Jack Stenhouse Award

Award Background
Since 2007 The Royal Canadian Legion has recognized a top male athlete at the Legion National Youth Track & Field Championships. In 2012 the award for the top male athlete was named the, Jack Stenhouse Award in honour of a Second World War Veteran and ardent supporter of Legion sponsored athletics.

Jack Stenhouse was born March 11, 1925, lived and went to school in North Toronto and took technical training at Northern Secondary School. Like most adolescents,
Jack enjoyed hockey, horseback riding, skiing, scouting and golf and he played the harmonica.

Jack enlisted in the military at age 18, August 24, 1943 and served with the 1st Canadian Signal Regiment. He served in Canada, United Kingdom and continental
Europe. During the war torn years, his unit landed in France, advanced through Belgium and eventually Holland.

After discharge on April 29, 1946, Jack attended Ryerson Polytechnic School and graduated with a degree in Electrical Maintenance. He was employed for over 33
years with Ontario Hydro in Toronto as a Journeyman electrician and inspector. His territory was the most active in terms of commercial development in Ontario and most of the Toronto skyline you see today, was inspected by Jack. From riding in an open construction cage to inspecting the top of the CN Tower and everything underground, Jack enjoyed being part of the growth of the city and its culture. Jack retired in 1987.

As a member of Hydro Legion Branch #277 Jack was very active and dedicated. He served at the local and national level and was awarded the Palm Leaf to the Meritorious Medal in 1996. Legion track and field was Jack’s passion and he guided the program through many stages of development. He supported the Canadian Olympic Training Plan with his Legion Branch and the Canadian National Exhibition. For 50 years Jack participated in all levels of the track and field program including the position as Chairman. Jack cared about the athletes, coaches and officials and could be heard asking, “are you getting enough to eat?”

Jack passed away on February 14, 2012 leaving behind his wife of 64 years, Dorothy and their children, Nancy and Douglas. In honour of Jack’s unwavering commitment to youth leadership and development, this award bears great meaning.

We will Remember Jack through this Legacy.