Born in Port Colborne, May 2, 1927, Ray contracted infantile paralysis (polio) in the epidemic of 1927. All through his childhood he faced many difficulties such as having to limp and needing a special pair of “boot shoes” one in size 5 with a lift, and the other in size 7 1/2, and yet never once complained. He loved the game of hockey and even though he ached to lace up a pair of skates, he never bemoaned the fact that he would never be able to do so. Instead he would hike down to White’s Arena and did what he could by becoming a member of the team as their stickboy, and held that and other positions with many teams during his youth. That love of hockey never waned and once the Westside Arena opened in January 1960, Ray became the trainer for the Port Colborne Intermediate Sailors which he held until the team disbanded in the late 1970's. In addition to being the trainer for the Sailors, Ray also operated the skate sharpening concession at the arena for many years.
Known as “Bricky” or “Uncle Bricky” to the youngsters, he loved kids and spent any spare minute he had at the Westside Arena. Bricky never turned down anyone who needed their skates sharpened regardless of whether or not they could pay. It was a pleasure and it made his day to see the smile on the face of that aspiring young hockey player.
Ray “Bricky” Leavere is the perfect example showing that we are capable of doing anything we put our minds to, as positive thinking is just another term for faith. Our mind does have a power that turns wishes into realities, and when the wishes are strong enough, nothing is impossible.
