Category: Board

– content of post kindly shared from the Rivers West District Nomination form submitted by Bonnie S.

In 1971, Mel became the first Chairman of the newly created Clayton McLain Memorial Museum. For several years prior to this 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 rebellion.

Mel’s record of achievements include:

• 24 years as a Volunteer Firefighter;
• 20+ years involvement with the Cut Knife Colts hockey team in a variety of roles;
• 8 years service as a Councilor, Town of Cut Knife;
• Decades of involvement with the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, including the Hunter Safety Education program;
• Coordination of the 2005 RCMP Musical Ride in the Town of Cut Knife;
• Noble Grand of the local Oddfellows Lodge in the late 1960’s; and
• More than five decades of continuous service including service on the Board of Trustees, Clayton McLain Memorial Museum. Melvin Sawatzky holds the distinction of Life Member of the Board of Trustees of Clayton McLain Memorial Museum.

“Spanning over five decades, Mel Sawatzky has had a long and distinguished record of service to the community and district of Cut Knife Saskatchewan… Mel’s service to Cut Knife has taken many forms. He has always been willing to help anyone who asks for assistance, and has shared his woodworking and maintenance skills freely.”

Congratulations to Mel Sawatzky, lifetime member of the CMMM Board of Trustees, on receiving the Rivers West District Volunteer Recognition Award for Over-All Volunteer of the Year!