I can't believe it has been a year since Herb passed away. But what I do know is that the impact he had on my thinking remains undiminished. I watched the video I made of him being interviewed by me at our house again and the words still ring very true. I hope I am behaving in accordance with the Creed but recognize I will always fall short to a lesser or greater extent. Thanks, Herb, for everything. And thanks to all members of the Carnegie for sharing Herb with us all.

Dear Goldie, We were students together at Earl Haig Collegiate. Although I only saw your Father from a distance I do recall a conversation we shared as teenagers in which you talked of your Father's words to you. It is not surprising to read that you admired him greatly. Lenore

TRIBUTE: Your warm, wondrous smile will always be remembered, Dr. Carnegie. When you smile, we all sense goodness, we feel better about ourselves and we share in your dreams for a more loving world. How fortunate it has been for our students to have been able to embrace character education by meeting and learning from Herb Carnegie, a gentleman who exudes positive character. And, for the incredible staff members at “our” school and me, the Future Aces philosophy has become a corner stone in our approach as educators. Dr. Carnegie’s life and his philosophy have been such an inspiration to the students, the staff and community members. Each day, when I look in our front foyer at our Character Mountain which Dr. Carnegie "dreamed up", his words resonate: “To get to the top of any mountain, you need ACES. You need the right Attitude, Courage, Cooperation, Sportsmanship and Education to get to that pinnacle. There will be obstacles along the way, but with ACES, you can get to the top.” The Future Aces philosophy promotes ideal values for a great society. Every Canadian needs to learn about Herb Carnegie. Heroic is a summation of the way Dr. Carnegie has calmly and confidently challenged racism and made such a positive difference over the decades, guiding our youth to become the best they can be. Canadians need to further celebrate this great gentleman, a Canadian legend. The movie of his inspiring life needs to be made! Thank you Dr. Carnegie. Our school…Your school and the future achievements of the students at Herbert H. Carnegie Public School will all be part of your legacy.

We send our condolences along with our regrets at the loss of this great heroic man, a shining example for Canadians. Herb was a truly genuine Canadian hero, and will be greatly missed although his legacy is assured through his wonderful Future Aces organization that will stand as an outstanding memorial to Herb's philosophy. Our best wishes to his lovely family, as our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Bunny & Ken Saul

Two of my uncles were friends Of Herb when as young lads they would hitch-hike up to North Toronto to work as golf caddies. Through the years one uncle kept in touch with Herb partially by their connection of golf but more by being 'good guys' who enjoyed life and finding ways to be helpful. My uncle had mentioned some of Herb's life story and as follow-up 'I read A Fly In A Pail Of Milk'. Since I regularly travel to Owen Sound, while talking to a man (now in his late 60's) regarding names that I recognized which were mentioned in the book, his eyes lit up and I could see him as a much younger person as he said "Herbie was our favourite, (referring to the local pro hockey players) he would show up in his car (Herbie was living and working in Toronto, so he would commute) and he would call a bunch of us kids over to help unload his gear. He would divide up his equipment so at least ten of us could carry something in. When we got to the turnstile he would tell the ticket-taker 'they are with me' so we would take the stuff to the dressing room, and then make a bee-line to the standing-room spectator area." It is a tribute that such a simple gesture could make such a lasting impression.

To: The Carnegie Family I was saddened to hear of Herb's passing this week. I have many terrific memories of working with him when he helped me bring the "Future Aces" program to the schools in which I taught in North York. His example as a "Role Model" touched so many lives. I also enjoyed our visits, more recently, at the NHL Oldtimers luncheons...so many stories! The world has lost a true "Hero"!!! What an honour to have known him!!! John Cavers

I was privileged to meet Mr. and Mrs. Carnegie when they visited the elementary school where I was a special education teacher. In my classroom, as in the school, we followed the future aces creed with my students. I worked closely with the kindergarten teachers as we taught our students respect, tolerance, diversity and sportsmanship. Thank you, Mr. Carnegie, for teaching us tolerance and respect for all, for promoting and celebrating the talents of the young and for encouraging our youth to be the best that they can be. I was able to share this story with Mr. Carnegie's daughter tonight at the viewing and I look forward to attending the celebration of his life tomorrow at Earl Haig High School. Sincerely, Patricia Alary, retired teacher, TDSB.

Ottawa, March 12, 2012 - Last Friday, Canada and the world lost a great hero with the unfortunate passing of Dr. Herbert H. Carnegie.

Dr. Carnegie made history in 1948 as the first Black person to be offered an NHL contract when he was offered a minor-league deal with the New York Rangers. Unfortunately, he was forced to decline due to family and financial obligations; nevertheless, he paved the way for future Black hockey players. 

