“A tower of strength and the goodwill ambassador of five pin bowling…” This was just one in the bouquets of praises tossed at the feet of Mississuaga’s Charles (Red) McQuaker at the 1974 Ontario Sports Achievement Banquet. He was 64 years old and was honoured with a Special Achievement Award for a lifetime of involvement with bowling. The award, considered among Ontario’s most prestigious recognition bestowed upon an individual for outstanding contribution to his sport, was a fitting tribute to a man who was regarded the “father” of five-pin bowling in Ontario.

     Coming on the heels of his recognition from the Province, McQuaker was also honoured in his home town when he was inducted into the Mississauga Sports Hall of Fame for 1975.

     McQuaker was born in Glasgow, Scotland. He began a half-century of involvement with bowling when he and his family moved to the Township of Toronto in 1919. In that year, he paid his first visit to a bowling alley and got his illustrious career rolling. His first success arrived seven years later when he won the Canadian Bowling Association’s five-pin title as a member of Karry’s team. Then Red joined the fabled People’s Credit Jewelers team which dominated the Toronto City Men’s Major League for 25 years. Some of his teammates from the glory days included such Canadian bowling legends as Eddy Hawkes, Charlie Demelis, Bill Strong, Duke Brooks, George Smith and Hugh Connelly.

     McQuaker accumulated a lifetime average of 245, his High Triple checked in at 1,060 and his High Single game in sanctioned competition at 433.

     In 1970 at the age of 60, Red’s fiery spirit and leadership was given credit for the central Ontario’s team’s victory in the Ontario Bowling Championships. As a coach, he guided the Central Ontario Ladies’ team to an Ontario title in 1973 and to a silver medal in the world championship in the same year.

Red’s accomplishments at the bowling alley account for only half the story. He also left his mark on the executive side while asserting a major influence. At one time or another, he has been president of the four major leagues in the Greater Toronto Area. He was also a charter executive member of the Ontario Bowlers Congress when it was founded in 1952. The Congress recognized his efforts by making him a lifetime member in 1969. He was also made lifetime member of the Canadian Bowling Congress. In 1971 he was appointed to the Board of Governors of the Ontario Bowlers Congress and was a main influence in resolving problems between various five-pin associations.

    

     In bowling circles, Red McQuaker is considered a true goodwill ambassador for his sport.