Agnes Tribute: Ontario Ringette Association

Ringette has lost it's ambassador and I have lost a dear friend.
Agnes could make a great cup of tea and we could spend a few hours over tea and cookies chatting about Sam, her boys, her travels and of course her love for the players and people involved in ringette.

Agnes and I spent a lot of time together when I was involved with the West Ferris Ringette Association back in the 1980s.
I had my last sit down chat with her last November. She was tired but would never consider not attending the WFRA tournament or any other ringette event that invited her. She was a giver in this big world of takers and she will be missed.

My daughters, Charlene, Karen, Sara and I send our love and condolances to Bruce and his brothers. Know that your mother was very muched loved.

Susan Neily (Zimmerman)
St. Thomas Ringette Association

I remember meeting Agnes at quite a few tournaments. She was always in the lobby of the arena chatting with players and parents. I also remember Agnes being on the ice at the end of the championship games with not only a medal for the players but a hug and a heartfelt congratulations. Agnes will be greatly missed by all in the ringette community.

Carey - Sudbury

Thank you Agnes Jack for being an amazing role model.

You captured many, many hearts with your powerful words of praise, your loving hugs and sunny smile, your spirit of promoting fair play and recreation for girls and women and all your valuable time in making anyone who met you feel special.

Thank you for taking time to meet, hug, talk and sign every ringette stick of Nepean Tween A in West Ferris 2004 Tournament. Those sticks will be cherished for games to come and every future game will be played beside you as you are a celebrity in their eyes.

Your devotion to ringette will be carried with all that have been so lucky to have had the honour of meeting you. Thank you Mrs. Jacks!!

Lesage Family
Nepean Ringette Association

Agnes, so many hugs, so many smiles. I met you in different arenas all over Canada. You were always there to give us a boost when we needed it. Your friendly smile and always ready to be photographed with anyone, will always be remembered.
Keep flying with the Angels.

Gerald Lamoureux

I first met this incredible woman at a Provincial Championships in Whitby a few years ago. I was truly speechless that the power she yielded as she spoke, watched the games, presented the trophies and touched the hearts of every member at the Provincial Championships. Agnes cared for her ringette family to the end. She truly was our ambassador of the sport of ringette and will be missed dearly by all those who met her.
May God Bless You and Thank You for the opportunity to have met and talked to you while you were on this earth.

George Saarinen V.P. Communications ORA

On Thursday March 17, 2005 I had the pleasure of sitting besides Agnes for the Opening Ceremonies at the UOV Provincial "A" Championships. Agnes was lifted to the podium in her wheelchair and a blanket was draped over her knees. Agnes settled in to be part of the celebration. The procession of players and coaches ensued with about one half of the players and coaches located to Agnes' left and a bit behind her. As the ceremonies progressed, Agnes took my arm in a matriarchal manner and was adamant that I do what I needed to make sure that all her girls be in front of her when it was her turn to speak. Following Agnes' directions I excused my self and went and spoke to a few of the coaches that I knew and passed on Agnes' instructions. Agnes' wishes were seen to and as Agnes addressed her girls for the last time, I do not believe there was a dry eye in the building. As G&T chair for the event I had a very hard act to follow! Fortunately all I needed to do was declare the Event open. The scene that followed was absolutely magical. For the next 45 minutes Agnes was engulfed by a sea of players from every team and region in attendance.the players were having pictures taken and Agnes was signing anything and everything that players were putting in front of her. Agnes was adamant that every one of her girls had the opportunity to have a visit.

Agnes was a true inspiration and a wonderful ambassador for our GREAT GAME

Rest in peace

Bob Swan

I have just read many of the entries on both the ORA website, and the Ringette Canada Website. It is bringing tears to my eyes to see how Agnes is loved by so many in the ringette community. Agnes would make time for any player, ref, coach, fan or parent. I have many memories of Agnes in my 17 years of ringette. I have pariticpated in many provincial A and AA tournaments, as well as 2 National tournaments, and had many opportunties to meet the great ringette mom. I consider myself very lucky. I will miss Agnes very much, she was, and forever shall be, the greatest ringette ambassador. She will be remembered forever, and I have no doubt that she is still watching over each and every one of us, hoping we might all stay out of that penalty box.
All my love to Agnes and her family.

