2016 has taken the life of another legend. Hearts broke across Winnipeg last night with the news of Len Kropioski’s passing. His iconic salute during O Canada before every Winnipeg Jets home game turned him into a local sensation. It would be tough finding a Jets fan unaware of his existence. While “gone but never forgotten” remains one of the most commonly used cliches, it will certainly hold true in the context of Len Kropioski.
Beloved Winnipeg Jets Fan Len Kropioski Passes Away
A WWII veteran who never stopped serving people, “Kroppy” turned 98 this past July. He was dubbed the “King of Kenora” for his work in the community. Whether it was sponsoring local sports teams or supplying under-privileged children with equipment, Kroppy was helping with whatever he could, whenever he could.
Living in Kerona, Ontario – a two and a half hour drive from the MTS Centre – was no problem for Kroppy. He made it to every Jets game so long as his health allowed him.
Kroppy’s health began taking a turn for the worst in the winter of 2016, forcing him to take a break from attending games. He would however, make a triumphant return to the rink on March 30, 2016 which will forever be remembered as his final hurrah. During a play stoppage, Kroppy was chosen as “Fan #1” in a Fan vs Fan jumbo-tron contest. The jumbotron then switched from to “Fan #2,” though the camera remained on the beloved veteran. It became clear there was going to be no second fan. This was a salute to a man making one of his final public appearances.
Once everyone figured out what was going on, the crowd roared, bringing Kroppy to tears. If the visual wasn’t chilling enough, David Bowie shouting the second verse of Heroes could be heard blaring through the PA system. The choice of song couldn’t have been more appropriate, for he was a local hero, deserving of one last reminder.
Of all the moments in @mtscentre, this is one of the best.
Relive the moment as Kroppy wins tonight's Fan vs Fan.https://t.co/6nqDbeSvNG
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) March 31, 2016
A beautiful moment in every aspect.
Given his health and his age, his passing came as no surprise. This hasn’t affected Jets fans any less, though. Within minutes of the news, “#RIPKroppy” flooded Winnipeg Twitter timelines.
It’s pretty amazing that the death of man most didn’t know personally, had an impact of this magnitude. The reason however, is simple. He may not have known us, but he risked his life to assure Canada is what it is today.
We come to the arena and tune into the television to watch our hockey heroes. Though the real heroes, the reason we’re fortunate enough to enjoy hockey, are the Len Kropioski’s of the world.
Kroppy was, and always will be a reminder of this. O Canada at the MTS Centre will never be the same.
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