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-- iettiaiennes 'Gus' Brunelle by Ron Johnson Midland Rotary Club presented its annual Vocational Service Award at Wednesday's regular noon luncheon meeting. Rod Ferguson, in announcing the award winner, mentioned, the award was going this year to someone in- volved in the area's major industry tourism. This year's winner is Augustin Robert "Gus"' Brunelle, Midland's Harbour Master. The harbour accommodates over 1,000 boats per annum, and_ these boaters spend = an average of $400 to $500 stay in during their Rotary service award winner Rotary theme of "Building bridges of friendship around the world."' Brunelle, right, is seen here receiving congratulations from Rotarian Rod Augustin Robert Brunelle was named of this year's Rotary recipient Vocational Service Award. known as Gus, he received the coveted award because the club thought he town. Gus Brunelle was born in Lafontaine in 1908 and lived on a Tiny Twp. farm on the 17th Concession. He remained there, at- tending school until he reached the age of 16 when he shipped out on a grain boat. He remained sailing until the early 30's when the Great Depression drove him back home to his father's farm. Brunelle worked there for room and board. Later he managed to dandy ce 2 JO Wath McNamara _ Constru- ction, building cot- tages When war broke out, Gus was initially Better Ferguson. best symbolizes their International The specialty of the house is making your Christmas a memorably tasty treat time! HOLDER'S BAKERY Midland .remained with refused admission to the service on the grounds Shaw's pleasure boat. Brunelle's retirement that his skills as in , wasnot exactly that. He construction made him approached then too valuable at home. Harbour Master Jack He therefore stayed in Blackburn, seeking a Canada and worked position with the Har- building defence in- bour Commission. When informed that the commission could not stallations until such time as he was admitted to the Army, where he afford to hire him in an served until his official capacity, he discharge in 1944. worked two years for no Upon his return to the pay. Midland area, he began Following the death of work with Elmer' Blackburn in 1973, Shaw's Midland _ Brunelle was appointed Foundary. He as Harbour Master by this company up to the time of his retirement at age 64. During his years with Midland Foundary, Brunelle also served as the captain of Mr. the commission. Gus Brunelle's work and service to the community in his role as Harbour Master is what qualified him to be selected for this honour. It is fitting that he works for the town's harbour, in that he truly sym- bolizes the Rotary International theme of "Building bridges of Friendship around the world." The following letter received by Rod Ferguson on behalf of the Rotary Club, describes very well the reasons for Brunelle's selection. It comes from the Small Crafts Harbour Branch of the Fisheries and Oceans Ministry of the Government of Canada. "'T have heard through the grapevine that the Rotary Club of Midland will be honouring Gus Brunelle during the fMmonth of December. "The Town of Midland leases the municipal harbour from Small Craft Harbours, Fisheries and Oceans and as you are probably aware, Gus has been employed as_ their Harbour Manager. While he reports to the Midland Harbour Committee, I would like to relate to all those concerned the high esteem in which Small Craft Harbours holds Gus. Over the past six years we have had numerous letters from Canadians and Americans who have visited Midland and It's our favorite time of year -- when we have the opportunity to wish all our good friends a very Merry Christmas! Bell's Towing 526-4401 oo <a used the harbour facilities. These people have expressed their appreciation for the way in which Mr. Brunelle received them and the fact that he was always willing to go out of his way to provide any assistance to make their stay in Midland a memorable one. "If we had more Harbour Managers, as a matter of fact if we had more Canadians, whose outlook on life with regard to others was similar to Gus', our tourism industry in Ontario would reflect a marked upturn in business. "When municipalities are contemplating leasing facilities from Small Craft Harbours, quite often we refer them to Mr. Brunelle to obtain a first-hand in- dication of what they might expect. Gus has always done his utmost to advise these people, not only of the benefits but of the pitfalls in- volved in managing a Federal facility. This is just one other instance that Mr. Brunelle has provided an_ extra service for this office. "It would be ap- preciated if, when you are honouring Gus, you would' relate our feelings and affection Chosen for Rotary Vocational Service Award on Wednesday for him and hope that he will spend many more years as the Harbour Manager at Midland." | eg eS 5222 JOPELX } A 'SAVINGS AT URB'S . 'From now until Christmas, when you shop at Urb's, you Can pick your own discount from the Big Discount Stocking. YOU SAVE ) UPTO 25% Free parking coffe? , Marie's Dress , Main St., Penetanguishene % i 549-7223 , of Christmas warm all yf SN NS : hop; Se OY ee i Ure's Home F upnisnines ' You furnish the house, We furnish the home 101 Main St. Penetang 549-8917 Enter our Draw fora Christmas Basket of Goodies... ino purchase necessary Friday, December 24, 1982, Page 9