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I was saddened the other day to learn of the passing of my old friend Bill Dineen. For good reason, Foxy had scores of friends and admirers within the sport. There are few very people in this business, especially those who spend as many years in the game as Bill did, who don't accumulate a few enemies along the way. Bill was one the few whom just about everyone liked, because it was virtually impossible not to like him.
Bill Dineen was an excellent hockey man, yes, but an even better human being: humble, with a good sense of humor. He was a good friend and a good father to his sons, who all exhibited the same integrity and character as their dad.
Speaking personally, I can say that while I could co-exist fine with most coaches during my refereeing career, there were only a few whom I especially looked forward to officiating games they coached. When Bill was coaching Adirondack and, later, Philadelphia, he was one of whom I could truthfully say I particularly looked forward to seeing. First of all, he was one of the coaches a ref could talk to. He'd listen. He might disagree, and would certainly let you know when he did, but it was done man-to-man and respectfully.
Additionally, Bill Dineen never took the game with him afterwards. Any on-ice disagreements were over and done: let's agree to disagree and move on. Officials appreciate that, and the respect was mutual.
Lastly, Foxy had one hell of a sense of humor. He may have feigned being befuddled and that gravelly voice of his added to that Columbo-like mystique, but he was a sharp guy and a funny one. One of my favorite memories of Bill is the night in Glens Falls where he feigned being indignant when he found I'd won the 50-50 drawing that night. I was leaving the building with one grand in my pocket and a beautiful woman (my girlfriend at the time) on my arm, and Bill made me laugh with a good-natured wisecrack that I responded to in kind.
I've heard many of Bill's former players praise him as one of their favorite coaches: someone who listened, someone who cared and someone who only wanted the team to succeed to put them in the best possible position to help the team do so. Everyone had to work for their keep, but they'd have fun in the process. Frankly, I'd have loved to have played for him myself during my own playing days.
Rest in peace, Bill.
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Paul Stewart holds the distinction of being the first U.S.-born citizen to make it to the NHL as both a player and referee. On March 15, 2003, he became the first American-born referee to officiate in 1,000 NHL games.
Today, Stewart serves as director of hockey officiating for the ECAC.