Dick Beddoes’ foray into the world of journalism began quietly enough at
the University of Alberta, writing for the student newspaper “The
Gateway”. Many would argue it was the last quiet period of Beddoes’ 65
years. For the next 45 years Beddoes was front and centre in the world
of sports journalism.
His rise to notoriety didn’t come immediately but once Dick Beddoes got
there he certainly made up for lost time. He cut his teeth in the
journalism business as a reporter at the Vancouver sun in the early
1950s. By 1954 Beddoes had worked his way into that paper’s sports
department.
Eastern Canada, and Toronto in particular, got its first real taste of
Beddoes ten years later when he joined the sports department of the
Globe and Mail. The move east was an easy one for him given his affinity
for the Maple Leafs who would remain his focus until he left the
business some 16 years later.
Having had his fling with newspapers, this multi-talented man turned his
attention to radio and TV, which would occupy his time until his
passing in 1991.
Always colourful be it in his wardrobe or a particular turn of phrase,
Beddoes set himself apart from his contemporaries, ensuring a lasting
influence on the business of reporting sports.