Shay Thomas has taken to social media to pay tribute to her father, Ron Duguay, the famed NHL player who passed away recently at the age of 69. Duguay, who was a prominent figure in the hockey world, particularly known for his time with the New York Rangers, succumbed to stage 4 cancer on 22 October. His daughter’s heartfelt reflections illustrate the profound impact he had on her life.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/ron-duguay-102626-19060212b80d4fc6b0b29b74dbd88078.jpg)
On Sunday, 25 October, Shay shared a poignant post on her Instagram Stories that expressed both sorrow and a sense of connection to her father’s legacy. “Welcome to New York, can’t wait to honour Dad in his town,” she wrote, signifying her intent to remember Duguay in the very city where his hockey career flourished.
In her emotional message, Shay conveyed the struggle of coping with her father’s passing. “Oh Dad, 💔💔💔😭😭😭 I don’t even know what to say. My heart is so broken that I feel like I can’t breathe half the time,” she poignantly shared. Alongside a montage of cherished family memories, she recounted the tumultuous journey the family faced over the past two years as they witnessed Duguay’s brave fight against cancer.
Describing her father as a source of immense strength, she continued, “You wanted to be here so badly. You fought with everything you had, not just for yourself, but for all of us.” The heartfelt tribute captures the depth of her love and admiration for Duguay, revealing the close bond they shared. Thomas ended her tribute with a bittersweet promise; “Until I get to hug you again. ❤️”
Ron Duguay was not only a celebrated athlete but also a person who touched many lives. His long-term partner, Sarah Palin, also shared her grief in a poignant statement. “It’s with a shattered heart, but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now. He fought so hard. Love never ends,” she wrote, reflecting on the strength and love they experienced throughout his life and battle with illness.
The New York Rangers, the team that launched Duguay’s NHL career in 1977, paid homage to him through an official statement. The organisation remarked on his popularity among fans, noting how his distinctive skating style and charismatic persona earned him a lasting legacy in New York’s sporting culture. The organisation stated, “We join the hockey community in sending our condolences to Ron’s friends, family, and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Duguay’s health struggles had been well-documented in recent months, with Shay and her sister, Amber Stavros, initiating a GoFundMe campaign earlier this year to assist with the financial burden stemming from his medical treatments. Duguay had shared his challenges with accepting help, saying, “I find it extremely hard asking for funds for all these costs I’m going through. Normally, I’m helping others.”
The former NHL All-Star had valiantly battled cancer, which began as colon cancer before spreading to other organs. His scenario highlighted the often unseen struggles athletes face beyond their professional careers.
In remembering her father, Shay Thomas serves as a reminder of the human side of sports figures, one marked by love, loss, and the struggle to cope with mortality. As she navigates this painful chapter, her contributions on social media encapsulate the enduring spirit of Ron Duguay, not just as a hockey player but as a beloved father and partner. The outpouring of grief from both family and the wider hockey community reflects the significant mark Duguay left on the sport and those who knew him.