Dick Warwick, a member of the 1955 Penticton Vees world championship team, died on Father’s Day in Victoria.
Warwick, 87, was living with dementia for several years, said former teammate Ivan McLelland.
“It’s another loss. It’s always sadness when you hear about losing a teammate,” said McLelland of Warwick who played for five seasons with the Vees.
Warwick centered a line with his brothers Bill and Grant. McLelland compared him to former Vees co-captain Cody DePourcq.
“He was a really hard worker. Very talented. In many ways he made that line because he was a superb passer,” said McLelland. “He really thought the game through. “
In 1952-53 season with the Vees, Warwick tallied 29 goals and 74 points in 54 games. McLelland said the Regina, Sask., product was always on the scoresheet. A highlight of his career with the Vees was when they qualified for the playoffs in their second season. In the fifth and deciding game against the top-seeded Kamloops Elks, the Vees trailed 4-3 with three seconds left. Warwick scored the tying goal and the Vees went on to win in overtime and eventually the Allan Cup.
Off the ice, McLelland said Warwick was a good man, who lived a quiet life and had a big heart. He also loved to read.
“He used to wear a big heavy rain coat and always had two papers. He was always reading papers,” said McLelland.
Warwick, a member of the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame, was born on April 25, 1928. The Vees championship team now has four surviving members. Warwick is survived by his wife Pam and son Claude.