Rupert icon passes away at age 76

Dick St. Louis the long time fixture at the Prince Rupert Civic Centre and strong local booster of youth programs for the city has passed away at the age of 76.

St. Louis worked in the recreation department for the City of Prince Rupert for over 25 years and retired a few years ago, but never stepped out of the Rupert sports spotlight.

Besides the numerous sports and general activity programs that he oversaw for the city, he was the long time organizer of Boxing in Prince Rupert. St. Louis was the driving force behind the Salmon belt bouts that frequently would fill the Civic Centre.

He was also one of the organizers behind the Prince Rupert Rainbow Archers, a local archery club that met regularly at the Civic Centre and hosted many competitions over the years.

St. Louis arrived in the city after serving in the RCAF for 23 and a half years, bringing an energy level to the city that helped many of the city’s youth find a home at the Civic Centre. He was director of the programs there during many of Rupert’s greatest years for local sports.

Through his programs over the years at the Civic Centre, the McBride Street sports centre became the place to be if you were young or old and looking for something challenging and fun to do. Through his work for the city, St. Louis would become one of its most admired and respected of citizens, as a champion for youth and youth programs he has seen countless numbers of Rupert grow up and move on to new challenges. Many of whom could possibly have taken a completely different path, had it not been for his efforts on behalf of the youth of the city.

His passing has shocked the provincial sports scene with Prince George in particular missing his presence, as they hosted the BC Bronze Gloves tournament this past weekend.

A memorial service for Mr. St. Louis will take place on Thursday, April 5th at 11:00 am at Annunciation Church with Father Chris Lynch officiating.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Cancer Foundation or the Civic Centre Recreation Department “Memory of Dick St. Louis” noted as for youth recreation.