'I owe Newfoundland,' hockey legend Howie Meeker tells MUN grads
Hockey icon Howie Meeker, whose list of career accomplishments includes four Stanley Cups and a seat in the House of Commons, has earned a new honour: the title of doctor.
Meeker, 91, spent about 25 years living in Newfoundland and Labrador, where he filmed a CBC Television series on his hockey school during the 1970s.
During this week's convocation ceremonies at Memorial University, Meeker received an honorary doctor of laws.
I owe Newfoundland. I owe it an awful lot.- Howie Meeker
Meeker told graduating students that he regretted not going to university himself — even though his resume includes representing Waterloo-South in Parliament when he was just 27.
He was also a multiple winner of the all-star prize in the NHL, although he said that his quality of life improved when he moved to St. John's in the late 1950s.
"I owe Newfoundland. I owe it an awful lot," he said.
"I learned how to work, and more than anything else, I learned how to live."
Meeker told graduates that finding pleasure in life is key to flourishing.
"Newfoundlanders know how to hunt, fish, swim, dive, do anything for pleasure as good as or better than anyone else in the world. Oh I had so much fun. I enjoyed life. My whole family enjoyed life," he said.
"I hope you young ladies and gentlemen have learned how to live ... All work and no play is not very good."