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John Short drove a Thunderbird.
Being experienced, savvy and about double my age, John did seem to have mythical powers in July of 1978 when I joined the Edmonton Oilers. He was the PR director. I was the new guy in marketing. It was his press conference, my first ever, when Wayne Gretzky first arrived in Edmonton.
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I still have John’s original, one only, type written announcement that he read for the team owner to the assembled media announcing Wayne’s entrance to the team and city. That was a life changing moment for millions of us.
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John’s office was beside mine in the bowels of the Coliseum. He had a regular desk and a smaller side desk with a simple red typewriter he loved to pound on, with two fingers. He was behind the scenes during the 21 year on ice contract signing of Wayne on his 18th birthday.
I went to Wayne’s 18th at Paul Shmyr’s house; I had three months seniority to Wayne, laughable now, but then even though I had an executive role I was invited to a players team event because I was another young Edmonton Oiler. In the summer of ‘79 John and I travelled together to New York to meet the NHL head office brass that began the new Oilers NHL saga after the lengthy merger negotiations with the WHA.
Owing to the goodwill of then GM Larry Gordon, I own the original confirmation sent from League President John Zeigler that granted an NHL franchise to the Oilers, June 22, 1979. John also attended and supported me at the meeting when I arranged my first professional promotion, a memorable WHA All Star poster with Wayne and Gordie Howe, just before Wayne’s 18th birthday.
And John stood beside me during the predictable glitches that occurred as we brought computerized ticketing to Alberta and sold out the Coliseum for NHL hockey. I recall John joining into the long lineups, providing coffee and talking hockey with our excited fans.
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We were in an industry sometimes perpetuated by con artists, carnies and failed character. My dad’s brother and favoured uncle Glenn Hall had cautioned me. Back then John wanted me to know and learn first hand. He was a master of managing his role among characters and it drove him away from Edmonton for a time into the world of small town newspaperman.
We all know, for strong John, there was a resurrection.
John and I last met October 21, fittingly for coffee at Tim Hortons. We were nearly three hours of truth telling, much more than storytelling. I shared truths never shared before and I believe he did too. I received John’s final goodwill email January 1 that included the word “always”, a bit haunting, or maybe comforting, considering his passing now, only short days later.
John had an impactful influence on me in the beginning and showed me thoughtful and early unearned respect and patience. He loved to talk, still he was an exceptional listener and he was supportive and believing in me. A true professional communicator with human qualities. I am sincerely grateful I had the opportunity in October to thank him.
In the bigger picture, and for John Short there is one here and now, Edmonton and Canada have lost a true friend, outstanding community builder and in that regard a legitimate inspirational leader. He was and always will be a renowned sportsman.
Forever and always John Short, RIP.
Mark Hall was the Edmonton Oilers senior marketing officer from 1979-1987
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