The community of lacrosse lost a true gentleman two weeks ago with the passing of John Van Os.
The longtime New Westminster junior Salmonbellies president and member of the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame died Oct. 14 at the age of 91.
Van Os’ influence in the game included lengthy stints in both minor and junior lacrosse, beginning in the centennial year of 1967.
He took on various responsibilities and would rise to the rank of president of both New West minor and the New West junior A Bellies, with the pinnacle of achievement coming in the 1994 Minto Cup championship, won at Queen’s Park Arena.
“He was (junior Salmonbellies) president for 13 years and as president put things in place for others to succeed,” noted current New West junior president Walt Weaver. “As a president John was behind the scenes putting all the right people in place.
“He loved the game and wanted to see that the players got the most out of the game.”
The 1994 championship victory saw the Stan Stewardson-coached Bellies, considered heavy underdogs, out-flank the visiting Brampton Excelsiors in seven games, backstopped by netminder Curtis Palidwor.
Van Os remained in the position until 1997 when he turned the reins over to Murray Lehman, who was succeeded by Weaver in 2007.
“John was well-respected throughout lacrosse and he left a legacy that helped both Murray and myself,” added Weaver. “He loved lacrosse, especially the junior Bellies. You’d go to a game and he was always sitting on the eastside, first row (of Queen’s Park Arena).”
The junior A team’s best defensive player award is named in his honour. Van Os was inducted into the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame, in the builder’s category, in 2001.
New Westminster school trustee Casey Cook remembers Van Os as the man who rolled up his sleeves and put the minor association and junior programs in good stead.
“John’s involvement goes back such a long way. He took over the New West organization when it was in a difficult financial position and really put it on sound financial footing,” recalled Cook.
“He was really a community-minded guy, he looked after the health of the organization and brought in the right people for the right positions.”
Van Os, who was born in Saskatchewan, moved to New Westminster after serving during the Second World War with the Canadian Armed Forces. He is survived by sons David (Elaine), Dan (Elizabeth) and Steve (Susie), six grandchildren and a great granddaughter.
