Many had nice things to say about retiring Chapple Reeve

Milt Guba

The Chapple hall was decorated with yellow & green streamers & balloons. A decorated one layer retirement cake inscribed with the words “Best WIshes on Your Retirement Cecil” enhanced the main table with all the refreshments, this included dainties and plenty of health foods.
The walls had posters featuring Cecil’s activities. They included participating in several events of the community. It seems where ever there were functions with the public Cecil was there, he loved to mingle and have hearty conversation.
The honoured guest, Cecil WIlson and wife Shirley were seated at th front waiting for the afternoon’s proceedings to begin. Acting Reeve Bill Clink opened the program by reflecting on his close connections with the retiree through the years on the Council which started many years before. “I thought Cecil would be kind of a miserable gentleman to deal with, but not so, he was very ernest and understanding.”
Cecil worked for many ears with his father, Bill, as lineman for the telephone company. Cecil even delivered groceries as a good deed.
Reflections on Wilson’s achievements were overwhelming from all the speakers. Clink concluded by saying Cecil has one of the best municipal records in the district and no one will object to that. Reeve Clink presented the honouree with a wrist watch for his faithful work. Of course Cecil quickly responded, “Now at least I will be able to tell time and get to work on time.”
Fort Frances Councillor Bourgeault had a few words of praise for his colleague, a perfect working relationship.
On behalf of MPP Howard Hampton, Richard McKinnon made a presentation.
Centennial committee chair June Wheatley commented on the numerous improvements Cecil had contributed within the Chapple Area. “It is a wonderful thing to have someone do this to us, his personal assistance was appreciated.”
Emo Council members Councillor Doug Hodge, Reeve Russ Fortier, and Clerk Brenda Cooke made a presentation to the smiling Cecil who wa getting right into the groove of things.
Rainy River delegation led by the Mayor Gordon Prost, Councillors Larry Armstrong and Gerry Marchuk had their time to congratulate Wilson.
Rilla Race and Heather Oltsher from the Heritage Committee mentioned Wilson as a wonderful supporter of community events.
Chapple fire department Chief, Larry Hunsperger presented Cecil with a hard hat used by firemen in past years and a life long membership in the department. Clerk Doris Dyson said, “We’ve worked together for scores of years, I feel privileged.”
Cecil commented,” I feel I’ve had a good staff, I could walk out any time and know that the work will be done. It wa a pleasure to work with Cheryl Hagen and Doris Dyson and the garage staff, I could not ask for anything better.
Others paying tribute to Wilson were, Morley Reeve Gary Gamsby & Morley Clerk Anna Boiley. LaVallee Reeve Ken McKinnon said, “Cecil’s’ cooperation had a great deal of effect on us, thereby making it much better for everyone on the team. Chapple is a wonderful community to work with. We are giving Wilson back to his family to enjoy, who have not had much time to enjoy each others company.
Glen Westover had exciting memories playing ball with Wilson, he was a big boy then and still is today.
OSB mill manager Percy Champagne has a personal working relationship with Cecil and said in his brief address, “If it wasn’t for this old coot, I would not be here nor have a job or anything else. All the credit to bring the mill to this area belongs to Cecil, he fought tooth and nail and he won the battle.”
Fred Wilson representing Atikokan also has some prime words for the Reeve mentioning that Wilson was a reasonable individual to deal with in community business. Ralph Hunsperger brought greetings from the Rainy River Future Development and extended his best wishes for a long healthy retirement.
Approximately 250 gathered for this occasion, it was immensely enjoyed by everyone, as Cecil went from table to table reminiscing through the years Wilson served on Council and lived in Barwick Are.
Winding down the afternoon, Wilson was not reluctant to speak his mind, saying, “How humble I am today, there are not enough words to say the appreciation shown me today, ti is great to see so many out, I cannot say enough of the community support that was shown. I am very proud of all this.”
“Thanks for coming, thank you all for all the nice words expressed,” noted Reeve Bill Clink.