Kristy

The first year our daughter joined ringette we were very fortunate to personally meet Agnes during the Regionals played in London. When we caught up with Agnes it was when she had a brief moment to eat,but she pushed her meal aside even as I objected. I told her my daughter could speak with her later. She would have none of that,and insisted on meeting her. Agnes was introduced to Brodee and the two of them had quite a time together. Agnes signed Brodee's stick and a team photograph. Agnes etched herself in our hearts and we will be forever saddenend with the loss of such a wonderful woman. We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to all of Agnes's family. Be thankful and very proud as we all are to have known such a wonderful woman.

Ed,Patti,and Brodee Cole

She was an amazing woman. I'll never forget the day we met. We will all miss her and her big kisses!

Julie

During my years as an executive member of the West Ferris Ringette Association, including three years as President, my memories of Agnes Jacks are too many to mention. As members of West Ferris Ringette Association, we had the pleasure and honour of having Agnes attend our houseleague events, Regional playoffs and Provincial events. We all have fond memories of Agnes swarming with Bunny/Novice players looking for hugs and autographs. Her smile and enthusiasm for the game will be remembered forever. We will all miss our Ringette Ambassador.

Albert Hiltz

Agnes will be sorely missed in our sport and she is the reason that we must ensure we continue on with the promotion of a fantastic team sport. She did so much for all of "her" girls. Our last opportunity to see her was at the "A" provincials in Pembroke, where my oldest daughter lagged behind after opening ceremonies so that she would have an opportunity to chat with her and just to say hi. My youngest had never had the opportunity to meet her because she is still playing at the Regional level, but on Friday in Pembroke she noticed her in the restaurant at our hotel and she went up to meet her. My daughter hesitated at first because her health was so frail and she was just finishing up her breakfast, but Agnes welcomed her with opening arms. When I told my girls about her passing, they were very sad, but were so glad to have had the opportunity to meet with her. Our deepest sympathies are with the family, but take comfort in the fact that Agnes is looking down upon all of the ringette family.

The Mitchinsons - Chatham Ringette (Tween and Petite)

We won't forget the magical words from Agnes at the AA Provincial Championships this year in Ottawa. After she discussed the many countries currently playing ringette worldwide, she added(and I paraphrase) "Even if it's through prayers continued from heaven, we will get Ringette to the Olympics."

We have two daughters who have played ringette for 12 years at both the elite and recreational levels. Agnes Jacks first met the girls in person at the A Provincials when they were Petites. She took the time to visit with this new A level association - Forest...she had never heard of Forest before. She gave each of them her traditional signed photos of Sam, and gave them her blessings.

These same girls (Forest Association)just rec'd the Silver medal this year in Ottawa at the Belle AA provincials. Our daughter, Michelle, was unable to play due to a badly sprained ankle (playing volleyball) just the week before the provincials. Agnes picked her out of the crowd at the opening ceremonies and they had a brief chat. Even though Michelle was unable to play at her last provincials with Forest, speaking with Agnes gave her some satisfaction and closure.

Both of our daughters intend to continue (at least recreationally) playing ringette at univeristy. Our oldest daughter, Jennifer, is playing ringette in Guelph (Open team) while at univeristy and Michelle has already inquired with the Thunder Bay Association about playing Open if she goes to Lakehead University.

Many, Many thanks to the Jacks Family - Agnes and Sam have been great leaders (many school projects have been done about them), in a great sport. Their efforts have brought many rewards to our family, and many others world-wide. God bless.

The Clarkes, Wyoming, ON.
Forest Ringette Association

We are saddened by the loss of "The Mother Superior of Ringette" as we often fondly referred to her and we will certainly miss her annual visit to the Provincials. Our deepest sympathy to all the Jacks family!

