Chronicle Journal - Stories -

Opinion Poll
A wind farm is proposed for the Nor‘Wester range south of Thunder Bay. What‘s your view on the proposal:
	In favour — green energy is the way to go
	No way, not in our backyard
	Well, it might spur much needed economic development
	Don't know — I hear many conflicting claims

More Links	tbayjobline	TbayWeddings	Play Games!	^New! eVents Calendar	Advertise with Us	Contact Us

Other Links	Movie Times	Airport	Bus Schedule	Road Conditions	Library	Weather

Tribute to Talakoski
By Brody Mark
Friday, February 6, 2009

Email this article
Send a Letter to the Editor
Printer friendly page

When Ron Talakoski‘s physical strength could not carry him further, his strength of character began to shoulder the load.
For about seven years, the multi-sport athlete once referred to as ’Trucker‘ has been quietly mired in a fight for his life. A fight against an unknown opponent and, as a result, has no known cure.
The former firefighter, hockey star and football hero has been to countless doctors across Canada, and the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. The product of which were just more questions.
It‘s been suggested he has Shy-Drager syndrome – a rare and progressive disorder of the central and autonomic nervous systems that is fatal. Symptoms of the disease are similar to that of multiple sclerosis and Parkinson‘s disease. He once stood 6-foot-3 and weighed 230 pounds. He now weighs 150 pounds and spends most of his days in a wheelchair.
“I couldn‘t imagine what he‘s going through and I wouldn‘t wish that on anybody,” said longtime friend Kevin Campbell, an assistant coach with the Hammarskjold Vikings senior football team, a team Talakoski once played for. “His mental strength is something that I really remember from the first time we met, just how mentally tough he was. Obviously that‘s carrying him through and giving him the strength day in and day out right now.”
Campbell first met Talakoski when the two were freshman on the University of Manitoba Bisons football team in the early 1980s.
Talakoski, who has two sons – Jesse and Joshua, first earned a hockey scholarship to Princeton University and played briefly before deciding to head to Manitoba to study physical education. There he played not only football, but hockey as well.
Two years older than Campbell, Talakoski quickly became someone to look up to.
“I know training-wise, he was definitely a role model,” Campbell said. “He was probably one of the strongest guys on our team and it was no accident that he was one of the hardest working guys on the team also.”
This past season, Campbell helped the Vikings to the league title. After attending a practice before the season, the team decided to dedicate the year to Talakoski.
Minutes after a thrilling come-from-behind championship final victory, Campbell called his friend.
“It was special for me to be able to phone him from midfield just after we had our (trophy presentation) and to relay the news we did it for him,” said Campbell.
The two remained friends after school while Talakoski pursued a career as a professional hockey player. He ultimately signed as a free agent with the New York Rangers and played nine games in the NHL in the late ‘80s.
Following his pro career, Talakoski came home and helped Thunder Bay hockey teams capture an Allan Cup and Colonial Hockey League title.
“Most guys would have a nap at noon whereas Ronnie would work all day then go play a game and was one of the better hockey players too,” joked friend and former co-worker Joe Kolic, who has known Talakoski for 20 years.
Kolic added Talakoski‘s prowess on the ice translated to the firehouse where every man trusted him with their lives.
“You know you‘re coming out,” said Kolic. “I‘m a big guy and I know if I‘m with Ron, he‘s not going anywhere. He was such a team player. Firefighting is like sports, you have to be a team player and he was that. . . . We‘ve been in a couple of fires, him and I together, and you just felt comfortable and had all the confidence in the world in this guy.
“You‘re going to go in there and give 120 per cent because you know this guy is beside you.”
His family of firefighters will host a benefit in his honour today at the CLE Coliseum.
“I think the fact that the guys are all rallying together and he knows that the guys care about him,” Kolic said.
“I think that‘s the big thing for him, knowing we‘re not giving up.”
Rob DiPaulo, a former co-worker of Talakoski, is organizing the benefit and has had no problem receiving support. He added that tickets are available from any Thunder Bay firefighter.
“When I took it on, I was kind of worried but it‘s kind of like I just pushed a snowball over and so many people have gotten on board and so many people have volunteered,” DiPaulo said. “My biggest problem is finding stuff for people to do.”
Campbell will be among the many scheduled to be there today.
“I wouldn‘t miss it for the world,” he said. “I think you‘ll see by the number of people, and just the general buzz around town, how much Ron means to a lot of people in this city.”
His supporters don‘t end at the city limits. Former Bison teammates who still live in Winnipeg will also be in attendance. Also, a blog – rontalakoski.wordpress.com – has been created so that friends, family and well-wishers can share their stories about Talakoski.
Though he has his good days and bad days, Talakoski will be in attendance today. He will be piped in and celebrated. How long he stays depends on how his strength holds up. Those close to him don‘t doubt if he hides how tired he really is just to stay that much longer and visit with those who have shown support. That‘s just who is he.
Talakoski has been understandably frustrated throughout it all, but remains optimistic. Kolic says there has been talk of a doctor in Cleveland possibly knowing more about his condition, which has given new hope.
“The thing is, nobody‘s fought as hard as he has to try to maintain to some kind of level of just being able to exist,” Kolic said. “He‘s just never given up, even to this day.
“Nobody would last as long as he has.”
Top of Page

Games!
Canadian Crossword
PlayFour!
Word Roundup