Vince Leah
November 29, 1913 – August 9, 1993
Inducted 1987
Primary Outlet
Winnipeg Tribune
Vince Leah, affectionately known as “Uncle Vince,” had a lasting impact on the Manitoba sports scene through both his writing and his tireless community work.
Born in Winnipeg on Nov. 29, 1913, Leah began his journalism career at age 16 as a copy boy at the Winnipeg Tribune. He would go on to write for the paper for 50 years, from 1930 to 1980, and later joined the Winnipeg Free Press after the Tribune closed.
His writing was respected not just for its insight, but for its warmth and generosity.
“He never said a bad word about anybody, but he wasn’t boring or pedantic,” said fellow journalist John Robertson.
A Winnipeg Sun headline after Leah’s passing read, “He was Manitoba.”
One of his most well-known contributions came in the 1930s, when he helped name Winnipeg’s professional football team. While covering a practice for the Winnipegs, Leah noticed the players were wearing blue scrimmage jerseys. Drawing inspiration from famed boxer Joe Louis, the Brown Bomber, Leah suggested they be called the Blue Bombers. The name stuck.
Leah was a champion of youth sports and community development. He established, coached and promoted teams across multiple sports, including hockey, baseball, basketball, football and soccer. More than 40 of his former hockey players went on to play professionally, a testament to his influence as both a mentor and coach.
His contributions were recognized nationally and provincially. Leah was appointed to the Order of Canada in 1980 and was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. He also received numerous community and sports-related awards throughout his lifetime.
His legacy is commemorated across Winnipeg. The Vince Leah Recreation Centre continues to host camps, events and volunteer programs. The former Margaret Park Community Centre, where he once served as president, was renamed in his honour in 1980. Vince Leah Drive, located in Winnipeg’s West Kildonan neighbourhood, also bears his name.
Vince Leah was inducted into the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Media Roll of Honour in 1987. He passed away on Aug. 9, 1993.
Born in Winnipeg on Nov. 29, 1913, Leah began his journalism career at age 16 as a copy boy at the Winnipeg Tribune. He would go on to write for the paper for 50 years, from 1930 to 1980, and later joined the Winnipeg Free Press after the Tribune closed.
His writing was respected not just for its insight, but for its warmth and generosity.
“He never said a bad word about anybody, but he wasn’t boring or pedantic,” said fellow journalist John Robertson.
A Winnipeg Sun headline after Leah’s passing read, “He was Manitoba.”
One of his most well-known contributions came in the 1930s, when he helped name Winnipeg’s professional football team. While covering a practice for the Winnipegs, Leah noticed the players were wearing blue scrimmage jerseys. Drawing inspiration from famed boxer Joe Louis, the Brown Bomber, Leah suggested they be called the Blue Bombers. The name stuck.
Leah was a champion of youth sports and community development. He established, coached and promoted teams across multiple sports, including hockey, baseball, basketball, football and soccer. More than 40 of his former hockey players went on to play professionally, a testament to his influence as both a mentor and coach.
His contributions were recognized nationally and provincially. Leah was appointed to the Order of Canada in 1980 and was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. He also received numerous community and sports-related awards throughout his lifetime.
His legacy is commemorated across Winnipeg. The Vince Leah Recreation Centre continues to host camps, events and volunteer programs. The former Margaret Park Community Centre, where he once served as president, was renamed in his honour in 1980. Vince Leah Drive, located in Winnipeg’s West Kildonan neighbourhood, also bears his name.
Vince Leah was inducted into the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Media Roll of Honour in 1987. He passed away on Aug. 9, 1993.