Bidding farewell to Witherspoon

After 18 years in municipal politics in Fort Frances, Mayor Glenn Witherspoon was honoured by a crowd of about 140 family members, friends and acquaintances old and new Saturday, during a roast and toast at La Place Rendez-Vous.
“I was humbled by the kind words of my peers,” said Witherspoon in an interview following that evening.
“It feels good to know the efforts put forth over the years have a beneficial effect for so many,” he added, noting he appreciated all the efforts that went into making the roast and toast an evening of laughs and tears.
Witherspoon announced his retirement from politics back in July, when he said he would not be seeking a fifth-consecutive term as mayor in the Nov. 10 election. He was a councillor for six years (two terms) before being elected mayor.
But the impact he made on those he met in the past 18 years, and in some cases, the time before that, was crystal clear as well over a dozen folks stepped up to the banquet room stage to recollect—most adding a good dose of ribbing.
“My father used to say if you can’t praise him, don’t say anything at all. But that would be a pretty short speech,” chuckled former councillor Bill Martin, as he recalled the days of playing for the Allison Raiders in the local liniment league, where Witherspoon was drafted as a goalie for the team “for a half a case of Columbine beer.”
“They used to call Tony Esposito ‘Mr. Zero.’ Well, after a few weeks, we started calling Glenn ‘Mr. Zero,’—but for the opposite reason,” he remarked.
But jokes aside, Martin, who served six years with Witherspoon on council, noted he was a “wonderful husband and father,” and that the town “is grateful to have him.”
After a few jokes not fit for the family-oriented publication that is the Times, Kenora mayor Dave Canfield mentioned he was honoured to work with Witherspoon on the “Smart Growth” panel, where they “helped plan the vision of the future of Northwestern Ontario,” and representing the region in general while travelling abroad.
Meanwhile, Alan Tibbetts, president of the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce, gave Witherspoon a centennial tapestry, and noted he’s been a “great supporter of the Chamber of Commerce, and business in general, in the town of Fort Frances” over the years.
Mark McCaig, president of the Fort Frances Power Corp. and acting CAO for the Town of Fort Frances, said Witherspoon, along with the FFPC board of directors, was crucial in lobbying the provincial government in overturning a decision by Ontario disregarding the power agreement the town shares with the mill which guarantees residents low electricity rates.
He noted Witherspoon has helped him further his career with helpful advice, adding that to anyone who knows him, Witherspoon’s loves are clearly hockey, his family, and the community. “He loves being the mayor of Fort Frances,” he remarked.
S/Sgt. Hugh Dennis of the Fort Frances OPP recalled Witherspoon’s role in being in power when the OPP became the town’s police force in the mid-90s, and thanked Witherspoon for his hospitality when hosting visiting police commissioners.
Coun. Gary Judson of Emo, who was representing Reeve Russ Fortier, had the crowd laughing with numerous “tall tales” about Witherspoon, but showed his true feelings about the mayor.
“I think for the past 12 years, Fort Frances has had the best. An you just have to look around Fort Frances to see that,” he said.
Coun. Rick Neilson of Chapple, standing in for Reeve Bill Clink, noted Witherspoon has been a “great ambassador” for the entire Rainy River District over the years, and has always encouraged better relations between Fort Frances and communities to the west of it.
Larry Cousineau, on behalf of Riverside Health Care facilities and the Riverside Foundation for Health Care, gave Witherspoon a plaque, pin and some gardening gloves “to use in his spare time,” while Tom Reid, Witherspoon’s business partner in Fort Duty-Free, ribbed the mayor about his seemingly ever-changing political leanings.
“To me, he’s a rainbow voter,” chuckled Reid, who also related several stories of Witherspoon’s dedication to his family and Reid’s.
2002 “Citizens of the Year” Jean and Lin Boileau offered a message “from the Queen,” and wished Glenn and his wife, Judy, a happy retirement.
“Remember, behind every successful man is a wonderful woman,” said Jean, drawing overwhelming applause from the crowd.
Other presenters included Bill Gushulak, former mayor and Coun. Deane Cunningham, Witherspoon’s nephew, Chris, and the town centennial committee (Teresa Hazel, Marla Simpson, Coun. Sharon Tibbs, former CAO Bill Naturkach, clerk Glenn Treftlin, and a facsimile of Pam Hawley).
The event primarily was organized by administrative assistant Loreen Holt, who noted she “was pleased with it,” and “Everything went well.”