William "Bill" Needham's Obituary
William “Bill” Needham 90, born in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Canada, passed away January 25, 2022. Beloved husband of the late Adrienne “Sue” Needham for 64 years. Loving father of Cheryl Needham. Bill played hockey for the Cleveland Barons in the American Hockey League from 1957 – 1971, during which he was named team MVP four times by his teammates and 3 times by the fans. He holds the record for the most games played in a Baron uniform with over 1000. In the 1966-67 season he won the Eddie Shore Award for the league’s best defenseman and was named to the All-Star first team. Following his playing career, Bill coached the World Hockey Association Cleveland Crusaders from 1972 – 74. Once he stepped away from professional hockey he managed the Winterhurst Ice Rink and coached the Lakewood Rangers High School hockey team.. In 1980, Bill was inducted into the Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame. Hockey remained his passion throughout his life. VISITATION WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 2, 2022 3-7PM at JARDINE FUNERAL HOME, 15822 PEARL RD, STRONGSVILLE. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cleveland Monsters Community Foundation which supports Northeast Ohio programs that positively impact the areas of education, youth hockey, health and wellness and basic needs. Donations with Bill Needham on the memo line will be directed to support youth hockey in Northeast Ohio.
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