Gerry and Deb Kramer

Agnes was one of the most loavable people that I have ever met. She will be sadly missed by her Ringette family as well as her own community. It was allways neat to talk to agnes at the Provincials
Agnes shoes will never be filled

Bill Ferrier

I just wanted to send my sentiments to the Jacks' family. Anges was a warm and loving women and has inspired many young women through the sport of Ringette. Young girls aspired to the passion that Agnes brought to their sport. I have three girls and fortunately all three have had the oppportunity of meeting and talking with Agnes. I feel especially lucky that my youngest who played Petite A this year was the one who finally made it to Provincials after watching her sisters for many years, and had the awesome opportunity of meeting and being blessed by Agnes. I took some very memorable pictures of Agnes with my daughter in Pembroke this year that we will now treasure forever. These pictures will be placed in our memory book along with the photos that were taken of Agnes and my other daughters at various Provincial playdowns over the years.
Agnes was an amazing women and loved by many people. She was certainly an inspiration and well respected by everyone who met her. Thank-you Agnes, you have touched many lives. Our blessing to you, is to rest in peace.

Our thoughts are with you,
Leighton Family
Elora, Ontario

One year ago I was working in the garden on a warm sunny Saturday afternoon when my 11 year old ringette playing daughter came running out of the house, phone in hand, yelling "Dad! Dad! It's Agnes Jacks..for you!" My daughter's Guelph Petite A team had just won the Provincial A championship and the call from Agnes was to congratulate the team for the victory, and to apologize for not being able to attend the event in person. We ended up chatting for half an hour about the championships, the game, but most of all the girls. It was very clear that Agnes held every one of her ringette daughters so close to her heart. I was completely in awe. On the following Monday, a package arrived from Agnes with an individually addressed and personalized note of congratulations for each member of the team and coaching staff. Even as her health failed, she continued to give so very unselfishly of herself to the sport and to the girls. Each and every one of us who has had the privilege of meeting Agnes will always cherish that moment. She is and always will be a tremendous source of inspiration to us all. We will miss her - but we will never forget her. On behalf of the Guelph Ringette Association - thanks Agnes and Sam for bringing us this wonderful sport and sharing with us your enduring enthusiasm!

Dave Kelton, President Guelph Ringette

To the Jack Family,we wish to express our deepest sympathies to all. Many of us personally never met Agnes face to face but during our involvement with Ringette we all feel we have known her for a long time, just through our mutual "love" of the sport. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all during a most difficult time. God Bless.
SEAFORTH AND DISTRICT RINGETTE ASSOCIATION

Thanks to Agnes i have continued my love and devotion to ringette and give my greatest condolinces to the family. The last time i saw her was opening ceremonies for the 'A' division Provincials. Here speech and her even being their with her frail health brought tears to my eyes. She was told not to come to the ceremonies but wished to come to encourage us to have a fun time. I was also lucky enough to see her at my first Provincials back in 2001 in Cambrige. Hopefully she will never be forgotten and that the game of ringette will keep staying alive here in Ontario and Canada and hopefully flourish in other countries to remembering that it is and always will be a true canadian sport! This is for you Agnes Jacks... GO TEAM GO!

Meghan Myers (chatham ontario)

Agnes was an inspiration to everyone involved in the game of ringette. Every year at opening ceremonies at provincials her words of wisdom were greatly appreciated and very helpful. She will be missed by many, and ringette will not be the same without her. REST IN PEACE AGNES
Love always. Jillian Shell Valley East Ringette

We as a family have been involved with this game for over 10 years, all of us holding various positions as our way of developing and promoting this great sport. However, nothing that we could do in 50 years to promote this sport and the spirit of this sport would ever hold a candle to what Agnes did every day of her life. Her unwavering inspiration, compassion and love for the game and her "Ringette Family" set the bar that none of us could ever meet. It was my pleasure to spend time with her when the Provincial Championships were held in Whitby many years ago and again my pleasure every year to meet with her again. I will cherish my one last time with her in Pembroke a few short weeks ago. We will miss you Agnes but we take great solace in the fact that you are at rest and with Sam once again.
Paul Kelly VP Ajax Ringette Association

Through out my 11 years of playing Ringette I've been to provincials 9 out of those years and I can always remember Agnes at the opening ceremonies. Every year she was amazed on how many girls kept on joining the Ringette life. She always had kind words and interesting stories. I will certainly miss her and hope god accepts her as she has accepted all of us. Love always Danna ( AKA: Frenchy) R.I.P Agnes

