Place of Birth: St. John’s, Nfld.
Inducted: 1994 (Builder Category)

The Hon. Robert S. Furlong was an exceptional supporter of hockey throughout his whole life, and provided the strong leadership that was required to establish the Newfoundland Amateur Hockey Association in November of 1935.

Bringing together hockey people from all over the island while dealing from a position of strength with outside influences, Mr. Furlong served the association extremely well as its president for 17 years, from 1935 to 1952.

Mr. Furlong’s hockey started with the St. Bon’s team in St. John’s senior play for the historic Boyle Trophy. He was the driving force behind a large number of St. Bon’s teams, often acting as manager and greatly assisting the players from behind the scenes. An extremely respected lawyer who rose to Chief Justice of Newfoundland and Labrador, he was the logical individual to head hockey efforts with great success for nearly 20 years.

He had no personal ambitions in his dealings, however his professional background inspired those who associated with him as he presented himself as the ultimate example to all. It was this personal example that played a major role in the solid foundation upon which the provincial hockey organization was built.

In 1977, the NAHA presented Mr. Furlong with the Gold Stick Award for his dedication and outstanding service and work in the 17 years of service to the association. In 1985, the NLHA bestowed on him a Life Membership recognition.