KOMETS MOURN THE PASSING OF HARTLEY MCLEOD AND ROB GUINN
Former Komets Hartley McLeod and Rob Guinn have died.
McLeod, 80, passed away Monday morning in Fort Wayne after a long courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.
McLeod was born Oct. 4, 1927 in Selkirk, Manitoba. He began his pro hockey career in Windsor and won the Turner Cup Championship his first season in the International Hockey League in 1948-49. McLeod skated stints in the American Hockey League in 1952-53 with the Buffalo Bisons and in 1953-54 with the Syracuse Warriors.
The left winger first came to Fort Wayne in 1954 and appeared with the Komets for four seasons as a player. McLeod continued his career in pro hockey as an IHL official, serving as both referee and linesman for several years after retiring as a player following the 1957-58 season.
“It’s a doubly sad day for Komet fans after learning of the passing of Hartley McLeod and Rob Guinn,” Komet general manager David Franke said. “Hartley McLeod’s legacy with the Komets lasted over 50 years. He was a true friend of the organization and will always be remembered with a smiling face and positive attitude toward the hockey club and the Fort Wayne community.”
In 1983, McLeod opened a Fort Wayne eatery called Hartley’s Place on Fairfield Avenue. McLeod was a long time food service entrepreneur; he and his wife, Wanda, also had previously owned the Hoosier Tap and the Yacht Club in Fort Wayne. McLeod’s family continues to own and operate Hartley’s Place. McLeod is survived by his wife Wanda, daughter Pamela and son Hartley McLeod Jr.
Guinn, 32, was killed in an auto accident Saturday in Iowa. The Des Moines Register reported Sunday that Guinn, of Ames, died after a driver failed to stop at an intersection, colliding with Guinn’s car and sending it into a ditch, resting on the driver’s side. Both drivers were taken to Greene County Hospital, where Guinn was pronounced dead.
“The news of the passing of Rob is shocking and saddens all of us within the organization,” Franke commented. “Rob was very personable and a hard worker; a man of character. He will be missed by all of his former teammates over the years. Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife and daughter.”
Guinn, a native of Ottawa, Ontario, began his pro career in 2000 in the United Hockey League with Elmira. The defenseman skated two seasons with the Komets, 2004-05 and 2005-06. Guinn appeared in the Central Hockey League during 2006-07 and played 55 games with Bloomington in the IHL last season. Guinn is survived by his wife Brooke, and daughter Olivia, 5 months.
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