Former NHLer Kenny Wharram is being remembered as a great man.

He has passed away Tuesday at the age of 83.

Wharram lifted the Stanley Cup with the 1960-61 Chicago Blackhawks,  won a Lady Byng Gentlemanly Player Award and was inducted into the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame in 1980.

Tom Hedican says his uncle never wanted the limelight, “he was in it because he was such a fantastic hockey player, even beat out Gordie Howe as all star right winger, two years in the NHL.”

“He was just a quiet, gracious man and we’re going to miss him,” Hedican added.

He remembers learning to be competitive from his uncle, pointing out they would play horsehoes when he was a kid.

“He would beat me every time, he would never let me get a point. I learned that he was just teaching me to work harder at whatever I wanted, that I had to work hard at it,” says Hedican.

The Chicago Blackhawks released the following statement, “Kenny Wharram will always be remembered as an important member of this decorated franchise and we are grateful to have him in the Blackhawks family. A member of the 1961 Stanley Cup Championship team, Ken was one of the most consistent scorers throughout his Blackhawks career. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Wharram family as we mourn his loss.” Click HERE for the full release.

Click HERE for visitation and funeral information at Martyn Funeral Home

Click HERE for a link to Wharram’s biography on the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame website.