He never owned a hockey team here in Dayton, but Trottier is a big reason why several of them played here.
Trottier played on the very first Gems team in 1964. He spent three seasons in Dayton and also returned for the 1974 season.
His professional hockey career also included three seasons in the National Hockey League -- one with the New York Rangers and two with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
He also retired with 20 years of service from ABF Freight Systems as an operations supervisor, according to his obituary.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Dianne; sons Daniel and Gilles; three grandchildren; and siblings Lise Cholette-Trottier and Pierre Trottier.
Visitation is 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Kindred Funeral Home, 400 Union Blvd., Englewood. Funeral services are at 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Dayton.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Hospice of Dayton or the American Cancer Society.
About the Author