The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
To gain entry into the Hockey Hall of Fame, you have to do incredible things. For one year, Lee Deary, branch manager of the Flin Flon RBC branch, will join an elite group of people. "That's amazing," Deary said of his induction. "I consider myself to be an average hockey player. I went as far as midget Ð I know it's not for my hockey prowess." Deary was named "RBC's Own" Local Hockey Leader as the winner of an employee version of the popular RBC Local Hockey Leaders program. Thirteen volunteers are also recognized by RBC Insurance. The honour includes an RBC Insurance donation, made on his behalf, of $10,000 for a minor hockey cause in the Flin Flon area. Deary's volunteer work with the MJHL's Waywayseecappo Wolverines and the SJHL's Flin Flon Bombers earned him the recognition. "I'm one of hundreds of thousands who give time across Canada," he said. "What I put into it, I get more than twice back." "Lee's enthusiasm is contagious, and RBC is the fortunate beneficiary of his positive impact and highly visible presence in our community," said RBC employee, Cindy McLean, in the nomination and on the RBC website. "Lee is dedicated to finding new ways to fundraise. He instituted a 'ladies night out' package at the games. He designed a website and even created a third jersey for the team." The RBC Local Hockey Leaders program is now in its third year. Selecting the winners is a panel of experts including Hockey Hall of Fame director of public affairs, Ron Ellis, chair of the board for Hockey Canada, Rene Marcil, and 2002 Olympic gold medalists Ryan Smyth and Kelly Bechard. Selection guidelines include dedication, leadership, commitment and impact on hockey and hockey players in their community. Deary, who moved to Flin Flon in January 2005, will fly to Toronto with wife Laurie for a ceremony on April 12. A poster with Deary's picture and the other volunteer winners will be in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Ð With files from an RBC press release.
