St. Lawrence University mourns the loss of Ronald "Ron" Waske '69, a beloved husband, father, hall of famer, and longtime head athletic trainer whose impact on Saints athletics spanned more than four decades.

Waske passed away Sunday, September 28, 2025.

A Canton native, Waske began his St. Lawrence story as a student-athlete in the late 1960s. A versatile member of the men's hockey team, he skated as a forward and served as a backup goaltender. In the 1967 ECAC semifinals against Boston University, he accomplished a feat still unmatched in league history. He entered the same playoff game both as a skater and a goaltender.

After graduation, Waske's career as an athletic trainer took him to the highest level of professional hockey. He spent 10 years with the New York Islanders, including their dynasty years where he was part of four consecutive Stanley Cup championships from 1980–83.

In 1984, Waske returned home to Canton and to his alma mater, where he became head athletic trainer until his retirement in 2010. Over 26 years in the role, he cared for thousands of student-athletes. He became a mentor to generations of student trainers, many of whom followed his path into the profession.

His service to the St. Lawrence community also went beyond his service as an athletic trainer. Waske also held the position of women's hockey head coach from 1997-99, playing an instrumental role in elevating women's hockey at St. Lawrence as the program transitioned to NCAA Division I.

Waske's contributions earned national and institutional recognition, including induction into the Professional Hockey Athletic Trainers Society's Wall of Honour at the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2006, the St. Lawrence John P. "Jack" Taylor Distinguished Career Service Award in 2010, and the creation of the Doc Littlejohn/Ron Waske Athletic Service Award, which bears his name. He was the inaugural recipient of the award in 2010. Waske was provided the highest athletic distinction possible at St. Lawrence in 2019, when was inducted into the St. Lawrence Athletic Hall of Fame as an administrator.

Waske's dedication to St. Lawrence has laid the foundation for the future success of the sports medicine department. His humility, mentorship, and competitive spirit will be dearly missed by many in St. Lawrence University Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation.

Ron is survived by his wife Peggy, their daughters Amy and Laura, his son-in-law Steve '94 and many friends and colleagues who celebrate his life and legacy.