Senator Meredith offers his condolences to the surviving members of the Carnegie family. 

"I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of this Canadian legend. May you find comfort knowing Dr. Carnegie's dream will continue to be fulfilled for years to come as our youth, especially our Black youth, strive to be the best they can be through the Future Aces Foundation and Creed," Senator Meredith states.

In 2008, Senator Meredith attended the opening of the school named in his honour, Herbert H. Carnegie Public School, in Maple, Ontario where he had the opportunity to personally meet the iconic Canadian.

Senator Meredith says of Dr. Carnegie, "I had the privilege of meeting him personally. He is a kind and warm Canadian loved by the world over. As the first Jamaican to be appointed to the Senate, I am especially proud of Dr. Carnegie as a man of Jamaican heritage. He was able to turn his adversities into opportunities and is an inspiration for young people experiencing similar challenges today". 

On May 5th of last year Senator Meredith hosted a group of grade eight students from the school in the Senate as they visited Parliament Hill.

His wife, Michelle, a teacher at the school, knows he will be missed by both students and teachers as the school is in mourning.

Last November, Senator Don Meredith also made a statement in the Senate acknowledging the 92nd birthday of Dr. Carnegie, making note of his many contributions to Canadian society.

"Herbert H. Carnegie would go on to have an even greater impact off the ice in founding the Future Aces Hockey School, one of the first hockey schools in Canada, and the Herbert H. Carnegie Future Aces Foundation. He penned the popular Future Aces Creed designed to help youth develop self-knowledge and self-confidence. This creed has been embraced by many schools in Ontario and beyond, and I would personally like to see its use expanded even further in our school system," Senator Meredith stated.

Dr. Carnegie would be named to the Order of Ontario in 1996 and to the Order of Canada in 2003, and received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from York University for his work as a community leader. 

He is survived by his four children- Goldie, Bernice, Rochelle, and Dale.

You were truly a pioneer in Canadian History. As a teacher it was wonderful to have you as an example for my students. The Aces program you created and initiated was truly inspirational. Ouida Forde

My heartfelt condolences to the family of Herbert H.Carnegie, it was my honor and privildege to name a school after Mr. Carnegie, he made such a differnce in the lives of so many children, his words resonate throughout the school and the community. He enpowered students to be the best that they could be and never give up on thier hopes and dreams.His legacy will live on in my heart and in the hearts of all our students.he will truly be missed. Anna

What a man! What an example to us all! It would have been understandable if, as a result of a system that prevented him from pursuing an NHL career, Herb had spent the rest of his life consumed by bitterness and anger. But while the hurt never subsided, Herb moved on and made the world a better place through his incredible drive, authentic leadership and caring for others. All of which was guided by his personal 'compass' of the timeless values that he wrote about in the Future Aces Creed. While I am saddened by his passing, this has been a good time to reflect on what he did, what he meant to so many and to appreciate his example. I was lucky enough to come to know him over the last six years and while he never in a physical sense 'saw' me, we did see eye-to-eye. My wife Eileen and I had Herb and Bernice to dinner at our house several years ago and 'interviewed' him about his life and times. We captured an hour of that conversation on videotape. It is an amazing conversation full of great stories and inspirational thoughts. If anyone wants to see it, I'd be happy to make a video CD for you. I watched it again today and laughed and cried. And resolved to as best I can live up to the ideals of the Creed. I have scheduled an annual 'meeting' in my calendar to watch it again on Herb's birthday. Lastly, my condolences go the the extended Carnegie family. Thank you for sharing Herb with the rest of us. It must have been a challenge to live up to the example of an iconic individual. But you have all succeeded. I know several of you personally and Herb's legacy lives on in you. You are all ACES! Thank you, Herb. For so many things and for the light you shone that illuminated a path the world STILL needs to take. I promise to be as good of an ACE as I can. Goodbye, my friend. George Oliver

Michelle and I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of this Canadian legend. May you find comfort knowing Dr. Carnegie’s dream will continue to be fulfilled for years to come as our youth strive to be the best they can be through the Future Aces Foundation and Creed. Dr. Carnegie was a kind and warm Canadian loved by the world over. Personally, as the first Jamaican to be appointed to the Senate, I am especially proud of Dr. Carnegie as a man of Jamaican heritage. He was able to turn his adversities into opportunities and is an inspiration for young people experiencing similar challenges today. Michelle says, she will never forget the smiles and tears of joy that came over Dr. Carnegie's face when the Glee Club for Herbert H. Carnegie P.S. sang holiday songs in December 2011 at his seniors residence in Toronto. She feels proud to teach at a school named after such an amazing man who has taught her and others to say, "I like myself". We will continue to remember and celebrate the life of our hero, Dr. Herbert H. Carnegie. Our prayers are with you all, Senator Don & Michelle Meredith

