Lou Jankowski - special friend and colleague

March 21, 2010

Dear Ryan and Family

I just received an email fm Ron Pyette stating that your father, and my special friend, passed away this morning. I feel a need to write how I feel about Lou, one who welcomed me in to the scouting fraternity with open arms in 1980-81 with the New York Rangers and one who immediately showered me with unconditional love and respect. I've met a lot of great people throughout my career and consider myself fortunate. I treasure the relationship we enjoyed over the years. My only regret is we never got to spend some time together during his retirement years. I actually wished @ some point we could have spent some time during spring baseball training in Florida; similar to the days when he took his young son to visit the ball parks during the summer months.

My first meeting, @ my first training camp, I was sitting in a meeting after a training session between Lou and Dan Summers with Fred Shero conducting the meeting. Three great men, three people with an unbelievable passion for life and the game and three I love. I am proud to say I was in this meeting with these men and will remember them forever.

Lou paid his dues beyond imagination @ a time when scouting was only for the passionate who lived this game. The game has been a way of life for so many of us. He was an inspiration and extremely loyal to his colleagues and so many others. His passion for the game can only be equaled; not surpassed. We go through life and consider ourselves fortunate when we have the opportunity to meet and develop a relationship with special and unique human beings. Lou had one of those old-fashioned value systems found only in those old timers with a solid upbringing and he took the time to pass it on to Ryan Jankowski and others.

I am convinced your positive approach to everyday life was passed on by Lou and this will get you, your family, and your Mom through this tough time. The record shows that Lou performed and was successful in whatever he chose to do and his relationships with everyone in the game is evidence of his professionalism. He always made me feel good when I was in his presence and I've never forgotten this. Our latest relationship, if only by an occasional hello, was special. We have a relationship the late Vince Lombardi called LOVE!

The world of hockey has been the beneficiary because of Lou’s involvement. His attitude, skills, boldness, swagger in his walk and competitive instincts are time tested with me. He was a very special and unique individual; something we all strive for. I am fortunate to be part of a scouting fraternity with Lou, Dan Summers and their peers. Lou’s Curiosity, Compassion, Caring, Composure, Confidence, Courage, Charisma, Character and Class of a Champion, who Competed in a Critical moment, is well documented. All the great leaders seem to surround themselves with the letter, “C”.

No one can ever prepare you for the day you lose anyone in your life. The only thing that gets you through the moment is all the love and caring that comes from those around you plus the fact you know he knows we all loved him during his time on earth.

Sports, like life, are a true test of a person's intangibles. Lifetime relationships are developed over a short period of time because of the dynamics of the sport, demands of the job and the people we have the opportunity to meet through our travels. Lou was one of those special ones.

The game of hockey, like life, is full of people in all capacities who know the value of validating and anointing themselves beyond other's beliefs, words, feelings and evaluations. We learn early on that we control our own destiny by acquiring the skill to express our skills.

Others do not validate our worth and success and Lou lived by this unwritten rule.

We all recognize the need for support systems in every person's life, but it still comes down to each of us just "getting it done". This process has a way of separating the strong from the Wannabe; people who believe they can make a difference versus people who only “think” they can be something. The strong will survive and Lou was very strong!

Keep supporting each other as one big family and the results will be dynamic. We are all part of something much bigger than all of us combined; namely each person's life and career. Today is a day to celebrate the life and career of Lou Jankowski. Shower him with all the accolades and memories he earned. Make sure hockeydb.com adds his Oshawa Generals stats.

Lou embodies the role unconditional love and respect plays in our lives. Our relationship with Lou remains one of the highlights in our lives.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Chuck and Clairene Grillo
MHC Family