GORE BAY—Three very special, integral citizens in Gore Bay’s history have been presented with lifetime achievement awards by the town. The three include Randy Thibault, Phyllis Smith and the late Rene Noble.
“I would like to welcome everyone to this special ceremony where we will honor today three outstanding citizens of our community,” stated Gore Bay Mayor Ron Lane, at the ceremony held as part of the Canada Day celebrations in the town this past Saturday. “It is nice to see a full house here today to honour the people who we are going to presenting these lifetime achievement awards to.”
Mayor Lane explained that two years ago Gore Bay council created a citizen award called the Lifetime Achievement Award to recognize past and present citizens of Gore Bay who through a continuous effort and dedication throughout their lives have improved not only the lives of the citizens of Gore Bay but also the community here and beyond.
“In 2015 on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the incorporation of the Town of Gore Bay, we presented awards to Doug smith, John McQuarrie and John Lane,” said Mayor Lane. He explained the selection process for these awards starts with community input, is reviewed and shortlisted by a committee of council and then approved by council.”
Along with the awards presented by the town, Paula Mallea, on behalf of MPP Michael Brown and MP Carol Hughes, presented each recipient with a recognition certificate.
“Today we have chosen to honour Randy Thibault, Edyth Dorene Rene Noble and Phyllis Smith,” said Mayor Lane. “Randy was born in Gore Bay and grew up on Thorburn Street, the youngest of 11 children. Story has that his older brothers would not lend Randy skates, which resulted in him resorting to the position of goalie.”
Mr. Thibault played hockey on the high school team, and later played men’s hockey in Gore Bay and with the West Bay Thunderbirds, continued Mayor Lane. In fastball he played on the Gore Bay Legion team and in Silver Water.
“Randy’s passion for sports and his community resulted in countless hours of volunteer work over many years for the existence, and the betterment, of youth and adult sports programs. He also served one term as a councillor,” continued Mayor Lane.
“It is important that today we take the time to acknowledge and show appreciation for all of his contributions to the local and surrounding communities, by presenting to him our Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Mayor Lane. In listing Mr. Thibault’s contributions, he noted he was involved with the “Western Manitoulin Minor Hockey Association for over 40 years as coach, trainer, manager, president etc. With the Manitoulin Minor Hockey Association (MMHA) he has been on the discipline committee and held the positions of vice-president, president, and more.”
In 2003 Mr. Thibault received the Ken Neeb Memorial Award from the Northern Ontario Hockey Association, said Mayor Lane. This special achievement award is presented to individuals, other than athletes, who have made an outstanding contribution to minor hockey in Northern Ontario.
For many years Mr. Thibault was convenor of the Porter-Clark-Purvis Hockey tournament. “He coached a mixed slo-pitch team called Sun’s Up to four national championships Randy also coached the Hellions ladies’ fastball team,” said Mayor Lane. “After retiring from fastball as a player he continued to coach, as recently as 2015. Randy has umpired for fastball and slo-pitch games. He also coached ringuette in Gore Bay.” As well, over a 10 year period he intermittently served on the recreation committee in Gore Bay.
“Randy accomplished all of the above while raising four children with his wife Kathy, who I am sure was instrumental with the success of these achievements,” said Mayor Lane. “In addition he had a long working career with Manitoulin Transport.”
“Gore Bay is a better place because of Randy and his family’s contributions, and today we say thanks” said Mayor Lane.
“I really appreciate this and is a great honour to be nominated and receive this award,” said Mr. Thibault. “I am very proud to be from Gore Bay, there is no better place that I would rather be.”
Mayor Lane noted that “we are next recognizing the late Edyth Dorene Noble (McDougall) (1926-1996). ”The town of Gore Bay would like to recognize the late Rene Noble who has made an outstanding contribution in our community with respect to the education and awareness of children and adults with developmental disabilities,” said Mayor Lane.
“Rene was born and raised in Allan Township and taught school on Barrie Island before she married her late husband Harold and moved to Gore Bay to raise their children Wayne (predeceased), Randy, Terry, Jim, Keith and adopted by heart, son Lloyd. Raising five boys Rene was known for her kindness as her door was always open to everyone in town.”
“Rene’s contribution to our community started with her passion to help others,” said Mayor Lane. Rene was an educator for people with disabilities and was very instrumental in the development of the Flower of Hope School in Gore Bay along with Jacquie Gordon and John Lane, where she was able to help people with disabilities; teaching them life skills, independence and overall improving lives for people with disabilities.”
“Rene’s passion to help others does not end there,” said Mayor Lane who explained she helped found the Hope Farm in Mindemoya, which is now known as Community Living where she acted as a director for years. In turn, Rene’s contribution was recognized with one of the Community Living Homes being named after her in 1997 called “Rene’s Place;” a home where residents can live with minimal supervision and care which supports their independence.”
Along with these great accomplishments she was a member of the Lyons Memorial Church and very active in the Wish Foundation.
“Rene’s passion to help others and to lend a hand continues to inspire and touch lives in our community and will continue to do so for years to come,” said Mayor Lane. “It is with my great pleasure to present the Nob le family with the following life time achievement award in memory of Rene,” said Mr. Lane.
Keith Noble accepted the award on behalf of the Noble family.
“Phyllis Smith is a long time resident of Gore Bay and throughout her time in our community through her volunteer work and humanitarian efforts has improved and impacted the lives of many both in Gore Bay and beyond,” said Mayor Lane. He noted, “she was very active in her church and for over 20 years organized the annual turkey supper which was and continues to be a major fundraiser for the church.”
Phyllis loved to curl and play golf and worked hard to ensure the success of the Gore Bay Curling Club and the Manitoulin Island Country Club.
“She is a very caring person and volunteered for over 20 years at the Manitoulin Lodge Nursing Home and also assisted with Meals on Wheels-which provided suppers to seniors still living in their own homes,” said Mayor Lane.
“Phyllis was always looking for ways to help community organizations or for specific things that needed improvement in the community generally and once she focused on a project she made sure the job got done.”
“I have known Phyllis for many years and she is a smart, warm, caring person and supportive and loving wife, mother and grandmother and a good friend to many,” continued Mayor Lane.
“Unfortunately, Phyllis herself now has significant health issues and is currently a resident of the Manitoulin Lodge and is not able to attend this award ceremony. Her family has asked that this award be presented to her in person at the Lodge at a later date.”
