Article entitled “ Ron Baker selected as Cobourg's Citizen of the Year" Note: should read Rod Baker.

Organizers of this year’s Santa Clause Parade will have to find a new Santa Clause. Last years man-in-red will be riding in a special car in the next parade as Cobourg’s Citizen of the Year for 1985.

Ron Baker was recognized by fellow members of the Kinsmen Club of Cobourg last week when he was chosen as this year’s “Mr. Cobourg”

The recipient for the honor is selected from a list of nominees submitted by area organizations. It is bestowed annually by the Kinsmen in a Cobourg resident who’s made an outstanding contribution to the community. As a tireless coach and organizer for the youth sports, a boy scout leader and elder of St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Mr. Baker has done just that.

“I’m proud to be a Kinsmen and a citizen of Cobourg. I love this town.” Said Ron, after recovering from the surprise at winning the honor.

The list of organizations in which the Davidson Rubber foreman has been active leaves one dizzy. Not content to devote his time to youth soccer and baseball, he also sits on the board of directors for the Cobourg Cougars. He’s a member of the town Fire Prevention Committee and CDCI West’s Band Parents’ Association and has been Parade Marshal for the past two years. As a Kinsmen, he’s held every office from janitor to president.

The winner was visibly stunned last week when he realized that the selection committee chairman, Ernie Smith’s introduction of the New Citizen of the Year pointed to none other then himself. Fellow Kinsmen had conned Ron into believing that Terry Tarlton, Reverend of St. Peter’s Anglican Church had been chosen. They had even invited the minister to their ceremony to throw Ron off the sent.

After the announcement, St. Peter’s minister and elder both had a good laugh. “I was do sure it was Terry. I wrote bishop to say he’s received the award.” Said Mr. Baker. “What’s worse.” Joked Rev Tarlton. “The bishop wrote me a letter of congratulations.”

• Cobourg
  Ontario, Canada
  

  Latitude: 43.95977 Longitude: -78.16515