Kevin McBain
of The Clarion

The Kindersley Legion Branch #57 held their annual awards night and banquet Saturday with a full house in attendance.

New president of the Legion, Patrick Brick, was the emcee for the event.

Branch president Patrick Brick holds a photo of former Legion member Don Staples. With him is Staples’ wife Toni and son Lorne.

Following a delicious meal, many people were recognized through different programs.

Service pins were presented to:

Associates – Five year: Candy Gordon, Gregg Gordon, Kent Nargang and Leona Nargang. 10 years: Devery Salkeld. 20 years: Scott Holloway and Doron Torrens. 25 years: Carmen Argue.

Ordinary Members: 15 years: Steve Boodram and Raeanne Howe. 20 years – Wayne Welte.

Earning Branch service awards were: Brian Woodrow, Michelle Diemert, Garrett Trayhorne and Jim Watson.

Lifetime memberships were given to Ernie Krepps, Ken Diemert and Doug Empey, for serving the Legion for 60 years or more. They join Harvey Balderson, Lloyd Martin, Herb Strutt and Herbert Cullen, all who have been lifetime members.

They also recognized four individuals who have died who contributed greatly to the branch over the years.

In recognition for their service, they added their portraits to the Honour Gallery located inside the hall.

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Honoured was Norm Mullock, a veteran of the First World War. He spent four years fighting with the British Army, serving with the Imperial Camel Crops and helped in the liberation of Egypt and Palestine from the Turks. Upon his return to the Kindersley area, he served the local Legion branch for more than 60 years, in various roles.

The second individual was Lloyd Ament, better known as ‘Sparky’. He was a veteran of the Second World War II, serving as a non-commissioned officer with the 67th battery of the Sixth Field Regiment in England, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany.

Upon returning back to Kindersley, he served the branch in many capacities for more than 50 years. He was best known as the sergeant at arms, a position he held for more than 40 years. He was also instrumental in the establishment of the local air cadet squadron.

Third was Don Staples. Comrade Staples was also a veteran of the Second World War. He served as a wireless operator as part of the #6 Group of Bomber command, in the 408th and 432 squadrons. In this capacity, he completed 31 bombing missions over enemy territory. Upon his return, he became an integral part of the branch, serving for more than 60 years.

Finally, Don Fuhrmann, who recently passed away, served as a member of the Legion Branch for 20 years. He has the distinction of being the Kindersley Legion’s longest serving president. During his tenure, he spearheaded the renovation and revitalization of the Legion Hall and worked tirelessly in so many different capacities during his time.

There was also a special unveiling of plaques of seven fallen Kindersley comrades. This was made possible by the Canadian Fallen Heroes Foundation, who have set out to remember those that have lost their lives during past wars.

This foundation puts together a photo and a brief summary of the soldier’s history and puts it together in a very nice package. Costs are covered by local businesses who sponsor each one.

This year’s honourees were Albert Abram, David Webb, Donald Campbell, John Buckham, Peter Thompson, Victor Arnold and Earl Swalm.

This is the first year for Kindersley to be in this program and they hope to continue for years to come. According to Legion member David Burke, there are 52 people that they hope to remember in this way.

The Legion also wants to honour different businesses each year and thank them for their support. This year, three businesses were recognized: Mainline Motors, Quickfalls Collision and Vold’s Collision.

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