Wes Cutler, Steve Karrys, Ted Reeve, George Hees, Toronto Argonaut Legends
Honouring Toronto Argonaut Legends — A Walk Through History
With my Wilson CFL football in hand, I visited several cemeteries to pay tribute to some of the great Toronto Argonauts of the past — legends who shaped the team and Canadian football.
My first stop was Prospect Cemetery in Toronto, where I found the grave of an outstanding wide receiver, Wes Cutler. A local talent from nearby Oakwood Collegiate, Cutler helped lead the Argonauts to three Grey Cup victories in 1933, 1937, and 1938. His contributions were recognized with his election to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1968.
Next, I headed to Mt. Pleasant Cemetery to visit the resting place of Steve Karrys. The son of Greek immigrants, Karrys was a standout halfback at the University of Toronto before joining the Argos. He brought home the Grey Cup three times — in 1945, 1946, and 1952. After his playing days, Steve took over the family business, Karrys Brothers, founded by his father.
Not far from there, still at Mt. Pleasant, I found the family crypt of the charismatic George Hees. Towering at 6’3”, Hees was an exceptional athlete with Hollywood looks — excelling in boxing and collegiate lacrosse at Cambridge before turning pro with the Argonauts. He was part of the 1938 Grey Cup-winning team. Beyond sports, George Hees built a distinguished political career; the Veterans Wing at Sunnybrook Hospital bears his name in honour of his service.
Finally, at St. John’s Norway Cemetery in east-end Toronto, I discovered the grave of the legendary Ted Reeve. A powerful running back, Reeve won two Grey Cups with the Argos in 1927 and 1930. Like Hees, Ted was a gifted lacrosse player and a proud veteran. After football, he became one of Canada’s most respected sports writers. The Ted Reeve Arena in the Beaches is named after this lifelong resident and sports icon.
1911-1956 (Wes)
1924-1997 (Steve)
1902-1983 (Ted)
1910-1996 (George)
Ted Reeve’s grave St. John’s, Norway Cemetery, Toronto Beaches area.
Steve Karrys grave at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto.
George Hees family crypt in the mausoleum of Mt. Peasant Cemetery, Toronto.
