Senate Resolution No. 316

BY: Senator LITTLE

MOURNING the death of William P. Dineen, legendary
coach, distinguished citizen and devoted member of
his community

WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative
Body records the passing of William P. Dineen, a preeminent citizen
whose renowned hockey career and caring commitment will long serve as
standards to which others might aspire; and

WHEREAS, William P. Dineen of Queensbury, New York, died on December
10, 2016, at the age of 84; and

WHEREAS, Born on September 18, 1932, in Arvida, Quebec, Canada,
William P. Dineen, affectionately known as Bill, was the son of the late
Matthew and Rose (Finnegan) Dineen; and

WHEREAS, Bill Dineen began his illustrious hockey career in 1953,
playing five seasons for the Detroit Red Wings where he won two Stanley
Cup Championships before being traded to the Chicago Blackhawks; he went
on to play for several minor-league teams, including four in the AHL;
and

WHEREAS, When his playing career came to an end, Bill Dineen took up
coaching; in 1972, he became the head coach of the Houston Aeros of the
fledgling WHA, during which time he lead the team to two championships
and was named Coach of the Year; and

WHEREAS, Bill Dineen came to Glens Falls, New York in 1983, where he
lead the Adirondack Red Wings to two Calder Cups in six years while
endearing himself to fans with his down-to-earth personality; and

WHEREAS, A truly remarkable man, Bill Dineen led the Adirondack Red
Wings to a 246-182-52 record in 480 games; he went on to serve as the
club's general manager, and was twice honored as the AHL's Coach of the
Year; and

WHEREAS, Bill Dineen became the oldest rookie head coach ever in the
NHL when he was named head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers in 1991; and

WHEREAS, With a keen eye for talent, Bill Dineen also served as a
scout for the Hartford Whalers, Philadelphia Flyers and St. Louis Blues;
at the conclusion of his career, he had amassed eight championships and
in 2014, he was proudly inducted into the AHL Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, Known as the "player's coach", Bill Dineen was generally
beloved by those who sat on the bench in front of him; his legacy lives
on through his sons who all became scouts, players or coaches in the
hockey world; and

WHEREAS, Bill Dineen had an amazing career with hockey, but his
greatest joy in life was his family; he met the love of his life,
Patricia Sheedy, while playing with the Detroit Red Wings, and together
they raised six wonderful children; and


WHEREAS, As a result of their nomadic hockey lives, the family
traveled to more than a dozen cities in the United States and Canada,
finally settling in the Glen Lake area of the Adirondacks where they
continued to make memories; he was a wonderful husband, father and
grandfather and will be deeply missed by all of those who were lucky
enough to know him; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his parents, Bill Dineen was predeceased by
his beloved wife of 53 years, Patricia; and two brothers, Jerry and
Jake; he is survived by his children, Shawn (Diane), Peter (Brandy),
Rose (Darrell), Gord, Kevin (Annie), and Jerry (Sandy); he was lovingly
known as Papa to his 15 grandchildren, Ryan, Bailee, Colleen, Sara,
Kerry, Molly, Finnegan, Hannah, Emma, William, Declan, Ashley, Haley,
Megan and Daniel; also surviving him are his sisters, Margaret (Tom),
and Patricia (Mike); and his brother, Jim (Eleanor), as well as many
nieces and nephews; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Bill Dineen leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he
served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of William P. Dineen, legendary coach, distinguished
citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of William P. Dineen.