MONTREAL -- McGill Athletics & Recreation regretfully announces the death of Herb English, a football and hockey legend who was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame at both McGill and Loyola. English, who died in La Tuque, Que., on March 26, was 82.

An all-star centre in hockey, he was offered a contract by the Montreal Canadiens after leading the Montreal Junior Canadiens to the Memorial Cup in 1950. Also a standout running back and defensive back in football, he was drafted by the Montreal Alouettes in 1955.

Born Herbert Thomas English in Montreal on February 13, 1932, he went on to star in football and hockey at the bantam, junior and senior levels, helping his teams win football titles in each of the three divisions as well as a senior hockey crown. An all-round athlete, he was known as a heady centre in hockey who possessed an exceptional tackling ability in football.  English was described as a cool, calculating type of player, who had an innate ability that enabled him to lead his teammates to victory. A multi-sport star at Loyola high school, he skated with the Junior Canadiens from 1949 to 1952, before moving on to McGill, where he graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in 1955. During his time at McGill, he had the rare distinction of serving as captain of both the football and hockey teams in 1954-55, winning the Forbes trophy that season as the University's male athlete of the year.

A recipient of the W.S. Lea memorial trophy as MVP of the football Redmen in 1953, he also won the team's Fred Wigle trophy as most sportsmanlike player in 1954 and merited all-star status in the Senior Intercollegiate Hockey League. An impact player, he was once named by St. Lawrence University to their "all-opponent team" in hockey, for "exemplifying the most desirable qualities of good sportsmanship, athletic skill, and competitive spirit which make intercollegiate athletics a worthwhile part of education."

English was inducted to the Loyola Sports Hall of Fame in 1969, followed by a call to the McGill pantheon in 2008.

Predeceased by his son Gordon, sister Doreen and brother Keith (Barbara Commins), he is survived by his loving wife Louise (Bellavance), his son Steven (Michèle Mongrain), grandchildren Allyson and James, and brother Bruce (Linda Reid). A funeral service was held in La Tuque on March 29, 2014.

Condolences may be left online at LEGACY GUEST BOOK