Former trustee wins award

Gord McBride, a former trustee of the Rainy River District School Board who served for 30 years, recently was recognized for his contribution.
He was presented with the Bernadine Yackman Award at the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association Conference of the North 2007 in Sault Ste. Marie last month.
The award is given to an active or retired trustee of a member board of the association for dedication, commitment, and an outstanding contribution to education with special recognition for Northern Ontario service.
McBride was nominated by the trustees of the Rainy River District Board. Chairman Dan Belluz spoke at the conference.
“It is truly an honour to stand before you to pay tribute to Mr. Gord McBride,” Belluz said. “I have been fortunate to work with excellent trustees in my time as a trustee, and Gord is one of the best.
“He is intelligent, has excellent people skills, is an exemplary speaker, and brings a sense of humour to interactions that draw people to him,” he added.
Belluz also spoke highly of McBride’s leadership skills.
“For me, leadership is an action and not just for those of position,” he stressed. “Gord has been in leadership positions for much of his life, but has acted as a leader in everything he does.”
McBride was employed by the local radio station, with the last 25 years as manager, and became busier than ever after retiring.
He served as the chairman or president of many local groups, including the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce, the Business Improvement Association, Lion’s Club, Crime Stoppers, and the Sunset Country Tourism Association.
In 2003, McBride received the “Volunteer of the Year” award from the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce.
In addition, as a trustee, McBride sat as the chair of the local public school board for 13 years and served as the north representative on OPSBA’s board of directors and on many association committees.
“When you look at Gord’s career and personal influence, it is easy to recognize that he has lived a life of service,” Belluz said. “He cares deeply for his community, but also wants to impact on the well-being of other people in Northwestern Ontario and beyond.”
In accepting this award, McBride told his peers that he was proud to mark his retirement as a school trustee on such a high note.