We at Canada Basketball are extremely saddened by the passing of Nora June McDermott at the age of 85.

Nora was a player, a coach, a guide, a voice and above all else, a friend to this organization.

The native of Vancouver, B.C. was a gifted athlete who excelled at volleyball and field hockey, but her true skill shone bright on the basketball court. She used her lightning-quick speed and remarkable court-vision to be one of the purest scorers of her time. She had a clear talent for putting the ball in the net - and doing so when her team needed it most.

Ms. McDermott represented Canada at three Pan American Games. She took the court for her country in 1955 in Mexico City, in 1959 in Chicago and in 1963 in São Paulo. Her greatest success at the prestigious international event came in 1967 when she managed her team to the bronze medal while playing on Canadian soil in Winnipeg.

Her passion for the game remained long after she concluded her playing career. Nora continued to follow Canada basketall and the women's national team - cheering from the sidelines and supporting the same Red and White she had donned during her time on the court.

Nora has been enshrined in several Halls of Fame across the country for her significant contributions to the game of basketball. She will be missed and she will be remembered.

For more on the amazing life that Nora led, see the Globe and Mail's Story - Gifted shooter Nora McDermott led basketball dynasty.

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