Herb, thank you for helping us to strive to have a positive attitude. Thank you for showing us how to cooperate and to be a good example to others. Thank you for demonstrating so powerfully how to be a good sport, and above all, Herb, thank you for teaching us to like ourselves. Rest in peace with your beloved Audrey. Trevor, Toni, Melody and Zoe

I am so honoured to have had the privilege to sit and visit with Mr Carnegie. He will always be an inspiration to me. My love and condolences go out to his family. His legacy will continue on in the lives he touched and will continue to touch. Mine included. Errol and Anne Marie Lee

Condolences to the entire Carnegie family. I will sadly miss Herb Carnegie. From what I have heard, he was the near-perfect, loving father. I met him a few times, and he was definitely the near-perfect citizen of Toronto and Canada, who contributed to the financial, social and moral fabric of our society, inspiring mainly those at risk and the disadvantaged. That he managed to do this even after the personal disappointment of being turned-away because of the racial prejudice of individuals and institutions, makes his gifts to our community even more poignant. Herb, the truth is not just that you were "good enough" for the NHL, but that you were "too good" for that organization at that time when it did not make decisions based simply on the individual merits of a person, as it should have. Your generous spirit has even touched my son, who 20 years ago received one of your many "Future Aces" awards, and developed the confidence to get to where he is today - perhaps 2 years from his PhD. Thank you.

Dear Carnegie Family, In 1999 I was a Future Aces recipient and at the time I did not truly realize what an impact this would have on my life. Herb showed me the fruits of sacrifice and perseverance. He also, along with Audrey, showed what a strong united family can accomplish. I am happy to say these examples have served me well. There is so much I would like to say but I keep coming back to simply, thank you Herb. My thoughts are with you all.

To the family of the Later Great Herb Carnegie On behalf of SONAHHR Canada I would like to extend my condolences to the family of the late great Herb Carnegie. His passing marks the end of an era which acknowledges a segment in Canadian history when the colour of a man’s skin over shadowed the content of his character and his abilities on the ice. He was a true gentleman of the sport and someone who leaves us wondering what would have been if he had the chance to play in the National Hockey League. Would he be in the NHL Hall of Fame or would his number & jersey be retired and hanging from a rafter in an arena. In 2006, I had the honour of meeting Mr. Carnegie while I was the president of the Black Ice Hockey & Sports Hal of Fame, he was our guest of honour at the inaugural induction ceremony in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. It was a real privilege to have the opportunity to speak with someone who is a part of Canadian history. I had heard his story and listened to him speak in a CBC documentary of his career but meeting him was a real treat. As his life and accomplishments are celebrated I hope everyone takes a moment to pause and think that without his story and struggle there may not have been a Willie O’Ree in 1958, or the stars of today like Jarome Iginla or Evander Kane. Someone has to be that one who knocks at the door and gets knocked down and turned away before finally the door is opened. Herb Carnegie’s knock was a mighty one and his legacy should not be forgotten. Craig Marshall Smith President SONAHHR Canada Society of North American Hockey Historians and Researchers

On behalf of my family, and in particular my father Gerald Gordon Symons, let me express our deepest condolences on the passing of Mr. Carnegie. My father has spoken of Mr Carnegie with respect, admiration and fondness for many, many years. We are grateful for the opportunities we have had to share time, meals and celebrations with Mr. Carnegie, Mrs. Carnegie and Bernice. My father and brother have supported Herbert H. Carnegie Future Aces Foundation for many years and felt it was an honour to do so. We mourn the passing of this great man but are blessed by having him as an inspiration and in my father's case, a close friend. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family. We hope the admiration and affection being expressed in these messages gives you comfort. Karen Symons

I had the opportunity too meet this great leader when he did a workshop for an organization I work for back in the early 2000's. I watched as he approached the stage, took a seat and waited too speak. I had no idea what an amazing thunderous voice this gentleman had until he spoke. WOW,he left the crowd a hush until he stopped speaking. Mr.Carnegie had the crowd expload with applause and at that time I knew he had always moved mountains and was one of earths great "LEADERS" for many.From my family to yours,"Thank you" for your leading ways.I continue to use your Future Ace in my program with the children and you can often can hear me saying be a" FUTURE ACE LEADER"! Amen

Rochelle and Bernice, I never had a chance to meet your father. He was a superior man. I was a student at Earl Haig during Rochelle's time. I will try to stop by on Thursday. Scott

To Bernice and Family: my sincere condolences. I had the distinct honour and privilege to work with Herb during my time at IG in the 1990's. Canada has lost a great citizen and I know his good work will continue with and through you and the Future Aces Foundation!

