The Ontario Squash Hall of Fame Board of Governors is saddened by the loss of Ernest (Ernie) Howard.
Early in his life, Ernie played many sports and became a world-class squash player, both nationally and internationally. He was the first ever Canadian to win the US Squash Championships in 1953. By today’s standards, Canadians win their share of US Championships but this upstart Canadian had the audacity to cross the border and beat the Americans on their home court. Ernie’s win shook the squash world.
He preceded this by winning the Canadian Singles Championship two weeks earlier in Ottawa. At that time, this was an unprecedented feat.
Ernie won 7 Ontario Singles Championships from 1950 to 1957 and he represented Canada 9 times in Lapham Cup matches against the U.S.
Ernie was elected a Jester in 1950; was Vice President of Squash Canada from 1957 – 1962; and was President of the Badminton & Racquet Club in 1970. He was nominated and elected to the Ontario Squash Hall of Fame in 2007 and elected to the University Sports Hall of Fame in 2000.
He cared deeply about giving back and the Ontario Squash Hall of Fame is grateful for his financial support. A new Friends of Squash plaque stands proudly in the Hall at White Oaks with thanks to Ernie.
Ernie, a 1946 graduate of Trinity College (TCS) in Port Hope, was called upon to make remarks at the Official Opening of the Ernest Howard ‘46 Squash Centre on November 30th, 2002 at TCS recognizing his role as the lead fundraiser for the project. The North American squash courts were demolished & replaced by 3 glass back walled International squash courts. 2 additional International courts were added in 2017 with the opening of the Arnold Massey ‘55 Athletic Centre.
The Board of Governors extends its most sincere and deepest sympathies to the family.
