The Last Hab from the 5 Stanley Cups in a row dynasty: Donnie Marshall dies: the following is from Hockey Feed

If you grew up in Montreal in the 50's onward.You no doubt would know the name Donnie Marshall.The last of the Habs 5 Sanley Cups in a row dynasty has died: Read the following clip from the Hockey News Feed.

from the Hockey News: The Montreal Canadiens have announced the passing of long-time NHL forward Donald “Donnie” Marshall at 92 years of age. From the Canadiens’ official press release announcement: BOSTON – The Montreal Canadiens are saddened to learn of the passing of Donald Robert Marshall, who passed away at the age of 92. Marshall, who was known by the nickname “Donnie,” was the last surviving member of the Canadiens dynasty that won five consecutive Stanley Cups from 1956-1960. Marshall made his NHL debut in 1951-52, playing one game with the Canadiens before permanently establishing himself with the Habs during the 1954-55 season. The Montreal-born forward played 585 games with the Canadiens between 1951 and 1963, with whom he recorded 254 points (114G, 140A). Marshall mainly played on a line with Phil Goyette and Claude Provost during his time with the Canadiens. Marshall played in 1,176 career NHL games with Montreal, the New York Rangers, Buffalo Sabers and Toronto Maple Leafs. The 5’10”, 160-pound role player scored 265 goals and added 324 assists before retiring at the end of the 1971-72 season. The Canadiens extend their deepest condolences to Donnie’s family, friends and loved ones. Our thoughts are with them at during this difficult time. He will always be remembered as one of the great champions in the history of the organization. Rest in peace, Donnie. Gone, but never forgotten. RIP Donnie from Verdun Connections and all who appreciated the Bleu Blanc Rouge ......Cheers !

Ex Montreal Expo (for a brief time) Controversial all-time MLB hits leader Pete Rose dies at 83

Controversial all-time MLB hits leader Pete Rose dies at 83

Pete Rose, baseball’s career hits leader and fallen idol who undermined his historic achievements and Hall of Fame dreams by gambling on the game he loved and once embodied, has died. He was 83.

Somethings Never Change

I just had to share this photo from another Mtlctv site) It just reminded me that we always dreaded if we had to head up that far on the Decarie.......some places just are best left avoided if possible.....lol

Montreal Shots from the Air

Sharing a few old photos of Montreal mostly aerials from a while back. there might be something there you like. Again no watermarks so they can be shared.

Longtime Point St Charles resident George McRae passed away

George was always a good guy to deal with, sending me a pair of 3d glasses (20 years ago I guess) so I could view the 3d photos he used to post on his website. George along with a friend of his started the Point website just before this Verdun Connections site came into being. I spoke with him many times over the years and he was dedicated to preserving his community The Point. He also supported Verdun a little as well. He posted fantastic photos and stories about basically growing up in the Point. He did pass back in May of this year,but I thought it would be appropriate to allow some time for his family and friends to mourn his passing. I feel it is just the right thing to do,to honour his memory here on this blogsite (originally an MSN Groups site) George Thanks for being a decent guy and sharing history with us along the way. Many of us that hail from Verdun and now live all around the globe, also had roots or grew up in and around Griffintown, the Point, Goose Village even. Verdun became home for a lot of us but let's face it Montreal is home to all of us,and the Point was a big part of that. Below is George's obit as seen in the Montreal Gazette back in May.

Passed away peacefully on May 20, 2024 at the age of 87. Predeceased by his beloved parents, brothers and sisters, he is survived by his loving nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly. George will be remembered for his incredible kindness, generosity, enthusiasm, and his amazing sense of humour. With his impeccable memory and penchant for detail, he was a master story teller. A life-long resident of Point St Charles, George's passionate interest in technology and photography resulted in the co-creation of thepoint.ca, one of the first community-based websites on the early internet. Gregarious and charming, he was a friend to everyone he met and as an uncle, he was unmatched. A true gentleman with the biggest heart. Special thanks to the staff of the Verdun General Hospital for their compassion and support.

CANADA DAY 2024

Verdun Connections wishes all who surf by a safe and fun Canada Day

Verdun Beach---wow Imagine that back in the 60's

Oddly enough it stills seems strange to hear the words Verdun Beach. but really the river was so polluted by the time the late 50's and 60's rolled around that it wasn't that inviting. Besides we had the Natatorium, and also remember when the fire department would turn on their hydrants for local kids at the parks or whatever. .but Fast forward to2024 and the (newly invented description for a hot weather week in the summer) called a Heat Dome.......and I guess the beach sounds very inviting about now. Today's June 20th 2024 Montreal Gazette has this aerial shot of the beach. I imagine it gets a lot of use these days. Anyway the photo credit is listed below the picture.

Local residents took to the cooling waters of the St-Lawrence River at the Verdun Beach on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. Local residents took to the cooling waters of the St-Lawrence River at the Verdun Beach on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. Photo by Dave Sidaway /Montreal Gazette I've seen photos of the Natatorium that looked busier than this.but the kids of today are making their own Verdun Memories and I hope they are having a ball. Cheers ! Les F