Inducted October 13, 1973
John S. Canning, better known as “Jack”, was born in St. John’s and received his education at St. Bonaventure College.
Jack was an outstanding all round athlete and participated in almost every branch of sport. He played with the Terra Novas Hockey Club and while a member of that team was on four Boyle Trophy Championships, 1918, 1919, 1926 and 1929.
In track he excelled in hurdles 220 and 440 yards and javelin throw. He held the record for the 440 yards for many years. It is interesting to note that when the cricket ball throw was an item on the sports program Jack threw the cricket ball 343 feet 10 inches, a record never beaten.
He was an expert oarsman, football and baseball player, and was a member of the St. Bon’s Relay Team.
He was one of the founders of the Newfoundland Hiking Club and was President for a number of years.
Jack Canning was also connected with the Boy Scout Movement and inaugurated the fund known as “Help Prevent the Tragedy of the Empty Stocking”, a Christmas Toy Shop operated by the Boy Scouts Association. He was an active member of the John Howard Society.
Jack Canning is a worthy member of the Newfoundland Sports Hall of Fame.
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