A long time Kapuskasing broomball and hockey scorekeeper will be honoured posthumously by the town at a special ceremony later on this year. Mayor Dave Plourde announced at the town’s recognition awards last night that Ron Sawyer will have the timekeeper’s box at the Sports Palace named after him for his decades of dedication. His brother Ray Sawyer couldn’t be prouder of the honour.
“I think it is very very nice we’re going to have this,” he said. “It’s too bad that he is not around to see it but I am sure he is looking down on us.”
Ron Sawyer, who had polio and a speech impediment at a young age, started helping out at the arena and also umpiring baseball, softball and slowpitch. He quickly become best known for his voice, announcing goals and penalties at various levels of hockey at both the old arena on McPherson Avenue and later the Sports Palace.
Here is a complete rundown of the various winners:
Community Service and Volunteerism: Marianne Michaud, Patrick Millette, Donna Todd, Guy Audet, Animal Rescue of Kapuskasing, Guy Paradis, Trevor and Sylvie Russell.
Arts and Culture: La Forge Jos Godin, Abundant Life Fellowship Church.
Youth Leadership: Rosalie Renaud
Healthcare: Inez Giasson, Centre de Sante Communautaire de Kapuskasing, Riverbend Family Health Organization.
Legacy: Denis Puska, Elder Ernie Lafontaine.
Special Certificate: Nadon’s Jewellery,
Leadership: Terry Allard, Joelle and John Casonato.
Economic Development: Linda Semczyszyn, Denis Berube.
Bravery: Wade Torok.
Key to the Town: Dr. Ramasurian Ramkumar, Dr. Susan Ramkumar.
Municipal Memorial Recognition: Ron Sawyer – memorial plaque at the Sports Palace.
