Founder of iconic Vancouver sports shop dies after more than 50 years of helping local families in need
CBC
If you grew up in Vancouver in the 50s and 60s and played any sport, there's a high likelihood that you crossed paths with Abbie Bevilacqua.
In those days, not many shops carried boxing gloves or weightlifting equipment, and kids from Killarney to Kitsilano would frequent Abbie's Sports Shop on Main Street at 12th Avenue to get their gear.
Abbie opened the shop in 1948 and would remain behind the counter for more than five decades until selling it in 2000.
On Jan. 25, the beloved local figure, who coached, managed and sponsored youth fastball, baseball, softball, boxing, soccer, and hockey teams for more than 50 years, died after a battle with dementia.
He leaves behind a legacy of helping countless families who were struggling financially to cover the cost of equipment and registration fees so their children could take part in organized sport.
Steve Quinn, the shop's current owner, said he has heard many stories from customers about Abbie's generosity, such as offering steep discounts and sometimes turning a blind eye to the price tag altogether.
"There's only one of each of us, but I hope there's more Abbies," said Quinn.
Debbie Bevilacqua-Brown knew her dad was beloved by many, but did not expect over 400 comments of appreciation and condolences when she created a memorial post on social media.
"The outpouring was just incredible and the stories are all the same — how my dad helped people," she said during an interview on CBC's The Early Edition.
Debbie remembers her dad loving two things: sports and the city in which he lived and raised her and her brother, Jim Bevilacqua.
A favourite activity of her father, she said, was to bundle the kids in the car and drive around Vancouver pointing out his favourite places.
Often, those places were spots Abbie had played sports, and came with great stories.
"He had a laugh that would move his whole body," said Debbie. "He was a little man. We're little. And his whole body would shake."
Abbie's Sports is Vancouver's longest running sports shop and has moved up the block from its original location at Main and 12th to 32nd Avenue.
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