Dr. J. Douglas Eaton – Builder

Inducted November 13, 2004

Finding the beginning of the influence of Dr. Douglas Eaton on the sporting fraternity in Newfoundland and Labrador is a lot easier than finding an end. In fact, it may be many years, even decades before we begin to see an end. His influence, through the many physical education teachers in our province, is immeasurable, and the qualities that he instilled in those who worked with him will be passed from teacher to student and from coach to athlete for many years to come. In 1955, Dr. Eaton was responsible for establishing a two-year certificate program in Physical Education at Memorial University of Newfoundland, “to provide specialists in the new amalgamated high schools equipped with gymnasium facilities”. Under his guidance, that program grew and in 1960, it became the Bachelor of Physical Education Degree. In 1961, while Head / Director of Physical Education and Athletics (a position he held until 1964) the new Physical Education Complex on Elizabeth Avenue was opened. From 1954 until 1962 Dr. Eaton coached men and women’s basketball teams at MUN, winning several championships. In the early 1960’s, Dr. Eaton and the late Edward P. Browne conducted coaching and officials’ clinics in the area, setting a base for the sport for years to come. During the 1960’s, Dr. Eaton served a term on the Canadian Council on Fitness and Amateur Sport. In 1973, Dr. Eaton began a two-year term as the first Chairperson of the Board of Governors, Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame. Dr. Eaton was selected in 1975 to serve as Chair of the Technical Advisory Committee for the 1977 Jeux Canada Summer Games being hosted by the City of St. John’s. In 1978, Dr. Eaton was selected and began a term as Chair of the Canada Games Park Commission. Dr. Eaton’s work at MUN and his leadership skills will always be remembered. His colleagues, students, co-workers, and fellow volunteers serve as a “Who’s Who of Sport” not only in Newfoundland and Labrador but across Canada. Dr. Eaton’s outstanding leadership abilities and contribution to the long term benefit to sport in this province have earned him induction into the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame.