Show Us Your China Wall!

[Leafsfan1967]

As many of you may have heard by now, we have lost another great man today. At age 93, Johnny Bower has passed away. I have met him numerous times, and besides having one of the nicest autographs in professional hockey, Johnny was an even better human being, and treated everyone like they were his best friend. He absolutely adored his fans, and always took the time to chat with them, shake their hand, and take a photograph with them. He also wouldn't hesitate to add a free personalization, or inscription with his famous #1, "China Wall," or HOF 76 added to his beautiful every letter autograph, that was always consistent, and even at age 93, was remarkably perfect every time. I've seen him do all 3 of those for his fans, and never refused anyone. He will sorely be missed by all. In memory of Johnny, please post/share some of your cards, or even a story, or two etc., so we can all enjoy them. Here's a few from my collection. RIP China Wall!

 

[manthis]

afew nice cards there

 

[guy3050]

R.I.P

bower by Guy Bourque, on Flickr

 

[creasecollector]

I true Leaf legend. RIP.

 

[Beaszt519]

I JUST bought this a week ago.

 

[cburt]

Great Bower card show. Thanks for showing! But moreover thanks for doing this thread. Bower was truly a legend, and although I did not have the privilege of meeting him, for me like someone like Jacques Plante or Georges Vezina he kind of personifies what greatness at that position meant. Truly an iconic individual and a legend.

 

[GabbyGuy]

Sad to hear....RIP Johnny



--Curt

 

[johnse27]

Had the pleasure to meet him a couple times and he was awesome to all the fans with a great big smile on his face! RIP Johnny.












Have lots more including his rookie card but there are nicer versions I have seen lately.

 

[bto3105]

Really sad to see this generation passing....Johnny was a true gentlemen













R.I.P Johnny

 

[JayKayZee]

True ambassador of the game, and a fantastic signer

0304exhibittimewarplemieuxjerseybow by JayKayZee, on Flickr

 

[gomaz]

My one and only Bower card.

 

[Triple B]

My favourite...

 

[re-ac-tor]

Here's a couple I can add:

20171227_071327 by Kendrick Riddle, on Flickr

My best,

Ken

 

[incetardis]

much respect for Bower.

 

[Avalanchefan21]

Sad day... this was the first goaltender my dad ever saw play. He always talked about what a star player he was and a class act. I met him two times. He told me to "stay in school", while I was a bad student I got a college degree and worked for a few years. Led me to build up some income so I can start my business

He also signed my bobblehead at a Cleveland Barons game in 2003 (or something like that). Always was super friendly, nice smile, etc... here is a pic (not mine, from ebay)

and here is a card I would love to have (don't have any of him)

 

[carlyazfan]

[/url]Bower by Alex Waverley, on Flickr[/IMG]

A true gentleman, hockey hero and first class person has left us, but will remain forever in our hearts.

Dave.

 

[Krusin]

From a recent break, had it on E-bay & pulled it as soon as I read the news, moved to the pc box.

7/7

 

[holygoalie]

Just back from down south and hearing one of my favorite all time Leafs has passed definitely saddens me. I enjoyed his contribution to the game, on and off the ice. A few pieces from my Bower collection.

 

[bamlinden]

From my hard-signed HOF auto PC....

And what I think is one of the all-time great photos on a hockey card....

 

[C55]

From my hard-signed HOF auto PC....

And what I think is one of the all-time great photos on a hockey card....

That is a really cool photo