Maurice "MadDog" Vachon has left the ring

[a1mamacat]

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/ ... -1.2435046

Maurice “Mad Dog” Vachon, one of Quebec’s biggest wrestling icons, died in his sleep Thursday morning in Omaha, Nebraska. He was 84.

Originally from Ville-Émard, Vachon’s professional wrestling career was built on his unorthodox style, his legendary beard and his bad temper.

“He’s the best-known Quebec wrestler outside of Quebec. A legend,” says Pat Laprade, the author of a book on wrestling in the province.

Vachon participated in the 1948 London Olympics, where he finished 7th.

In the 1960s, his career as a heavyweight wrestler took off after being recruited to the American Wrestling Association. He was the AWA’s World Champion five times in the 1960s.

On July 14, 1973, Vachon fought opponent Wladek “Killer” Kowalski in front of 29,127 spectators at Montreal’s Jarry Park.

Laprade says Vachon’s fiery temper was put on for wrestling crowds, but that outside of the ring, he was a lovable character.

“He was the guy that people love to hate for years,” he says.

“He was known for helping others. He recommended wrestlers to new promoters. He helped wrestlers relaunch their careers,” Laprade continues.

Vachon retired from wrestling in 1986 after a 46-year-long career in the ring.

The next year, he lost one of his legs after being hit by a car. Later on, he lost the use of his other leg due to diabetes. He used a wheelchair until the end of his life.

He leaves behind six children and a large extended family.

[silverscreenselect]

Was Butcher Vachon his brother or cousin? Is the Butcher still alive?

[a1mamacat]

Was Butcher Vachon his brother or cousin? Is the Butcher still alive?

Butcher is the younger brother, Paul, and still alive according to the Montreal Gazette.

[macrae1234]

On July 14, 1973, Vachon fought opponent Wladek “Killer” Kowalski in front of 29,127 spectators at Montreal’s Jarry Park.

and I was one of them I remember there was a midget match no PC in the ring in those days I think it was Sky Low Low against somebody not Little Beaver
Then there was a 4 man tag team Gino Brito, Dino Bravo, Tony Parisi, & Dominic DeNucci beat some team of four
Don Leo Jonathan beat Toru Tanaka even though he threw salt in his eyes
Andre the Giant against Gilles (the fish) Poisson
Eduardo Carpentier & Bruno Sammartino beat somebody to win the Grand Prix Tag Title.
Maurice Vachon beat Killer Kowalski to win the Grand Prix Title.
I was a regular at the matches in Ottawa and sister city across the river Hull Quebec.

A funny story in the early 70's I shared a town home with 3 other guys. They were into gambling and would bet on almost anything. Incuding the Saturday afternoon Grand Prix Wrestling and yes they knew it was scripted but their fun was to figure the script for the week who would win and how. I was involved in the wagering and had an almost impeccable record. They knew the matches were taped from a Tuesday night live event but what they didn't know is one of the Montreal French language newspapers reported the results Wednesday morning. They also didn't realize how bilingual I was and that I picked up that Montreal paper every morning.