Many gather to honour Gerry Marchuk

By Ken Johnston
Editor

There was one item of unfinished business that had to be attended to before the crowd of about 100 people could begin honouring Gerry Marchuk last Friday.
District Commander Marlene Gagne had the honour of officially swearing Marchuk into the post of Immediate Past President. Two weeks before Marchuk swore in the new executive, officially ending his 21 straight years as Rainy River Legion Major Hughes Br. 54 President. But no one swore him in as Past President.
Once sworn in and after a hearty roast beef dinner, the accolades began to flow.
First to take the podium was Kenora-Rainy River Member of Provincial Parliament Howard Hampton. His very first remark was, “Does anyone believe Gerry is retiring? He is not retiring, he is just specializing!”
Hampton went on to say, “He has been an inspiration to a lot of people here, in Emo, Fort Frances and Atikokan. He has done every job (in the legion) and made it the core of the community. So many people appreciate you Gerry. Thank you and congratulations!” That brought the crowd to its feet, giving Marchuk a standing ovation!
Thunder Bay-Rainy River Member of (Federal) Parliament John Rafferty was next to praise Marchuk. “21 years is a remarkable accomplishment! He has done so much in the Legion and the community!”
Rafferty said he asked Marchuk what his plans are now that he has retired from the Legion presidency. “He told me he wants to travel. I told him Egypt is looking for a new president!”
Rafferty presented him with a certificate of appreciation and several gifts from his office in appreciation of his contributions to the community and the legion.
Rainy River’s Mayor Deb Ewald then thanked him for his 21 years on town council. “He has so much knowledge and helped so many new councillors, myself included, work for the betterment of the town.” She presented him with a certificate of appreciation and a town jacket with his name and the town logo on it.
Legion President Walter Wagner then thanked him for all his years of service and presented him a plaque of appreciation on behalf of all the club’s members. He also received a legion clock from the membership.
Both of Marchuk’s sons, Mark (from RR) and Derek (from Biggar, Saskatchewan) as well as Mark’s wife and their sons were in attendance.
A congratulatory greeting from his niece Val Marchuk and her family was also read by Wagner. They live down east and could not be at the dinner.
Then it was the guest of honour’s turn to speak. His very first comment was, “Thank you Mr. President and all of you for coming out for this dinner.”
He gave special thanks for members from the Fort Frances branch for coming down and to his sons and family for coming.
“A big thank you goes to my partner Verna. She has supported me for 21 years and for eight of them served along side me as Legion Aux. President!”
He also expressed gratitude to the ladies aux., not only for the dinner but also for supporting him over the years. He thanked Uncle Bob Johnston for cooking the roast beef that night as well.
President Wagner then opened the microphone up to anyone who wanted to say a few words. Long time railroader and union steward Ralph Armstrong took him up on it. “In 1983 Gerry had been the union rep. for 11 years already. He took me under his wing and guided me. Thanks Gerry for all you did then and since then. We have had a lot of good times together!”
Glen Westover, of Fort Frances Legion Br. 29, then spoke. “On behalf of branch 29, I would like to wish him all the best in retirement.”
That concluded the formal part of the evening and many people stuck around the club to visit with Gerry afterwards.