FORT ERIE, Ont. - Pat Hannigan, who played his first National Hockey League game for the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 1959-60 season and then enjoyed a second career broadcasting Buffalo Sabres games, has died. He was 71.
But in Fort Erie, he was better known for his social justice efforts, helping refugees new to Canada through Casa el Norte, a safe house for newcomers.
A close family friend, Catherine Mindorff, said Hannigan made a significant contribution not only to Fort Erie but to Canada.
He and his wife, Lynn, were one of five core families instrumental in helping to start Casa el Norte.
"He was the kind of person who would always make you laugh when he was around, always full of life and full of energy," Mindorff said.
When Hannigan would take an interest in a particular project, he would put his full interest into it, she recalled.