GORE BAY—A member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 514 in Gore Bay for the past 40 years has been recognized for his tremendous service, dedication and commitment with a prestigious Lifetime Membership Award, the second highest recognition a Legion member can receive.
“Leigh Major has been a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 514 Western Manitoulin since April 1983,” said Donna Foster, who read the citation letter written by Marilyn Clarke and Anne Porter, president and secretary of the Legion respectively, at a Legion executive meeting April 10. “Comrade Leigh has continued in his tireless efforts of volunteer service to Branch 514 on various endeavors with a quiet humility. The executive and membership of Branch 514 are very proud of his accomplishments and his dedication to the branch.”
“Comrade Leigh has continued to volunteer his service for the betterment of his branch, zone, district and the Royal Canadian Legion in general since his first appointment to the executive. All with the aims and objectives of the Royal Canadian Legion being number one in his heart,” said Ms. Foster.
“Mr. Major was instrumental in navigating Branch 514 through the melee of paperwork required to keep the branch operating during the COVID pandemic,” said Ms. Foster. She explained among Comrade Leigh’s list of accomplishments include being president of Branch 514 from 2002-2004, immediate past president from 2004-2005, office manager from 2007-2009, treasurer from 2010-2015, third vice-president from 2015-2016, and Legion treasurer from 2017 to the present.
“Comrade Leigh can also be counted on to participate in our Remembrance Day services and our Poppy Campaign and to be a volunteer bartender for our special events,” explained Ms. Foster. She noted, “Comrade Leigh can also be depended on to assist in various areas of our community such as assisting and transporting goods for others that are participating in the town’s (Gore Bay) street market, assisting with the Lions and the Rotary Clubs with the Harbour Days and the Rotary Fall Auction. Since 2010 he has served on the Gore Bay Museum Board. Comrade Leigh also drives people to Sudbury for appointments and to the Sudbury Airport, patiently waiting with them until they are finished, or their flight takes off.”
“Comrade Leigh continues to be a vital member of Branch 514 and his dedication and his devotion to our branch continues to be an inspiration to us all,” continued Ms. Foster. “Comrade Leigh goes far and beyond the call of duty in volunteering for the betterment of Branch 514 and its members, as well as for his zone, district and his community.”
“When Leigh takes time to relax, he enjoys spending time with his family and many friends,” continued Ms. Foster. “We at Branch 514 highly recommend Comrade Leigh for the Royal Canadian Legion’s Life Membership Award.”
“Wow,” stated Mr. Major upon receiving the award. “I had no idea this was coming. Thank you very much.”
