From the Rivers West District website:
“Spanning over five decades, Mel Sawatzky has had a long and distinguished record of service to the community and district of Cut Knife, Saskatchewan.
Rivers West District for Sport, Culture and Recreation
In 1971, Mel became the first Chairman of the newly created Clayton McLain Memorial Museum. For several years prior to this, in the late 1960s, Mel, in his capacity as Noble Grand of the local Oddfellows Chapter, actively sought to assist Elizabeth McLain in establishing a Museum which would house artifacts of great historical significance to Canada, associated with the settlement of the northwest and the events surrounding the 1885 Northwest Resistance. Melvin Sawatzky holds the distinction of Life Member of the Board of Trustees of Clayton McLain Memorial Museum.
Mel’s achievements also include:
- Volunteer firefighter for 24 years;
- Councilor for the Town of Cut Knife for 8 years;
- Decades of participation with the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, including the Hunter Safety Education program;
- 20+ volunteer years with the Cut Knife Colts hockey team in a variety of roles, and
- Assistance with coordinating the 2005 RCMP Musical Ride in the Town of Cut Knife.
Congratulations Mel! Thank you for everything you do for us!
~ Debbie M.
Clayton McLain Memorial Museum 