Fitting tribute

Town council was right to agree Monday night to pursue naming the soccer pitches at the St. Francis Sportsfields after the late Coun. Struchan Gilson.
The only real question is what took so long?
Not only is Mr. Gilson well-remembered for his tireless efforts to maintain the soccer pitches—on his own time—summer after summer until his sudden passing three years ago, he was a driving force behind the development of the Muskie soccer program at Fort Frances High School long before the sport burgeoned in popularity it now enjoys here today, particularly among our youths.
He also was instrumental in bringing the all-Ontario girls’ soccer tournament to Fort Frances back in June, 2000.
But Mr. Gilson was much more than “Mr. Soccer.” He was a beloved coach, for both soccer and volleyball, at the elementary and high school levels, and also was a big booster of recreation in general here in town as a longtime member of the rec committee. Then as a councillor, Mr. Gilson had a straight-talking, no-nonsense approach with the simple aim of making Fort Frances a better community for all.
Aside from streets and schools, of course, our town doesn’t have much of a tradition when it comes to naming public places after renowned citizens. There’s Pithers’ Point Park, the Sister Kennedy Centre, VanJura Stadium, and, more recently, the Townshend Theatre and Alice Widurski Library at Fort High. As well, we honoured our Allan Cup champs with the ’52 Canadians Arena at the Memorial Sports Centre.
Mr. Gilson certainly deserves a similar tribute to salute his outstanding dedication and spirit to local soccer—and his community.
Let’s hope the Northwest Catholic District School Board agrees so this long overdue honour can be bestowed.