Frank Selke, Jr. Passes Away

Frank Selke Jr., seen above interviewing Gordie Howe and Johnny Bower for Hockey Night In Canada, has died at the age of 83.

Selke, the son of legendary former Montreal Canadiens general manager Frank S. Selke, devoted his life to hockey and Special Olympics.

Jr. followed in his father's footsteps as an executive and publicity director of the Montreal Canadiens from 1951 to 1965. The Habs won six Stanley Cups in that time, and though he appeared in the team photos, he never had his name engraved on the Cup.

Selke Jr. later went on to serve as team president of the expansion Oakland Golden Seals and later as vice president and host at Hockey Night in Canada.

Selke's greatest though most understated undertaking may have been his tireless involvement with the Special Olympics. He was an ambassador and fundraiser with the organization from 1969 right until late in his life. in 1969, serving as an ambassador and fundraiser with the organization for the rest of his life.

Lindsay Glassco, CEO of Special Olympics Canada, praised Selke's contributions in an interview with the CBC

“Frank Selke was Special Olympics Canada’s greatest ambassador for 44 years,” said Glassco. “He was the heart and soul of our movement, and the face of Special Olympics in our country’s boardrooms and locker-rooms alike.