Memorable Manitobans: Glenn “Keeper” McWhinney (1930-2012)
Born at Winnipeg on 10 August 1930, son of Hugh Bell “Pop” McWhinney (c1882-1974) and Ruby Myrtle McWhinney (c1901-1970), he played football for the Weston Wildcats (1949-1950) and Edmonton Eskimos (1952-1954), with the latter seeing two Grey Cup appearances and one Championship (1954). In 1955, he joined the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and was named the Canadian Football League’s Most Valuable Canadian Player in his first season with the team. Following a broken neck during the 1956 season, he continued working for the organization as a team scout, including the team’s 1958 Grey Cup Championship year. He played and coached basketball in the Winnipeg Men’s Junior League (1951) and Senior League (1952-1963), including with the King’s Best (1956 and 1960, Winnipeg Champions) and Labatt’s Blues (1962, Winnipeg Champions). Other athletic endeavours included baseball with the Winnipeg Men’s Junior League (1949-1950) and Senior League (1951). He was also active with the Bronx Park Community Centre. His contributions to Manitoba sport were acknowledged with induction into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame (2011). In 1956, he married Lily Hann and had five children. He died at Winnipeg on 14 April 2012. He is commemorated by Glen McWhinney Park.
Source:Â http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/sites/mcwhinneypark.shtml