Early Life and Education of Don Cherry: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 29, 2025

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Don Cherry. A timeline of key moments.

Don Cherry is a Canadian former ice hockey player, coach, and television commentator. He played briefly in the NHL for the Boston Bruins, later coaching the same team for five seasons. As a coach, he led the Bruins to four division titles and two Stanley Cup Finals appearances. Cherry's career transitioned from playing and coaching to becoming a well-known, and sometimes controversial, figure in hockey broadcasting.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

February 5, 1934: Donald Cherry is born

On February 5, 1934, Donald Stewart Cherry was born in Canada. He later became an ice hockey player, coach, and television commentator.

1935: Rosemarie (Rose) Cherry née Madelyn Martini was born

In 1935, Rosemarie (Rose) Cherry née Madelyn Martini was born in Hershey, Pennsylvania. She later married Don Cherry and was hugely influential in his life.

1997: Tribute to Rose Cherry by Canadian Women's Hockey Team

In 1997, the Canadian women's national ice hockey team paid tribute to the late Rose Cherry, acknowledging her and Don's support for women's hockey.

1999: Married second wife, Luba

In 1999, Don Cherry married his second wife, Luba.

November 7, 2006: Cherry Supports Stephen Harper

On November 7, 2006, after appearing in the House of Commons of Canada, Don Cherry formally stated his support for Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

2006: Living near family in Mississauga

As of 2006, Cindy and Tim Cherry lived across the street from each other, around the corner from their father, Don Cherry, in Mississauga.

March 15, 2008: Cherry wore County Kerry colours on Coach's Corner

On March 15, 2008, edition of Coach's Corner, Cherry wore the green and gold colours of County Kerry, Ireland, and claimed ancestry from that region.

2008: Cherry Appears on Holmes on Homes

In 2008, Don Cherry appeared on an episode of Holmes on Homes, discussing the construction business with Mike Holmes and the project at his brother-in-law's house.

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March 2010: Keep Your Head Up, Kid: The Don Cherry Story aired

In March 2010, Cherry's life was dramatized in a two-part CBC movie, "Keep Your Head Up, Kid: The Don Cherry Story", based on a script written by his son, Timothy Cherry.

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December 7, 2010: Cherry Attends Toronto City Council Meeting

On December 7, 2010, Don Cherry attended an inaugural meeting of Toronto City Council, placed the chain of office around Mayor Rob Ford's neck, and made controversial remarks about "left-wing kooks."