Donald 'Nip' O'Hearn Passes
After a lengthy illness, Donald 'Nip' O'Hearn passed away peacefully, surrounded by his children on Sunday, January 25, 2015 at the St. Catharines General Hospital, in his 87th year.
Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Nip grew up in St. Catharines and was a very accomplished athlete. Nip's greatest passion in his early years were Hockey and Lacrosse, playing at the professional level starting at the age of 15 with the Buffalo Americans. Nip split his seasons between both sports, playing lacrosse for Peterborough and Victoria, B.C., winning seven Mann Cups. Nip was recognized for his athletic accomplishments and he was inducted in the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame, Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame, Peterborough Sports Hall of Fame and the St. Catharines Sports Hall of Fame. Nip also worked as a security officer with the Ontario Jockey Club in the 1970's and 80's, then worked in the paddock at Flamboro Downs in the 1980's and 90's. He was responsible for getting a young Tim Twaddle involved in harness racing. In his retirement, Nip found his perfect job as the world's best Walmart greeter -- he cut the ribbon on opening day!
Nip's proudest accomplishment was his family. He was the best Dad. Devoted to his family. He was loving, caring, kind, generous, unselfish and had a wonderful sense of humour. He was so grateful for the love of his family and friends. He made it easy to love him. He truly made this world a better place for all who knew him.
Nip has been reunited with the love of his life, Molly and with his daughter Patsy. Loving Dad of Pixie (Bob) Ziraldo, Danny (Debbie), Erin (Mike) Wilson and Kate (Matt) Hingston. Adored Papa of Bryan (Amanda), Mike (Katie) and Mary-Kate Kazragis, Molly, Danny and Allie Ziraldo, Meghan and Patrick O'Hearn, Emily and Christopher Wilson and Madeline, Donald, Annabelle and Charlotte Hingston. Proud great-grandfather of Jaxon and Bennett Kazragis. Nip will also be missed by his son-in-law Vytas Kazragis, his sister Bev Adams, sisters-in-law Marie O'Hearn, Phyllis O'Hearn, Mollie Morris, Pat Twaddle, Bev Morris and also by many nieces, nephews and friends. Predeceased by his brothers and sisters, Frank, Winnie, Edie, Annie, Kitty, Norm, Danny, Bibber and by his brothers-in-law Desi, Gerry and Danny Morris. The family says a special thank you to the staff at Extendicare for their exceptional care and for being so kind.
Family and friends will be received at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton St., on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Vigil prayers will be recited in the funeral home at 3:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Star of the Sea Church, 34 Elgin St. on Thursday, January 29, 2015 at 1 p.m. Cremation to follow the service. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be given to the Brock University Men's Hockey Team or to Danny Ziraldo's Fight Against Lyme Disease- in trust or at www.youcaring.com.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the friends and family of Donald "Nip" O'Hearn.
What a truly amazing man. I
What a truly amazing man. I worked many years at Flamboro's tack shop, and spent many evenings with Nip, drinking coffee and sharing stories. I have many homemade crafts from Molly & Nip given to me for my kids. Each holiday as I bring them out, I think of Nip, and our time together. They are now even more special. I will always be grateful for his friendship. He really was one of a kind, RIP my old friend.
Truly a name from the dim and
Truly a name from the dim and distant past. I remember being with 'Nip' on opening night at Garden City in the spring of 1965 as I stood and watched the races right at the wire. He had just accepted a job as the winner's circle security guard and I recall him watching his first ever harness race. I think he appreciated me filling him in on a few of the intricacies of the sport. He was a really nice friendly man who was also extremely funny. At this time he was retired from his career as a goalie ,but he was a boundless source of stories from the hockey wars. He knew every player that had made their way up the ladder and often quoted names like Eddie Litzenberger. He was a natural for the trackside job and welcomed everyone when they arrived for their picture in the winner's enclosure. He was just one of those people that everyone liked and remembered.