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In 1976, the bowling industry honored Charles Hill for his contribution to our sport. Tonight, Charlie Hill takes his rightful spot with his induction to the Hall of Fame.
Born in Toronto in 1908, Charlie’s first job with the Bank of Commerce also introduced him to bowling, beginning at Karry’s in 1926. His professional career, however, took Charlie away from bowling as he became the youngest hotel manager in London, England as well as traveling the world as executive assistant to the managing director of the hotel chain.
Following the second war, Charlie returned to Canada and began an eight-year term as president of the Canadian Bowling Association. During his term, he introduced several innovations that are part of five pin bowling today. Charlie fought to standardize the ball size and most important of all, he made the contact with Western Canada to conduct the first true Canadian championship. Pitting east against west, the first eastern representatives were Hall of Famer Tommy Mallon in the singles and tonight’s inductee Fred Pechaluk on the team.
With the CBA, Charlie helped institute bowling for the blind at their annual event and also opened up handicapped divisions to encourage participation for the low average bowler. As well, Charlie was a close friend of the founder of five pin bowling, Tommy Ryan, and he benefited from his advice on many matters.
A man of many stories, Charlie continues to live in Toronto. He always has a twinkle in his eye and a sparkle in his voice. He is renowned among his contemporaries as a witty raconteur, with a fund of stories and many anecdotes about well known people. He is famous for his inimitable collection of English humour. He will be long remembered, both as an individual and as a bowling pioneer.
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