My name is Todd; I helped coach in a small town called St.Marys. I first saw Agnes at the “A” Provincials about 5 years ago. That the opening ceremonies this small, frail woman came out on stage and all the girls screamed for her. I really didn’t understand it, because I didn’t know of Agnes or who she was. Listening to her words, I started to understand her and what she was all about. Agnes was all about Ringette and the girls who play it and the woman and men that coach them and refereed them. A few years later our team made it to the “A” Prov. for the second time. They were in West Ferris the town she now calls home. There I saw Agnes at the opening ceremonies again and listen to her words of fair play teamwork and friendship. I could only gain a greater respect for this woman. Later in the tournament Agnes came to the arena where we were going to play. I saw her talking to a large group of girls, so I thought I would go and ask this nice lady if she would do me a favor and talk to the girls before their game. Knowing that she was so busy, I didn’t know if she would have the time to give the girl a little pep talk? Agnes said sure I would be glad to. Not knowing our team or me she took time to speak to them. The look on the faces of the girls while they listen to her speak was unforgettable for me. They listened to her words and as a coach I can only wish they would listen to us like they did her. I don’t think she know the Power she had on these girls. Agnes treated us like her own, she treated us like family. I have this saying,” friends come and go, but family is forever”. Thank you Sam and Thank you Agnes for letting us be a part of your family. You will be sadly missed and will be with us forever.

Going to Pembroke was an awesome experience. Especially with Agnes there. Agnes was so nice, kind and made everybody happy. You will always be remembered Agnes!
Justine Rocha

She will be truly missed by everyone involved in Ringette and by the people who have been lucky enough to meet her. She always remembered your name and she always introduced you to the next person as if you were carrying on a part of the legacy of our sport.
It is sad to think that everyone that had not met her yet will not feel the love that she had for our sport and all the people involved because our memories and stories can not fully translate the feelings that she brought to the game. Our game is better because of her tireless efforts and we will now try and carry forward this desire and belief. Because we are this family called Ringette we will always look forward to where this sport is going remembering her and her unshakable belief of what this sport can be and what it can do for you as an individual.
May she always be remembered by someone.

Harry Hirsimaki President Northeast Region Ringette Association

Agnes, you’re an amazing women with a huge heart. All your Ringette daughters will miss you dearly. You will never be forgotten, and we all truly appreciate your dedication to us. We miss you!

Sharolyn Wouters

For the love of Agnes. We met Angnes back in 00/01, a time that was difficult for us, a time we were contemplating leaving this fine sport , my daughter and I both had a long chat with Agnes, that left us both inspired and resumed our faith in the sport, I will always remember her for that. I am sure she had helped many with her kind words and encouragement in a great sport that she loved so dearly. I am sure she will continue to watch over all the ringette players of the world from the best seat in the house.

Audret/pfds/Quebec

Watching and meeting Agnes over the year at different Ringette Functions, is what has made me so dedicated to this sport. She was truly a strong and caring lady, who wanted the sport that she loved so much survive and grow. I remember in Pembroke when she spoke to the "A" Provincial girls, how attentive and responsive our girls were. She will truly be missed but NEVER forgotten! Thank you Agnes!!!

Chuck Belanger - President - Chatham Ringette Association

As an official in Ontario, attendance at Provincial Championships is always a great honour. I remember as a "rookie" at my first few Provincial that the officials, even with the hours of hard work and dedication they put in to be selected , they were not the people in the limelight, and rightfully so. Our job is to be fair and honest and to apply the rules of our great game to the best of our ability. Our role is not to be in the limlight, but rather to monitor it. The officials are well used to being overlooked at opening ceremonies and in welcome letters in the front of tournament and Provincial programs. It's okay; it's what we signed up for. Having said that,however, we all get down on ourselves from time to time, especially at high profile events. And there would be Agnes. ALWAYS with a "special place in her heart" for the referees. She NEVER forgot us as a group. And while we would all sit there and "pretend" to be embarassed at being singled out, I think I can speak for everybody when I say it was always appreciated. And while I know that the officials will be overlooked at opening ceremonies or in the front of a tournament program again sometime, someplace, I know we will always be in that "special place" with Agnes. And it's confortable there."

Derek Burger - ORA Referee