Away from Toronto FC and away from the supporters pubs this week, the Toronto soccer community was rocked by the loss of one of its long time members.
Colin Hodelin passed away suddenly last Saturday evening at just 43 years of age. The news has sent shock waves through the community who knew him as the little man, with the big voice.
As many have begun sharing their stories, I thought I would share mine.
[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
I remember seeing his face around Eglinton Flats a lot.
He knew everybody and everybody knew him. The kind of guy who immediately ingratiated himself to you and would start the conversation.
He'd ask me about how my team had done or just shoot the shit about the weekend's EPL fixtures. I got the sense he knew a lot of people that way.
Having started his soccer career in the Nottingham system, he immigrated to Toronto and built a reputation for himself as fierce player with a huge presence on the field.
He played for dozens of high level teams over the years and indelibly left an impression on this community.
It's hard to imagine not seeing him around at Eglinton next year. In fact, having played against him as recently as just a few weeks ago, I'm still having a hard time believing it. I'm going to miss him.
Toronto soccer has lost a familiar face. And a big voice.
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For as big as Colin's heart was, he wasn't as full in pocket.
He's touched the lives of a number footballers in Toronto and if you'd like to make a donation and assist his family with the funeral costs the information is below.
To make an e-mail transfer: n_hodelin13@hotmail.com and the answer to the question should always be (colin)
To make a direct deposit to the bank account directly: TD 2626578313
Wake
Time: 9pm
Date: Monday January 31 2011
Time: 6pm -
Place: 31 Holyoke Cres Etobicoke ON
Visitation
Date: Friday Feb 4 2011
Time: 2-4pm 7-9pm
Place: Newediuk Funeral Home
2058 Kipling Ave
Etobicoke, ON
M9W 4J9
416 745 7555
Funeral
Date: Saturday Feb 5 2011
Time: 11-12 open casket 12-1 Service
Place: Islington Evangel Centre
49 Queens Plate Drive
Etobicoke ON
M9W 6P1
416 747 7208
Burial
After the church service.
Glenview Memorial Gardens
7541 HWY 50
Woodbridge, ON
L4L 1A5
905 851 0668