Notable Men from Manitoba Trivia Quiz

Answer: Terry Fox

Terrance Stanley Fox was born on July 28th, 1958 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. After losing his right leg to osteosarcoma at age 18, he committed himself to raising awareness and funds for cancer research by running across Canada on a prosthetic limb. He began the Marathon of Hope in April of 1980 in St. John's, Newfoundland, running the equivalent of a marathon each day before cancer forced him to stop near Thunder Bay, Ontario after 143 days and 5,373 kilometers (3,339 miles). Though he died in 1981 at the age of 22, Fox became a symbol of determination and selflessness, and the annual Terry Fox Run continues to raise millions of dollars worldwide for cancer research.

Answer: James Armstrong Richardson Jr.

James Armstrong Richardson Jr. was born on March 1st, 1922 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the son of grain‑trade titan James A. Richardson Sr. After serving as a pilot during the Second World War, he played a central role in expanding and modernizing the family's business interests, particularly in aviation and transportation. Richardson Jr. was instrumental in the growth of Canadian Pacific Airlines, helping position it as a major international carrier before it later evolved into CP Air.

Under his leadership, Richardson family companies continued to shape western Canada's economy through agriculture, transportation, and finance. In recognition of his lasting influence on aviation and business in Manitoba, Winnipeg's international airport was renamed the James Armstrong Richardson International Airport following his death in 2004.

Answer: Tom Cochrane

Thomas William Cochrane was born on May 14th, 1953 in Lynn Lake, Manitoba. He rose to prominence as the lead singer of Red Rider in the late 1970s, recording hits such as "Lunatic Fringe" (1981) and "Boy Inside the Man" (1986) before launching a successful solo career.

His 1991 album "Mad Mad World" produced enduring Canadian rock staples, including "Life Is a Highway," which later found international success through covers and film soundtracks. Known for powerful vocals and socially conscious themes, Cochrane has remained a respected figure in Canadian music for decades.

Answer: Monty Hall

Monte Halparin was born on August 25th, 1921 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. After emigrating to the United States, he found success in radio and television production before becoming internationally famous as the host of "Let's Make a Deal," which premiered in 1963.

His energetic style, audience interaction, and imaginative prizes made the show a long-running daytime staple. Beyond television, Hall was a prominent philanthropist, particularly supporting medical and educational causes. He passed away in 2017, remembered as one of television's most recognizable hosts.

Answer: Louis Riel

Louis David Riel was born on October 22nd, 1844 in the Red River Settlement, in what is now Manitoba. A central figure in Métis resistance, he led the Red River Resistance of 1869-70, negotiating terms that resulted in Manitoba entering Confederation as a province. Later, he also led the North-West Resistance of 1885, advocating for Indigenous and Métis land and political rights. Convicted of treason and executed by the Canadian government, Riel remains a deeply influential and debated historical figure whose legacy as a founder and civil rights advocate continues to evolve.

Answer: Ron Hextall

Ronald Jeffrey Hextall was born on May 3rd, 1964 in Brandon, Manitoba. Breaking into the NHL with the Philadelphia Flyers, he quickly earned recognition for both elite goaltending and an aggressive playing style unusual for the position. Hextall won the Vezina Trophy in 1987 and was the first goalie to win the Conn Smythe Trophy despite playing for a losing Stanley Cup finalist.

After retiring, he transitioned into management, serving in executive roles with the Flyers and later the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Answer: Randy Bachman

Randall Charles Bachman was born on September 27th, 1943 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. As a founding member of The Guess Who, he co-wrote and performed on some of Canada's most enduring rock songs, including "These Eyes" (1968) and "American Woman" (1970). He later formed Bachman-Turner Overdrive, achieving international success in the 1970s with hits like "Takin' Care of Business" and "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" (both 1974). Bachman's contributions to Canadian music earned him multiple honours, including induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2002.

Answer: Tommy Prince

Thomas George Prince was born on October 25th, 1915 on the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation in Manitoba. Serving with distinction in the Second World War and the Korean War, he became one of Canada's most decorated Indigenous soldiers, earning multiple medals for bravery from both Canadian and Allied forces.

Despite his heroism, Prince faced significant discrimination after returning to civilian life. His military service and advocacy have since made him an enduring symbol of Indigenous sacrifice and contribution within Canada's armed forces.

Answer: Fred Penner

Frederick Ralph Cornelius Penner was born on November 6th, 1946 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. A musician and educator, he rose to national prominence as the host of "Fred Penner's Place," which aired on CBC from 1985 to 1997. His gentle storytelling, folk-style songs, and emphasis on curiosity made the series a formative part of many Canadian childhoods.

Answer: Bill Mosienko

William Mosienko was born on November 2nd, 1921 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Playing his entire NHL career with the Chicago Black Hawks (the name would not be updated to 'Blackhawks' until 1986), he became best known for scoring three goals in just 21 seconds during a 1952 game - an NHL record that will be a challenge to beat. Mosienko helped lead Chicago to a Stanley Cup championship in 1961 and retired as one of the franchise's early offensive standouts.

He remained involved in hockey and business until his death in 1994.