Lt. Gov. visits Rainy River

Ken Johnston
Editor

f Rainy River was graced with the presence of the Queen’s provincial representative Lieutenant Governor James Bartleman.
Bartleman arrived about twenty minutes late due to flight delays into Fort Frances. Upon his arrival at the Rainy River Town Hall he was greeted by Mayor Gord Prost, several town councillors and Clerk Deb Bowman.
Bartleman signed the town guest book and then proceeded down the boardwalk of the old CNR Station. He stopped midway to have his photo taken at the Yonge St. sign saying, “I have to have my photo taken at the beginning of Yonge St.”
Next on his schedule was a trip to the Railway Museum, but Bartleman diverted to greet three long time residents of Rainy River, Joy Bourre, Jessie Martinson and Elsa Hanson. He shook each of their hands and presented them with a Lt. Gov. pin. He was very interested in how long they had lived in the community.
Travelling with his entourage is normal, however this trip he brought his twelve year old son Alain. It wasn’t long before Alain had dad back on schedule and over to the 4008 steam locomotive. Alain, dubbed “the official photographer” by his father was busy snapping photos of the engine. The last engineer to drive the 4008 into Rainy River, John Sirman, greeted Bartleman and posed for a picture with him and his son.
Inside the museum they were fascinated by the displays noting, “My brother just retired from CNR after nearly 40 years of service,” said Bartleman. His son picked up copies of last year’s and this year’s Railroad Edition to take back to his uncle.
A reception at the legion was only attended by about twenty citizens, however Bartleman made the best of the poor turnout. He joshed with war veterans and recalled being a newspaper delivery boy in Korea at the age of 11 and watching every day to see what had happened in the Korean War. Two Korean Vets, Harry Arnould and Allan Bernst enjoyed trading stories with him.
Local artist Vanessa Keeash, recently featured in the Record, had her art on display for the Lt. Gov. He took a particular interest in one of her paintings and she offered it to her noting, “That is my favourite to!” He offered to take a different one but she insisted that he have it.
Bartleman said having served as an ambassador and high commissioner to places like Israel and Australia, that this job is far more relaxing. “I love this. There is a lot more satisfaction meeting people from all over the province.
Bartleman spoke briefly to all those present at the reception teasing the three ladies that followed him over from the station to the Legion. “I now have my very own Rainy River groupees. Are you ladies going to follow me to my next stop in Espanola?” After the joking he was presented with another painting by local artist Vera McQuaig.
He left around 3:30 p.m. and headed for scheduled events in Fort Frances.