“Terrible Ted” Lindsay, former Detroit Red Wings
captain and Hockey Hall of Famer has had a
formidable career, contributing to four Stanley Cup championships and nine NHL All-star teams. Today, Lindsay’s charitable work takes centre ice with the Alzheimer Society of Canada. Alzheimer disease is a cause near and dear to Lindsay’s heart as he was a caregiver for his sister who had the disease.
Q Tell us a bit about your background and life in the north.

I was born in Renfrew but grew up in Kirkland Lake as the youngest of nine kids. At first, my father was not rich but well off. He owned an apartment building, a garage and a transport business. Then, suddenly, in 1929, he lost everything, as did many. He realized he had a huge responsibility to raise six boys and three girls. At the time, Kirkland Lake had one of the richest gold deposits in the British empire, so he went into the mines for a few years. We eventually moved there.

Q Your dad, Bert, was also a hockey player. Tell us about your greatest lessons from him, on and off the ice?

Yes, in the early 1900s, he was a feisty goaltender for the Renfrew Millionaires. I think the greatest lesson he ever gave me was one he didn’t even know about—a lesson of responsibility and strength. When the depression hit and he had to raise six boys and three girls, he took responsibility. He didn’t reach for a bottle or get depressed, he just went to work. He taught me to be self-sufficient. By example, I learned not to depend on anyone else, either on other people or the government for hand-outs.

Q How did you get passionate about hockey and become a star?

I borrowed my first pair of skates from a neighbour. Since my family had little money for skates at the time, Mrs. Brady lent me her husband’s skates, which were too big, but I loved them anyway. My father watched and eventually scraped up the money to buy me my own pair. I would practise when and wherever I could on rinks in backyards and at school. From there, I got better year after year, but I never even dreamed of being part of the National Hockey League at the time. On the Kirkland Lake radio station, we used to be able to get WJR out of Detroit and could listen to the Red Wings games. They had great players. They played tough hockey—my kind of hockey. So when the time came, I decided eventually I’d like to join the Detroit Red Wings.

Q They called you “Terrible Ted.” How did you get that reputation?

I don’t know how I got that nickname and tough guy persona because I’m such a nice person. I guess I got rough because
I hated to lose. It took me some time to learn the art of losing graciously.

Q You obviously believe that a celebrity can lend credibility to and create awareness for great causes, because you’re doing great things for the Alzheimer Society of Canada. Tell
us about your involvement.

I saw my sister Mary, who was a school teacher and so beautiful, with such a vibrant, brilliant mind, affected by the disease. When you see someone like her deteriorate right before your eyes, it certainly gets your attention. I started work at first with the Toronto chapter. For several years, I and nine other Hall of Fame hockey players participated in fundraisers organized by Mark Woods that were held at Woodbine Racetrack. Then, when Woods went to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, I joined him. Now, I am involved in the fund-raising for the Alzheimer coffee breaks across Canada each fall. It’s a great chance to spend time with my Canadian family and friends and raise some money for a good cause.

Q Share with us a bit about your caregiving experience.

My parents had passed away by the time Mary became ill. While she was still quite functional, we made a plan and I helped her move from Sarnia to Windsor. That way, as I was living in Detroit, I could be nearby and be able to visit back
and forth every day. Thankfully, she was able to stay in her
own home for quite a while with a bit of assistance.

Q You don’t often hear of siblings as caregivers, but it shows that family care comes in many forms. What would you say to families going through the same thing?

To other families, I would say it’s no shame or stigma to your family. Sometimes when a condition affects a person’s mind or behaviour, people shy away. I would say be strong and positive and get involved to make your loved one’s life as comfortable as possible. Also, I urge people to be patient.
We tend to want everything in an instant these days. Research is making headway and everything we learn about Alzheimer disease is a step forward.

Q You’ve also formed The Ted Lindsay Foundation to assist research programs focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and cure for autism. Why autism?

My friend’s son, Dominic, is autistic. He’s an amazing person, and he inspired me to get involved. Also, I greatly admire Dr. Wakefield, a well-known researcher in the field. Hopefully, in my lifetime, he will find the cause of the autism epidemic.

Q Do you still strap on the skates from time to time?

Not really anymore but I try to stay as active as I can. I am still working five days a week as a manufacturer’s rep in the automotive industry, so that keeps me busy. I have had some major back surgery in the last few years, but have full mobility and no discomfort, so that’s all I can ask for now.