The northern Ontario sports community, generations of local students, and the city of Timmins are in profound mourning following the passing of Mace Soroko on Monday, June 29, 2026. He was 66 years old.
Affectionately nicknamed “Golf Jesus” by those who adored his signature style, mild manner, and unshakeable kindness, Mace was a foundational pillar of the regional golf landscape. News of his passing was confirmed in emotional tributes by both the Spruce Needles Golf Club and Hollinger Golf Club, sparking an immense outpouring of grief across the province.
A Pillar of the Northern Ontario Golf Community
In Memoriam: Mace Soroko (January 30, 1960 – June 29, 2026)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Age at Passing : 66
Hometown Base : Timmins, Ontario, Canada
Primary Careers : Professional Golf Coach (Spruce Needles & Hollinger)
Supply Teacher (District School Board Ontario North East)
Surviving Family : Wife (Réanne); Son (Jace [Nadia Dagenais])
Predeceased By : Parents (Steve & Cécile); Siblings (John, Cheryl)
Visitation Logistics : Thursday, July 2, 2026 (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
Memorial Venue : 2400 Dalton Rd, Timmins, ON P4R 0J4
Memorial Donation Fund: Sports for Kids – Timmins
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Master Teaching Coach
Mace dedicated his life to growing the game of golf in northern Ontario. Throughout a distinguished career spent at both Hollinger Golf Club and Spruce Needles Golf Club, he used his deep knowledge of the game to elevate the skills of hundreds of players. His patience and expertise built a generation of phenomenal junior golfers, while his infectious humor helped adults rediscover their love for the sport.
In an official public tribute, the leadership at Hollinger Golf Club expressed the community’s heartbreak:
“Mace was a true gentleman and kind soul to all who knew him. He was a pillar to the golf community establishing a career in golf at both Spruce Needles and the Hollinger. His shared knowledge and expertise as a teaching coach has built some phenomenal junior golfers and assisted adults enjoy the game. He will be truly missed.”
A Dedicated Teacher Who Made the Classroom Bright
When the northern golf courses closed for the winter, Mace shifted his passion for youth mentorship into the local school system. As a beloved supply teacher for the District School Board Ontario North East, he left an indelible mark on his students. Known for his ready laugh, warm heart, and endless library of jokes, he transformed everyday classrooms into places of joy.
Former student Willow Lamarche shared a beautiful memory that captured his vibrant teaching spirit:
“He was just my teacher, he made my year so good with his jokes and his laugh. My favourite memory from him was when he took us outside and he started dancing with me. He will be missed.”
Whether analyzing a Masters final on a garage simulator with close friends, keeping spots open for the “Kap boys” at tournament challenges, or helping a frustrated golfer correct a fourteen-year-old hook in a single hour, Mace treated everyone he encountered with identical dignity and warmth.
Family, Visitation, and Memorial Tributes
Mace was predeceased by his parents, Steve and Cécile Soroko; his brother, John; his sister, Cheryl Ellis; his sister-in-law, Diane; his brother-in-law, Raymond Guertin; and his niece, Amélie Guertin.
His beautiful legacy continues through his devoted family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Réanne; his son, Jace (Nadia Dagenais); his brother, Bob (Marlene); his parents-in-law, René and Yolande Guertin; his extended family members, Réal, Rock, Lynne, Renelle, and Dan Robinson; as well as a large circle of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and lifelong friends.
Final Service Information
-
Public Visitation: Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation on Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
-
Location: 2400 Dalton Rd, Timmins, ON P4R 0J4.
-
Memorial Giving: In absolute keeping with Mace’s lifelong love of athletics and his devotion to uplifting young people, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be directed to Sports for Kids – Timmins.
