The Brock University community is mourning the loss of Paul ‘Busher’ Jackson, a former coach with the men’s hockey team.

Jackson passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at the age of 83.

A beloved figure in Brock’s hockey program, Jackson was inducted into the Brock Athletics Hall of Fame as a builder in 2001. His legacy spans from the early 1980s, when he started as an assistant coach, to his tenure as head coach from 1984-87.

“Busher is a legendary hockey coach, and person. His personality was infectious, and he was a joy to be around. Current and former players love him,” said Brock men’s hockey head coach TJ Manastersky. “Having him at our games and interacting with our players was significant to creating the connection to our program’s history. We are sad he’s gone and thankful for all he did to build Brock hockey.”

Beyond his coaching role, Jackson made substantial contributions to Brock’s hockey program as a recruiter, ensuring a steady influx of talent into the Badgers’ hockey team.

His commitment to fundraising was equally remarkable, notably for the Bev McCollom Memorial Award, which is awarded to a hockey team member who demonstrates a minimum of 70 per cent average and a high level of dedication to the program.

“Paul spent countless hours recruiting top-calibre student-athletes. Many of them may not have gone and received a university education if it wasn’t for Paul,” said former Head Athletic Therapist Joe Kenny, who started working at Brock the same year Jackson did. “Paul always dreamed of having a hockey arena on campus and was overjoyed to watch games at the new rink at Canada Games Park.”