Baptiste Sauvé and his purse winning “Honest Joe” were widely and popularly known in the Ottawa, Hull, Montreal and Valleyfield race meets.