Maurice Smith
November 30, 1909 – February 21, 1985
Inducted 1986
Primary Outlet
Winnipeg Free Press
Maurice Smith was an influential sports journalist and editor whose career at the Winnipeg Free Press spanned more than three decades.
Born in London, England, on Nov. 30, 1909, he moved to Winnipeg as a child and began at the Free Press in 1927 as a copy boy. By 1930, he was firmly established as a sportswriter and later became the paper’s sports editor, a position he held from 1944 until his retirement in 1976.
Smith’s byline became associated with excellence in sports coverage. He earned praise for covering 33 consecutive Canadian Football League Grey Cup games and was instrumental in bringing clarity and enthusiasm to the sports section. He authored the long-running Time Out column and initiated the Free Press’s annual Christmas Cheer campaign, engaging readers in community giving.
A tireless advocate for sport, Smith co-founded the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association in 1955 and later served on the board of Sport Manitoba's Sports Hall of Fame. He also helped organize the first Canadian High School Curling Championships in 1951 and enjoyed bowling and curling during his off hours.
His dedication earned him national recognition in 1982 when he was inducted into the Football Reporters of Canada wing of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. He was also honoured by the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame.
Maurice Smith was inducted into the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Media Roll of Honour in 1986.
Born in London, England, on Nov. 30, 1909, he moved to Winnipeg as a child and began at the Free Press in 1927 as a copy boy. By 1930, he was firmly established as a sportswriter and later became the paper’s sports editor, a position he held from 1944 until his retirement in 1976.
Smith’s byline became associated with excellence in sports coverage. He earned praise for covering 33 consecutive Canadian Football League Grey Cup games and was instrumental in bringing clarity and enthusiasm to the sports section. He authored the long-running Time Out column and initiated the Free Press’s annual Christmas Cheer campaign, engaging readers in community giving.
A tireless advocate for sport, Smith co-founded the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association in 1955 and later served on the board of Sport Manitoba's Sports Hall of Fame. He also helped organize the first Canadian High School Curling Championships in 1951 and enjoyed bowling and curling during his off hours.
His dedication earned him national recognition in 1982 when he was inducted into the Football Reporters of Canada wing of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. He was also honoured by the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame.
Maurice Smith was inducted into the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Media Roll of Honour in 1986.