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Let me tell you the story of a tough little scamp
Who became a true legend of the Porcupine Camp
Father Les Costello of Maple Leaf fame
Made millions for charity and in the Lord's name.
During the great depression when times were so bleak
Was born to the Costellos', a boy quite unique
Can’t imagine how his parents could handle this lad
He was gifted with abilities very few had.
He had many talents and a God-given gift
Had an aura about him, that gave you a lift
Tho he would hide them, not showoff his best side
His goodness shone outward, he filled us with pride.
His talents were many, only known to a few
What a poet he was, when he wrote about Lou
Lou Gherig, the great Yankee, tragic life full of glory
Costie's paper and pen, captured the story.
Of the courage of Lou, during the Great World War years
A tribute so touching, it would bring you to tears
He adopted Lou’s courage to continue the fight
And used his great spirit to do what was right.
His renown was emerging, he was getting a name
With St. Michael’s College in our national game
Scored 62 points in games 29
On a team full of stars, it was his time to shine.
When he led his team forward, in his junior years
With Memorial Cup victories and hockey fan cheers
Heard oldtimers say who had been to the game
Young Costello would end up, in the hall of fame.
He moved up to Pittsburgh in the great AHL
He wouldn’t stay there long, everybody could tell
Maple Leafs needed help, so he was called up
And drank lots of bubbly from his Stanley Cup.
His future was set in the game we all love
But there was a urging from Heaven Above.
A calling from God, whom he could not mock
Skated away from the game, left our country in shock.
Where would God lead him? He obeyed God's will
Entered the seminary and studied until
Back in his hometown with great jubilation
Was ordained Father Costello at his ordination.
He brought to the table, faith, hope and giving
And taught us to share as we make our living
And do it light hearted as Jesus Christ would
And give to the poor, just as we should.
My thoughts as a lad while attending a mission
What a wonderful priest, in great physical condition
When he did a leap-frog over the communion rail
How my classmates all laughed, made our spirits all sail.
He brought humour and kindness to our everyday life
With reverence and duty to handle our strife
Put everyone first, made himself last
A friend to all, whomever he passed.
Now he's known world wide for his own hockey team
Flying Fathers he created and we saw his whole dream
For forty long years as he has shouldered the load
Made millions and millions the ledger had showed.
We bid now farewell to a Priest we all love
We know he's been welcomed in heaven above
Hard to end this great story, and I know its a pity
So I will leave you all now, with his favourite ditty.
The wind may kiss the clear blue sky
The rose may kiss the butterfly
The morning dew may kiss the grass
And you my friend........I consider class
“And you Father Les….were always Class”.
May the good Lord Bless and Keep You.
e-mail flyingfathers @ sympatico.ca
written by Frank Quinn, friend & manager,
the flying fathers hockey club
16 Dec 2002
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