The Owen Sound Attack has lost a great friend this week. Owen Sound sportsman Jack McGregor passed away Monday at his home in Owen Sound after a lengthy battle with illness.

McGregor was a fixture at Owen Sound Attack home games, having served as the time keeper since the inception of OHL Hockey in the Scenic City. Jack's smile and witty attitude was always a welcome presence on game nights at the Bayshore.

Earlier this season, the Attack, in partnership with the City of Owen Sound dedicated the Referee's room at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre to Jack by re-naming it the Jack McGregor Referee's Room as the Referee's room was a place he often spent time in.  Among the other highlights of McGregor's hockey years was a stint as General Manager for the Owen Sound Midgets who won an Ontario Championship plus also went on a Scandinavian tour in the mid 80's.

Lacrosse was another love of McGregor's. McGregor's involvement in lacrosse dates back to the late 1960's when he was a trainer with the original Owen Sound NorthStars Lacrosse Club. He remained with the NorthStars executive throughout the years and was a central figure in their greatest victories.

In 1989, McGregor was the President of the NorthStars as they won the Ontario Lacrosse Championship over Fergus and then went on to win the Presidents Cup Canadian Senior Lacrosse Championship at Nanaimo, British Columbia.

McGregor who is a member of the Owen Sound Sports Hall of Fame was inducted as a builder for decades of being involved in the Owen Sound sporting community. In October, McGregor was inducted into the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame for his many years of service to the sport.

Prior to Saturday evening's game with the Brampton Battalion, a moment of silence will be observed.

Friends may call at the BRIAN E. WOOD FUNERAL HOME, 250 – 14th Street West, Owen Sound, Ontario N4K – 3X8 (519-376-7492) on Thursday from 2:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Service for Jack McGregor will be held in the Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, January 6th, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with Arnold Banting officiating. Interment in Greenwood Cemetery. If so desired, the family would appreciate donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or Minor Sports as your expression of sympathy. Messages of condolences may be sent to the family on-line at www.woodfuneralhome.ca