Bright, Thomas

Thomas Bright (fl. 1940 -1977), veteran, baseball and hockey organizer, sports official, was born in Saint John, New Brunswick. He joined the Armed Forces in 1940, serving in various actions overseas including the D-Day offensive. He returned to Saint John after World War II, but left again in 1957 as a civilian employee of the Forces. He worked at a number of military installations, including Moosonee, Ontario, where he was active in organizing Little League baseball.

In 1967 Bright was transferred from Moosonee to Happy Valley/Goose Bay, Newfoundland as superintendent of the base's heating plant. In Happy Valley/Goose Bay, Bright was active in all levels of Little League baseball, particularly as organizer and umpire. He established a girls' softball league and was also involved with adult games. In the winter he was involved with minor hockey as team manager, rink manager and coordinator of tournaments and hockey schools.

As a result of his devotion to the interests of minor hockey and Little League baseball, Bright was made an honorary Kinsman in 1977 and nominated by them to the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame. He retired from his job with the Forces in 1977 due to ill health and moved to Saint John in that year.

Created - April 26, 2013

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