Dear Bernice, my most sincere condolences. My daughter Amber and I were privileged to meet this fascinating and distinguished Canadian in 2010 at a Future Aces Scholarship Awards and Gala. You spoke of your dad at another charity event and we decided we must attend this worthy cause and what a wonderful experience that was! Little children surrounded him and they could not wait to get the chance to say how much he meant to them. One little boy got on stage and declared "I like myself !" over and over again. That positve attitude came from your dad's philosophy of connecting with youth and instilling confidence. Thanks to you I was again privileged to meet your dad at the 2011 Furures Aces Gala honouring the too-often overlooked contributions and achievements of volunteers in our community. This weekend it was with much emotion that I read the various tributes to your dad that have populated newspapers from coast to coast and even overseas, realizing the humiliation and great sacrifice this man endured but remained positive to serve his country and use his exceptional skills to build this society. Your dad truly embodied what can best be described as a "Hero" regardless of colour. We must make sure all our young Canadians know his story for generations to come. After fighting the good fight, may he rest in eternal peace. Blessings Kathy and Amber

Please accept my condolences.You do not know me, though I knew Herb and, I believe, met Bernice on occasion. My sister Evelyn Wilson had a room just across the hall from Herb when she lived at The Donway Place and they were great friends! Evie passed away in 2006. Your dad was a wonderful guy as I know you folks realize more than anyone else! I was honoured to have known Herb. Sincerely, Joan Beaton

On behalf of SSONY (Superannuated Supervisory Officers, North York Board of Education) I express our sincere condolences to the family. Herb Carnegie was a great role model for our youth. His character building Future Aces program which was implemented in many of our schools contributed greatly to the positive development of many of our students. We are grateful for his cheerfulness, his positive creative handling of injustice, and his encouraging disposition. Albert Tatem(Secretary SSONY)

To all of the Carnegie clan (my love to the girls & Dale especially Berneechee) - it was with sadness that I fell upon Herb's article in the Star on the weekend but how eloquent to get news billing in the SPORTS section! So long ago I met this crusader, this giant among men who destroyed all of my demons in negative thought with an hour & half of speaking with him in his home with Audrey close by. It was a moment I will remember as to how this man - this mortal being could affect my train of thought, my path of wandering to go forward on in this somewhat troublesome world. I have been amazed at the many people he made a change in to better themselves all out of his refusal to let the world deny him joy after being put through the struggles he had. He leaves, I am sure, to face his maker and obviously be told all that pained him, all that challenged him all that he did was not all for not as he will sit with pride in the spot saved especially for this level of man. I miss our brief meetings over the years yet I always felt humbled and selfish to have time with him when every moment he could meet someone new and bestow his vision upon them (ha - that is such an oxymoron as even though he was legally blind he could see so much more than people with 20/20 vision). Every one he touched with his words c an attest to this positive light that was brought into our world to bless us with the pureness of positive thought. I do so hope that St. Peter forgives him for the speech he will get from this glorious man as I'm sure Herb will want to make sure he knows about the Future Aces philosophy before he enters the gates! ;0) God Bless you Herb - love the Rutherford family!

It was 2009 when Bernice kindly facilitated my request to have a moment with Mr. Carnegie. Being from Sherbrooke, I had heard much of his legendary time there and was looking forward to the opportunity. We spent a wonderful hour together, one that I will cherish always. A great man, a great Canadian. Thanks again Bernice.

My sincere and heartfelt condolences to Bernice and the rest of the family on the passing of your dear patriach, Mr. Carnegie. He was a giant in the Black community and the rest of Canada came to know and admire him for his outstanding contribution to Canada. I have always looked up to him for inspiration on how to motivate young people to be the best they can be. He has done so much for his country and he will never be forgotten by those of us who stand on his shoulders. Thank you for sharing him with us for so many years. You have fought the good fight. Now rest in peace, Mr. Carnegie.

To the children of Herb Carnegie; I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's death! He was a good friend of my Dad, Bob Lamb. My Dad died in 1980. He spoke often of your Dad and what a great golfer he was! Many of our family and friend's read Herb's biography and became fans. We watched him get the Order of Canada. What a great man and a great loss to our country! Thinking of you at this sad time, Mary Lamb Paterson

Summit Golf & Country Club made a donation to Herbert H. Carnegie Future Aces Foundation

We are very sorry to hear about your loss. The Members and Staff of The Summit Golf Club

Douglas Carrick made a donation to Herbert H. Carnegie Future Aces Foundation



Bunny & Ken Saul made a donation to 

We are very sorry to hear about your loss. From our family to yours, our most heartfelt sympathies.

OBITUARY

Herbert H. Carnegie

Passed away on 9 MARCH, 2012

Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes

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