GOLFNEWS
>> LOCAL LEGEND PASSES
Golf Community Loses Long-Time Rivermead Professional
The region has lost another local golf legend. Sam Dempster, a Life Member of the CPGA and
Honorary Life Member of Rivermead Golf Club passed away on March 20 in Ottawa at the age of 97.
Dempster’s death, along with that of another long-time pro, Charlie Pidutti, was recently recognized at the
Annual Spring Meeting of the CPGA Ottawa Zone.
Dempster was well-known in the National Capital, having been affiliated with the historic Rivermead Golf
Club since 1921. At just ten years old he got his start with the club, cleaning equipment and working around the
back shop before eventually moving on to be the club’s caddy master – a position he held from 1926 to 1935.
In 1936 Dempster became the Assistant Professional at the club, a title he held until 1941 when he
assumed the Head Professional role in 1942. He would remain the club’s Head Professional until his
retirement in 1972 – an impressive span of 31 seasons.
Recognized for his great respect or the game and the ability to convey that to others, Dempster was
a major influence on golf in the region in a time when the sport was growing rapidly.
His presence is still strong at the club that he called his second home (and some say his first) for more than five
decades; the Sam Dempster Lounge can still be found there and is now part of the expanded pro shop facility.
His picture can be seen hanging in the lounge and although it shows Dempster in a relaxed pose at the
completion of a golf swing – knowing that the old pro still has an “eye on them” is a reminder to members
that they should respect the game that is played there.
Dempster was predeceased by his wife Mary, who lived with Sam at “The Bungalow” – the club’s
quarters for their professional, until he retired in 1972.
He leaves behind a daughter, Eleanor (Bill Van Noort) and a grandson, Bruce – all of Kanata. He was
predeceased by his brothers David and Robert.
Mr. Dempster’s final resting place will be the Bellvue Cemetery and contributions in his memory may
be made to the Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation, the Hospice of Maycourt, or St. Andrew’s
Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund.
flagstick.com
MAY 2009 FGM 17
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