Honouring Father David Bauer

On November 2, which would mark Father David Bauer's 100th birthday, we take this opportunity to celebrate his contributions and uphold his philosophy.

Father David Bauer (1924-1988) was a catholic priest and historic figure in Canadian ice hockey and education. Père Murray and Father David Bauer had a deep bond built on mutual respect. Both priests shared similar philosophies and were dedicated to integrating education, faith, and sports.

Through their unified vision, they left a significant legacy in Canadian hockey, nurturing numerous young student-athletes and shaping many professional athletes and influential leaders in society. The principles established by Bauer and Murray continue to be upheld at Notre Dame today – the College remains committed to developing students with admirable character, devout faith, and exceptional athletic talent.



Right: Father Athol Murray and Father David Bauer in 1969

 

David William Bauer was born on November 2, 1924, in Waterloo, Ontario, as the youngest of 11 siblings. From an early age, hockey was integral to his life, especially while playing pond hockey with his five brothers, including his older brother Bobby, who would later win two Stanley Cups with the Boston Bruins.

Father Bauer was educated at St. Michael’s College and joined the Basilian order of priests in 1946, forsaking a promising professional career with the Boston Bruins.  The advice of his own father inspired his vocation and influenced his approach to hockey.

Father Bauer played a crucial role in forming the 1964 Canadian national Olympic team, with his belief that a national team made up of capable, disciplined and enthusiastic college players should be the new direction Canada takes to the Olympics.  

In the 1968 Olympics, he took on the role of national team manager and coach. Before his work with the Canadian national team, he coached and taught at St. Michael’s College School in Toronto from 1953 to 1961. Bauer's influence stemmed from his strong belief in the integration of athletics and education for personal development. He emphasized character development and sportsmanship in hockey, viewing them as essential for nurturing quality leaders, which resonated with the principles of Père Athol Murray regarding character and spiritual growth.

Father Bauer did have a lasting impact of my life and the life of Barry Mac and our families. When he died in 1988,  Dianne MacKenzie mentioned to Barry: " What are you going to do when you have to make a decision now that Father Bauer has gone?"

While in Japan, we both had a number of individual discussions with Father Bauer about coming to Notre Dame that often went on well into the night. And, we are both grateful that he convinced us to come to the school to work. We didn't get rich, but indeed, our lives were enriched. And meeting and working with Martin and Lynne Kenney and the staff and Alumni at ND as well as the local citizens were our first enrichments; the students and players we taught and coached down the years followed.

I recall Father Bauer suggesting to me that "all of our education from Saint Michael's in Toronto ( a haunt of Athol Murray's too ) and University and International sport experience was made for a College like Notre Dame of Saskatchewan." And he was right. 

Some have suggested that I had the impractical idealism of Athol Murray. I suggest further, it was Barry Mac who had the temperament of Athol Murray that helped the College get through some tough years.  Father Murray said once of his own father: "Old dad was an active, energetic enthusiast of unsparing aggressiveness. Many were his achievements on behalf of Canada." 

Murray could have said that about himself. I say it describes Barry Mac as well. And he played hockey that way too. I loved playing with him as a defense partner and working with him as a colleague and many were Barry's achievements on behalf of the College.

Father Bauer instilled in us the effort it takes to get to know players and to have them strive to excel both personally and as a student athletes. He told me one time: " You will be known as a great coach not by wins or losses but by how well you treat the players you know you cannot play that often." That stuck with me. 

Indeed, Father Dave Bauer had an impact on our lives that translated into our experiences at Notre Dame College.

-Terry O’Malley

Team Canada (1964-70, 1980)
Athol Murray College of Notre Dame President (2003-2006)

One way the Notre Dame family honours Father Bauer is with the Father David Bauer Bursary.  Father Bauer and Père Murray were great teachers of strength and of character. They used hockey, not as a sport, but as a vehicle, to help individuals grow to their true potential.

Through hockey, Father Bauer taught commitment, dedication, self-discipline and a sense of belonging amongst your teammates. What distinguished Father David Bauer from other players, coaches and builders of Canada's favorite game was his devotion to the education and character of the amateur athletes.

This endowment was established to help amateur athletes experience the relationship of sport, education and spirit, in recognition of Father Bauer’s lifelong contributions to both Canada’s national game and Canada’s youth. The Father David Bauer Bursary is awarded annually to a Notre Dame student who plays hockey.