Dr. Lidkea honoured at annual town dinner

The Town of Fort Frances saluted 2007 “Citizen of the Year” Dr. Robert Lidkea, as well as retirees and employees who have reached 25 years of service, at its annual appreciation dinner Friday night at La Place Rendez-Vous.
Accompanied by a thunderous round of applause, Dr. Lidkea was greeted on stage by 2000 “Citizen of the Year” Bill Gushulak and Mayor Roy Avis to receive his “Citizen of the Year 2007” plaque and make a brief speech.
Dr. Lidkea, who underwent major surgery just 11 days earlier, clearly was moved by the honour, noting that of all the awards he’s received in his life, they “all pale in comparison to this one.”
“Bob, thank you very, very much for your contributions to this community,” Mayor Avis said before he handed the plaque to Dr. Lidkea.
Gushulak outlined Dr. Lidkea’s numerous accomplishments over the decades, drawing a picture of an individual unquestionably dedicated to Fort Frances.
Dr. Lidkea has been a member of the Fort Frances Kiwanis Cub for 55 years, and had perfect attendance at Kiwanis meetings for 50 of those.
He’s been active in a variety of Kiwanis projects and committees over the years, serving terms as president first in 1961 and then again in 1996 and 1997.
He also served as Lieutenant Governor for the Western Canada District in 1973-74.
As well, Dr. Lidkea was instrumental in the development of the Kiwanis Builders Club at Robert Moore School here.
He has been a dedicated and active member of St. John’s Anglican Church, and in addition to being a town councillor from 1980-85, Dr. Lidkea has served as chair of the Christmas Seal campaign for several years and as secretary for the last six years.
Over the years, Dr. Lidkea also represented Fort Frances on the Kenora-Rainy River District Health Council, the Kenora-Rainy River Emergency Health Committee, and the Northwestern Ontario and Province of Ontario Health Services Committees.
During these years, he served in various leadership roles working for the betterment of health services in Northwestern Ontario.
Dr. Lidkea also has been recognized in the field of optometry, and was honoured by the Ontario Association of Optometrists in 2004 when received the Millennium Award for Public Service.
Going back a little further in time, Dr. Lidkea sat on the commemorative opening committee of the Noden Causeway back in 1965, as well as the Canada centennial celebration committee in 1967.
“He has definitely made a commitment to volunteering for a great number of years and with recently renewed strength, I believe he will continue to be a role model to all age groups for years to come,” said Gushulak.
Dr. Lidkea received a “Citizen of the Year” plaque “in recognition of tremendous volunteer services to our community,” and his photo will hang in the Civic Centre along with all the previous honourees.
He also will ride in the Santa Claus parade this Saturday (Nov. 24).
< *c>Other honourees
Also at Friday night’s dinner, seven retirees were recognized and thanked for their years of service to the town. They included Murray Fairnington, Nick Hnatiuk, Linda Hyatt, Steve Gagne, Linda Kitowski, Bev Sandmoen, and Juliana Sprovieri.
As well, the dinner recognized those employees who reached 25 years of service with the town. They included Dawn Lundy, Joe Bobczynski, and Lynne Savage.
Past retirees and employees who previously had reached 25 years of service also were noted Friday night.
The program also included recognition of spouses of deceased employees, councillors, management, media, and the 30-plus town boards and committees, which include town staff and councillors as well as citizens among their membership.
A moment of silence was held to note the death of past town employee Ron Sinclair, who passed away earlier this year.
Information and Technology manager Darryl Allan emceed the evening, with Mayor Avis and Couns. John Albanese, Sharon Tibbs, and Rick Wiedenhoeft also participating in the program.