I have to admit, when I arrived in Quesnel almost three years ago as a cub reporter, fresh out of Journalism school, my plan was to stay for a year and move on to greener pastures.
But as time passed, I found myself meeting great people, people who wanted to make Quesnel a better place, at city hall, in the arts community and the sports community.
Lucky for me and lucky for Quesnel, it turns out there are many great people here.
Also, lucky for me all of you had a sense of humour and patience to put up with my questions, sometimes obtuse and sometimes at inconvenient times. For that I was and am grateful.
So now, almost three years later, saying good-bye isn’t easy and saying thank-you is a must.
To all of the Quesnel Thunder coaches, the minor hockey coaches, ringette coaches and figure skating coaches, thank you for your time and sharing your insights with me.
To Steve Dodge, Paperback Writer extraordinaire, thanks for being punctual with your missives detailing the Savardian spineramas and the cannonading shots from the Forestry Hockey League.
To Dave Plant, manager of the Quesnel Curling Club, who actually looks better with a shaved head – if that’s possible – and to the curlers, thank you for sharing the details of your games.
To the members of the Cariboo Ski Touring Club, thank you for keeping me abreast of all the happenings at Hallis Lake and for devoting your time and energy to building an outstanding facility – only wish I had found the time to strap on some skis.
To Bob Sales and all involved with the Quesnel Millionaires, thank you for doing everything you could.
To the Quesnel Kangaroos, thanks for a great season and best of luck at the Coy Cup.
What about Adrian Leather, who along with Vic Banghu and others worked to establish a cricket club in Quesnel. It turns out Adrian is a fantastic birder – and as such a kindred spirit.
To all of the soccer coaches and Gilbert Schotel, thank you. To Pat Marsh and all of the varsity coaches at Quesnel junior school and Correlieu senior secondary, thank you.
Thank you to the Quesnel Rodeo Association, the Quesnel Horse Club, The Roping Club, the Kersley Horse Club and the Quesnel Rod and Gun Club for putting on great events. Thank you to the Quesnel Horseshoe Club and Lawn Bowling Clubs for sharing your enjoyment and sandwiches with me.
To the Quesnel Gymnastics Club, the Quesnel Softball Association, the Sea Lions and the Waveriders Swim Clubs, thank you.
To Matt Gook and other coaches with the Quesnel Lacrosse Association, thank you. Another tip of the hat to Matt for sending me stats sheets – much appreciated.
To Randy Enns, Will Quary and their Quesnel Jacks baseball teammates, thank you, likewise to the Quesnel Little League Baseball Association.
Quesnel has more than its fair share of amazing athletes who have distinguished themselves locally, but also at the provincial, national and international level. Sometimes the results were not what they had hoped for, but I am convinced it was not for lack of trying.
Eight years ago, James Gemmel lost a leg in a car accident, today he is a valued member of the Canadian Sledge Hockey team. Great guy, great story.
What to say of the Quesnel River Archers who continue to produce top-notch athletes. Samantha Wright and Sydney Watson have made their mark on the world stage as well as owning the Canadian scene in their respective events. Dale Chapplow, coach, Michael Wright, Scott, Sandy and Bonnie Watson all tops in their divisions, as are Wayne and Cathy Schaefer. Great people, great stories.
Alison Duddy took up wheelchair curling just over three years ago. Since then she’s collected two provincial titles, as well as second and fourth-place finishes at the national championships. Not bad at all and a great person.
What to say of Hazel Massier. A member of the Quesnel Sports Hall of Fame, a good hockey player and an excellent hockey coach. In addition to coaching in the Quesnel house league, Hazel has also coached elite girls hockey teams. As I learned over the years, not only is Hazel a great coach, she was great to interview and a genuinely good person.
However, even though Hazel stands out among her peers, the one thing I can say for sure, is all of the coaches and staff I have met are all great people and they do what they do for the kids.
In many sports, the game could not go on without officials. To all of you I thank you and hope that you continue to officiate despite some of the comments hurled at you from the crowd.
To all of the athletes who play their sports for the pure joy of participating, thank you for your smiles and thank you for taking time for an interview. I wish you continued pleasure playing the sport or sports of your choice.
When I was hired at the Observer, no one told me I would be the only card-carrying male in the building. But the ladies at the Observer made me feel like one of them! I thank you for putting up with me this long!
I will miss you.
Special thanks to publishers Darlene Osborne and Tracey Roberts and editor Autumn MacDonald for your gentle direction and always having my back. Forever grateful.
To Danika, good luck.
Finally, to Tiger, thank you.