GEBHARDT, Jim

Born 9 Sep 1933 in Hanover ON. Jim enlisted in the RCAF in 1952 and became a Rec Spec in 1953. He served in Aylmer; St Jean; Langar UK; Downsview; Rockcliffe; RMC for 9 years – (a record); Germany; Chilliwack; CFSPER; DPERA then back to RMC as the Athletic Director.  Jim was CFR in 1973 and was awarded the OMM in 1980. A highly skilled hockey player Jim has distinguished himself internationally on many occasions. He retired in 1988 as a Major.

 

 

                         From eVeritas the RMC Newsletter written by Bill Oliver

Jim Gebhardt

Sergeant James Gebhardt arrived at Royal Military College of Canada in 1961 and joined the Major Danny McLeod, led Athletic Department staff as an RCAF, Recreation Specialist - commonly referred to as a Rec Spec in the pre-unification days of the Canadian Forces.  He left nine years later as a Master Warrant Officer.  He returned in 1986 as the Director of Athletics and retired from the Canadian Forces in 1988 with the rank of Major.  While at RMC during both tours he was one of themost respected and well-liked staff members at the college - cadets, faculty, military & civilian personnel – all had good things to say about “Geby”.

Present day cadets may not recognize this quiet spoken, good-natured, senior citizen who regularly attends their varsity hockey & basketball games.  They certainly have no idea what impact he made on a couple of generations of Redmen and regular every day cadets going back over four decades.  Many of these same Ex cadets went off to become senior leaders in the CF and industry.  A number of them have been on record - attributing much of their success, approach and general positive attitudes towards the military and business to the influence of the likes of Jimmy Gebhardt from their good ole days at RMC.

Those gentlemen cadets who had the opportunity and privilege to attend RMC during the 1960s when Danny McLeod assembled a staff of All Stars - were a fortunate group of cadets indeed.  “Geby” personified what being a member of the McLeod athletic department in those days was all about.  He was hand picked by the “Major” and never once let him down.  He was fit.  He played and taught most all the sports at a high level.  He showed an interest in the cadets that extended well beyond the phys-ed classes and sports teams.  Everyone in the Cadet Wing knew him and recognized that he was an individual who cared for them well beyond what was expected of a staff member.  In short he was a leader!

Many Ex Cadets from that era have their own “Geby” tales to tell – whether it was an experience with his wrestling team; an incident with the PT test or a phys-ed class; or perhaps and even more likely in some type of social setting while at the college – or even down town.  The common theme heard over and over when describing him - “great, great guy”.

One chapter of his RMC time is worth repeating in this article:

"It was the 1968 Toronto Maple Leafs training camp and “Geby”, than 36, and RMC fellow Warrant Officer Wally Travis were brought in by Coach and General Manager, George “Punch” Imlach to get the Leafs in shape.  After awhile the Maple Leaf players were getting a little tired of the military regimen and at the suggestion of captain George Armstrong decided to invite them for a scrimmage to get back at them a little.  In a column, Sun legend George Cross wrote in the Toronto Telegram Sep. 14, 1968 "It didn't work out that way.  As a matter of fact, Armstrong and his team mates looked as puzzled as when they missed the playoffs last spring.  “It’s abbreviated a bit but Gross also wrote "Gebhard nailed Armstrong near the boards, passed the puck to Travis who promptly beat Bruce Gamble with a low shot.  Actually Gebhard and Travis forgot to tell the Leafs something - they were both former Kingston Aces Senior players."

This following piece on “Geby” was part of an article printed January 20th 2001 in a column by Joe Warmington in the Toronto Sun.  The article may be read in its entirety at www.badenremembered.com/raiders.html

"At the time, Leaf Hall of Fame goalie, Johnny Bower was quoted as saying: "You know Punch should take a look at this fellow Gebhardt, Maybe Punch should sign him.  "Of course, “Geby” just continued on with his military career and eventually earned a reputation as arguably the best defenseman of his day in Armed Forces hockey.  But you have to wonder what might have been if he had been just a few years younger at that camp in Peterborough in the fall of 68.* 

He was inducted in to The CF Sports Honour Roll in 1989 for his outstanding performance and long-term contributions to Armed Forces hockey.

As mentioned, Major Jim Gebhardt returned to RMC in 1986 and spent two years as Director of Athletics prior to retiring from the CF. Demands of the job, a larger cadet body, and father-time all combined in preventing him from being too involved in the every day activities of the majority of cadets.  However, he was certainly no desk jockey and was seen regularly at Redmen & other varsity games, regardless of the sport or gender and his presence was often noted during the phys-ed classes and the P.T. test.  By this time, his own daughter Sandy attended and graduated from RMC in 1985.  He never missed an opportunity to informally chat and exchange pleasantries with cadets.  Undoubtedly, many cadets from these two years have their own fond Major Gebhardt stories to tell.  In particular, those who held “bar” positions in Cadet Wing Sports & Recreation can attest first-hand on his high level of professionalism, and the advice & leadership he provided them in achieving success in all four pillars.

His retirement party was held over a two-day period following graduation in 1988.  It consisted of a golf day; stag and a big dinner & dance in the RMC – SAM.  All the decorations, table & chair set-up were left in place from the “grad”.  A standing room only crowd (SRO) attended the three separate functions.  It was a toss-up on whether the “Gebhardt Retirement Function” out-drew the Grad Ball.

Today, “Geby” and his wife of almost 44 years, Yvonne, reside about a five-minute drive from the College up off highway #15, in what used to be known as Pittsburg Township.  They may be reached at: y.gebhardt@sympatico.ca and / or 613 544-9800.  Jim & Yvonne raised three children and one, as previously mentioned, 14962 - daughter Sandy (Malone), did Mum & Dad proud by graduating with her “to be” husband, Bob, with the RMC Class of 1985. Jim hasn’t changed and would be more than happy to hear from Ex cadets to exchange a tale and / or an ale or two.  Old friends who have not been in touch with him will be pleased to hear that his health is fine and during the season can be often found on the local Garrison golf course three or four days a week.  Every couple of weeks or so he still drops by RMC to have his hair cut by long time friend Jimmy Ryan – the college barber for the past 30 odd years.  “Geby” hung up his hockey gear for good at about age 68 but during the recent winters he and Yvonne have made trips to Florida to play a few rounds of golf, and to visit friends.  In short, he still enjoys life to the fullest.

WJO

(From the CF SPORTS Magazine VOL 2, 1990)