Historical Hockey and Sports Memorabilia Auction Spring 2022
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/31/2022
Prominent indeed during his years at McGill University, George Springate captaining the Redmen football team, while being a member of the Scarlet Key Honour Society and earning two law degrees, he also continued his police officer duties, (he was the "English Voice" for the Montreal force) all while being a radio and television personality - incredible! This magnificent framed oil painting executed from an original photo and signed by “Donnini” in 1968 depicts the smiling star, and measures a big 31”x 42 ½” including its frame. Springate is all smiles in his Redman uniform with helmet and football in hand, with the intricate and detailed frame exhibiting light wear. Ready to be displayed in a place of honour, the unique work presents beautifully.
A native Montrealer, George had an amazingly diverse and storied life. Long-time Montreal Alouettes fans know him as the placekicker for the 1970 Grey-Cup-winning Als, while also serving as a Quebec MNA; others for his police, education and political careers.
A unique Canadian, George made impressive contributions to his community, province and country throughout his life, for which he received the Order of Canada among many other honours. A superb fundraiser, he raised millions of dollars for Canadian youth, as well as other charities. Of particular interest to sports enthusiasts/collectors is his more than 50 years of organizing charity events, most particularly the dozens of celebrity skate-a-thons and Oldtimers hockey games that produced scarce and sought-after souvenirs, many featured in this auction.
While a Montreal police officer, George acquired two law degrees and played football at McGill University, was a radio and television personality, and a law professor for 33 years, co-founding the Police Technology Department at John Abbott College. Later in life, he served as a Canadian citizenship judge for 14 years, the last five as Canada’s Senior Judge. Following his death in November 2019, a House of Commons tribute stated, in part: "George was larger than life. He was a friend to all. He touched our lives by his friendship and his philanthropic work, which benefitted so many wonderful causes and organizations." Indeed, what a life!
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