City unveils plaque for Don Laurence at Hespeler Arena

On April 4, the City of Cambridge unveiled a plaque at Hespeler Arena to commemorate the contributions of Don Laurence to the Cambridge sporting community. Mayor McGarry, Councillor Devine, along with Don’s sons Tim and Bob Laurence, attended the unveiling. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a larger commemoration is planned for fall 2022.

Don Laurence was an integral part of the sporting community in Cambridge for his entire life. Born in 1933 and living in Cambridge his whole life, Don took to sports early on, and continued to be involved for the rest of his career. After moving to Hespeler in 1953, Don had carved out his place as one of Hespeler Arena’s most recognized and well-liked volunteers. He served as a coach, executive board member and referee of the hockey rink.

Because of his tremendous involvement in hockey over the years, Don was presented with the Ontario Minor Hockey Association Honour Award in 1991, and the Don and Benita Rope Sports Contributor Award at the Cambridge Sports Awards Banquet in 1995. At Don’s retirement from officiating in 1996, he was the longest serving referee in Hespeler Minor Hockey Association history. He was inducted into both the Cambridge Sports Hall of Fame and the City of Cambridge Hall of Fame in 2004. Don passed away February 5, 2009. 

The City of Cambridge wishes to thank the entire Laurence family for Don’s contributions to our community.