An outstanding volunteer has taken his place in Flin Flon history.
Tom Morrison has been inducted into the prestigious Wall of Honour at the Flin Flon Station Museum.
Morrison was named this year’s inductee during the Flinty’s Birthday celebration held Sunday, August 16 on the grounds of the museum.
As museum secretary-treasurer Lois (Bunny) Burke explained, Morrison has been volunteering in Flin Flon for 40 years.
In that time, he has contributed his energy, and countless hours, to numerous organizations.
Morrison spent 32 years as a volunteer with the local Sea and Navy League cadets. He served as a mentor and instructed local youth in a range of practical skills, including sailing and hunter safety. He also worked with local Beaver and Cub Scouts programs.
“He was great to work with,” says Burke, who worked with Morrison in cadets – in fact, he was her training officer. “He certainly was good with the cadets. He took a personal interest in them and their training and discipline.”
Over the years, Morrison has also served as a director or board member on several committees and organizations, including the Flin Flon Neighbourhood Revitalization Committee, Trout Festival, Flinty Committee and the local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.
Tom Heine, a member of the museum board, unveiled the photo of Morrison that will be hung on the Wall of Honour beside other familiar faces from Flin Flon’s past and present.
Heine noted that in recent years, Morrison, who is a board member of the museum, has worked hard to procure mining artifacts and equipment for the museum’s collection.
“If it hadn’t been for his efforts, a lot of what you see around you now would have been in the salvage yard,” Heine said.
Thanks to Morrison, these pieces of local history will be enjoyed and studied by future generations.
Morrison himself was out of town, so his son
Jeff Morrison attended on his behalf.
Each year at Flinty’s Birthday, the museum board recognizes a local individual who has gone above and beyond expectations in serving their community.
His or her photo is then added to the Wall of Honour inside the museum. Past honourees include former mayors Graham Craig and Gordon Mitchell, doctors Krishan Sethi, Percy Johnson and Frank Gunston, and active volunteer Catherine Hynes, among others.
Flin Flonners came out in droves for Flinty’s Birthday, an afternoon event that also featured tasty food, games, face painting and a teddy bear clinic.
The party was co-hosted by the museum, Flin Flon and District Chamber of Commerce, Hudbay and the Flinty Committee, with support from local businesses and volunteers.
Flinty himself seemed to enjoy his celebration, posing for pictures with his young fans, slapping high-fives and smiling as party-goers sang him “Happy Birthday.”
