They say you can spot a Barrie local by the way they shake your hand—firm, no nonsense, just like Don Cherry’s sign-off at 91. When Cherry bid ‘toodaloo’ on his final podcast, it wasn’t just the end of an era for hockey fans; it was Barrie saying goodbye to its most spirited ambassador.
Growing up in Barrie, Cherry was shaped by a town that never shied from hard work or a good scrap on the rink. The frozen ponds, the early-morning skate sharpenings, the way neighbours looked out for each other—these were the crucible for Cherry’s straight-talk style. Barrie doesn’t just breed hockey players; it forges character, and Cherry always wore that badge on his flamboyant sleeve.
When Cherry’s voice boomed from coast to coast, it was easy to forget he came from a community where everyone knew your name. But ask any longtime Barrie resident and they’ll tell you: the grit and gusto you saw on TV started right here. Cherry’s take-no-prisoners attitude was Barrie to the core—bold, brash, never apologetic for standing up for the little guy or for the game itself.
His recent farewell isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s an emotional turning point for Barrie’s sports scene. Folks here remember every word, every colourful suit, every time he raised the profile of the town simply by being unfiltered and proud. At 91, Cherry chose his final sign-off not from a downtown stage, but behind a microphone—showing that staying true to your roots carries weight, even when the spotlight’s on you.
Barrie’s sports culture owes plenty to Cherry’s legacy. His journey to Canadian fame stands as proof that a hometown’s influence doesn’t fade with distance or age. Cherry may have left the airwaves, but the pride he kindled here is stitched into every local jersey, every rink-side story, every handshake at the arena. That’s Barrie’s gift—and Cherry’s gift right back.
References:
Don Cherry says ‘toodaloo,’ signs off from podcast for final time
