Elmira Golf Club Remembers Ron "Killer" Kilbey in celebration of the 11th Kilbey Cup

By Jeremy Logel

The Elmira Golf Club was founded in 1963 and in the early years a core group of Elmira area residents donated their time and efforts to shape the club into what it is today. Two of these dedicated people were Ron & Connie Kilbey. Mr. Kilbey hit the 2nd ball off of the tee to start the golfing era in Elmira. Fifty years ago this season, 1965 Ron won his first of five in a row, Men’s Elmira Club Championships. Ron, known as “Killer” to his friends was an accomplished hockey goaltender who travelled across the Iron Curtain to play the Russians in the 1950’s. He also played a key role in founding the local Junior B team, the Elmira Sugar Kings in 1971. In his time at the Elmira Golf Club he was on many different committees and served as our men’s captain. Mr. Kilbey was one of the strongest supporters of establishing a CPGA Professional presence here at the club as well as Junior Golf. He was instrumental in the hiring of the club’s first full time professional Mr. Herb Rudney. Ron’s passion for the game continued well into his later years. He caddied the 36-hole Play Ability Test for our current Director of Golf /PGA Professional Jeremy Logel. Both Ron & Connie were made life time members of Elmira Golf Club.

Unfortunately, Parkinson’s disease caught up with Ron in May of 2006 and with his passing the Kilbey Cup was started in the fall of that year. Thereafter, a new bridge was constructed traversing the creek on the second hole and was officially named The Kilbey Bridge in Ron’s honour. Connie continues to play at the club and hit the 1st ball off of the 1st tee in 2013 to open the season and celebrate 50 years since the club was established in 1963.

We gather each year as members of the Elmira Golf Club to remember the contribution by both Ron & Connie and share in some friendly Ryder Cup / Match play competition.