Obituary of Johnny Esaw

Johnny Esaw, CM It is with great sadness, that we announce that Donald Edward 'Johnny' Esaw passed away peacefully, with his loving family at his side, on Saturday, April 6, 2013 in his 88th year. Born in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Johnny was the third of four children of Sam and Miriam Esaw. He was predeceased by his sisters Sally and Jenny and survived by his brother Bill. He will be greatly missed by his beloved wife June, in their 60th year of marriage, and by his proud children Patrick and Wendy. Papa will be missed greatly by his four grandchildren, whom he loved immensely, Kathryn, Laura, Julia and Natalie. Johnny was a television pioneer, broadcasting sports for CTV in six different decades. From auto racing to figure skating, from football to hockey, from golf to baseball, he presented television sports to Canadians. From televising eight Olympic games, including producing the global feed in Calgary 1988, to the 1972 Russia - Canada Summit series, Johnny was the consummate professional, and innovator. These included sports' first colour broadcasts, instant replay, commercials during play, and the advent of microphones and interviews during stoppages. Johnny was a brilliant and compassionate man, confident and opinionated, with benchmark integrity, and plenty of heart. He was intensely proud of being named to the Order of Canada a decade ago. Thanks to the doctors and nurses at Sarasota Memorial and Toronto Western hospitals. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES CHAPEL LIMITED, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 11. Funeral service will be held in ROSEDALE UNITED CHURCH, 59 Roxborough Drive on Friday, April 12 at 11:00 a.m. If desired, donations made to the Toronto Rehab Foundation, University Health Network, 550 University Avenue, 3rd Floor, Toronto M5G 2A2 or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation - Toronto Office, 2300 Yonge Street, Suite 1300, Toronto M4P 1E4 would be appreciated. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.