50 years ago on June 20, 1974, Sudbury lost a giant in the Sports Community with the passing of Mike Jelenic. An article written by Cummy Burton was printed in the Northern Life 5 days later on June 25, 1974. Here is the article:
I know I speak for all Sudbury sportsmen when I say last Thursday was a sad day for us all with the passing of Sunoco Mike Jelenic.
Mike was well-known around sporting circles in the Sudbury area and in a lot of the big league area. He was the kind of guy every kid would dream of having as a father; he was kind, generous and took great delight in some practical jokes on friends.
Mike was always at any number of sporting events and you couldn't miss him towering above most people in his familiar Sunoco outfit.
He was at hockey games at six in the morning and at nine at night and in between ran a successful business. He loved to watch kids in action and delighted in seeing them playing the game he loved, hockey.
Mike had many friends in the pro hockey ranks and he was always warmly welcomed by them when he visited their city or they came here. Mike Jelenic didn't have a cruel bone in his body and was known to help many along, either financially or with a pat on the back. He was a big shy guy; underneath that big gruff voice was a warm hearted sensitive human being who knew what life was all about.
I know the Sudbury Wolves organization and the Sudbury Arena will be a little poorer this year without Mike because he was as much a part of both and minor hockey as anyone past or present. He had a great knowledge of the game and he had good horse sense when it came to hockey players.
You know I've read stories on Babe Ruth and other great stars and none would ever shine brighter in my heart than Mike Jelenic. He was a 50-goal scorer, a home run king and all the good things in life wrapped all into one and he had that little extra that all athletes need to be great. He was a man's man with heart and guts and humility.
This was my Dad! Love Melanie