The Good People List

Radio is a great business for meeting people. Whether it's the person who owns the local TV repair shop, or whether it's some of the real movers and shakers in the city you live in.

Over the weekend, a very well known and highly respected resident of our city passed away suddenly. Chuck Thomson worked at Stark and Marsh Chartered Accountants. He was also involved in darn near everything around the city from the Downtown Business Association to Action Swift Current. One of my first memories of Chuck was meeting him at a trade show in Vanguard. He was a pretty funny guy and we had fun together while I broadcasted from his booth. He left behind a very young family and will be missed a great deal by many in the city.

When I heard the news of Chuck's sudden passing I was reminded of two things: First of all, no matter how much the Riders choked on Saturday night, there are bigger things in this world than football. (I often lose perspective of that)

Secondly, in my 8 years in Swift Current... I've met a ton of great people. In fact, the people of Swift Current are the reason I stayed here. I never really felt accepted anywhere else as much as I did here.

So with that in mind, I started thinking about some of the people I've met over the years who may have had a positive influence on me. Or maybe it's just plain ol' good folks who've earned a few plugs from me. Before I start... if I get to the end of this list and you're not on it... don't take offense... I'll add more as they come to me.

Pat Friesen - She one of the big cheeses at the Innovation Credit Union. Pat's a very smart lady. She's also a very friendly person who will always take the time to talk to you.

Annie Narine - Annie is the General Manager at the Swift Current Mall. She's a very outspoken lady and rubs a lot of people the wrong way. However, I've sat down with her many times and discovered in our conversations that she is an incredible brilliant women. And she's always been good to me. I don't work with Annie as often as I used to when I was an announcer on the Eagle but she always keeps our family picture up in her office and was very generous with gifts when our baby girl Reagan was born.

"Late" Pete Mathers - Pete was our landlord when Deanna and I first moved in together. He was one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. He was a WWII vet. Deanna and I enjoyed visiting with he and his wife Girtie every time we'd drop off the rent cheque. Unfortunately, cancer caught up with Pete a few years back.

Larry Kozun - Larry works in the office at the Pioneer Coop. He's a real good guy who knows darn near everyone in town.

Doug Judesh - Doug works out at the research station. He also plays on my flag football team. One of the amazing things about Doug is the fact he's in his 60's and still playing in a competitive flag football league. What's even more amazing is the fact that he's not just showing up. He contributes a lot on the field. Doug has also coached minor baseball in the city for around 25-30 years. Doug lost a very young daughter to cancer a few years ago. I can't imagine what he and his family went through. He is a guy I have a pile of respect for.

Ben and Yvonne Laviolette - I know Ben and Yvonne from the Swift Current Kinsmen and Kinettes. They're both lifetime members. They also both spend countless hours doing the things that no one else wants to do in a service club.

Bruce Borden - Bruce is a K-40 member. (That's the 40+ Kinsmen Club if you don't know) Bruce is a guy you can always count on if we're short handed at a Kinsmen function. And for those who enjoy the annual Kinsmen Street Dance... they should all stop by Brake and Drive and thank Bruce each year. Despite the fact he's in his 60's... he's the first guy to show up on set up day. He's the last one to leave. And on Sunday morning, while most of the Kinsmen members are either not showing up to tear down or show up late morning (Myself included)... Bruce is usually there getting half the work done himself at 6 or 7 in the morning.

Gord Lang - Gord's a car salesman at Standard Motors. Car salesman sometimes get a rep for being crooked. Gord couldn't be more opposite. He's honest and upfront with people and isn't about just making a sale. There is a very good reason why Gord Lang is in the paper almost every month listed as Standard Motor's Salesman of the Month. People trust him... so they buy from him with confidence.

Harv Martinez - If you've lived in Swift Current... I need not talk about what Harv has done for the city. He's the principal at Waldeck School. He's also been the manager for the Swift Current Indians baseball team for years. He decided to hang up that title at the end of this season and they may hire a new manager but Harv is irreplaceable... plain and simple. Not only has he done a ton for baseball in Southwest Saskatchewan but Harv's just a really nice guy who rubs off on his players. In a time where athletes egos barely allow them to fit in to their equipment Harv demanded that his players weren't just good ball players, but good people.

Carol Byers - Carol works with the Broncos. She's a really nice lady. Her husband Don is a pretty good chap himself. I'm not involved with the Broncos as much as I used to be... but when I was I enjoyed visiting with both of them and I occasionally joined them for a post-game brew too.

Dennis Leopkey (Sorry on the Spelling Dennis) - Dennis is my ice fishing buddy during the winter. He's also one of the most jolly fellows in Swift Current. Dennis volunteers an insane amount of time working the time clock at hockey games. He never misses a Bronco game and you will likely see him in the penalty box for many Legionnaires games and minor hockey tourney's. There are very few people in this city that truly comprehend the amount of volunteer work he's done for minor hockey. Dennis has even been known to play the role of jolly ol' Saint Nick at a few private kids parties. In fact, he's the first Santa Reagan ever saw.

Kelsey and Corey Adam - Kelsey and Gord Lang must have studied Sales 101 together. Kelsey's a Real Estate agent in town. He's a very honest and trustworthy guy and a damn fine Karaoke singer too. Corey (Kelsey's brother) works at the Ability's Council. Corey... and all of the employees and clients of the Abilities Center have my respect. If I had a local charity that I'd be willing to put my name on as an endorsement this would be it. I enjoy visiting with the great clients at the center and try to visit at least twice a year. I believe in what they're doing.

Mayor Sandy Larson - There are people in Swift Current who don't support Sandy. I'm not going to get in to a political debate but the one thing people can't deny is that Sandy is a very genuine person. She's always got a smile on her face and she'll gladly take the time to stop and chat with absolutely anyone. She's also got an open door policy in her office which I admire for someone in her position. Last spring, I walked right in to her office and sat down for a conversation. No appointment... no trying to justify the validity of my visit with a receptionist. I asked to speak to the Mayor... they pointed me in the direction of her office and I walked in.

Orville Sletton - He's my next door neighbor. He's loaned me more tools over the last 3 years than I could possibly remember. And he's given me the open invitation to raid his garage without asking anytime I'd like. Orville is on the list for another reason. Because of his work with a particular organization in town but it's not my place to go in to those details.

Radio People - I've decided to leave everyone off the list. Over the years there were and are many people who I'd add to this list. I've also worked with people over the years that would have trouble meeting the criteria. There are many people in our building who would receive the shirt off my back if they needed it. And they know who they are. We'll leave it at that.

There will be more added to this list. But, my bed is calling. Feel free to add to my list if you feel someone deserves a shout out!

DAR