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.
April 28th, 2004 marked the 20th anniversary of the National Day of Mourning. Approximately 25 people gathered in front of the Snow Lake Miner's Memorial to mark the third anniversary of its observance within this community. USWA Local #7106 President, Tom Davie, emceed the brief, somber ceremony, which took place at 7:00 p.m. in front of the Miner's cenotaph on Memorial Drive. After opening the observance, Davie called upon the community's Mayor, Gary Zamzow, who delivered a moving tribute to Snow Lake's fallen and injured. Corporal Bob MacKnight of the Snow Lake RCMP Detachment followed Zamzow with an equally stirring homage to the RCMP's and town's workplace casualties. These were followed by the Steelworkers address, which was delivered by a Snow Lake member. At the conclusion of the Steelworker's address, Davie announced the laying of the wreaths. They were as follows: Dianne Burrows - In memory of her beloved late husband, Ken; Grade 11 student, Jessica Jackson - On behalf of Martha Johnson and Linda Hienzman, in memory of their beloved son and brother, Robert Glen Renas; Mayor Gary Zamzow, Town of Snow Lake - In Memory of fallen and injured Snow Lake citizens; Corporal Bob MacKnight, Snow Lake RCMP Detachment - In memory of fallen and injured Public Service and RCMP personnel; Randy Cockle for the IAM - In Memory of fallen and injured brothers and sisters; Pete Syms - In memory of his friend Dwayne (Pogie) Rupp; Mary Wootton, Snow lake Hospital Auxiliary - In Memory of fallen and injured Snow Lake citizens; Deputy Fire Chief Troy Steeves - In memory of fallen and injured Firefighters; USWA Local #7106 - In Memory of fallen and injured brothers and sisters. With the last wreath laid, Davie asked that those attending bow their heads and observe a moment's silence in remembrance of those lost and injured in workplace accidents during the past year. Following the service, everyone made their way up the street to the Seniors Center, where coffee, buns, fruit, and fellowship was enjoyed. Davies made a point of thanking everyone for coming out on this special, solemn day and then thanked retired Steelworker, Sharon Stubbs, for her work in organizing the reception at the Seniors Center. USWA Manitoba Staff Supervisor, Rob Kilbride, who was in attendance (as was Local #7106's Vice President, Gerry Carmichael), made mention of the fact that of the numerous ceremonies that he has attended across the country, Snow Lake's was the first where he witnessed such a cross-section of the community gathering to mourn their collective loss. For those unfamiliar with it, April 28th is the day which is formally set by government legislation (initiated by a private members bill put forward by former MP, Rod Murphy) and recognized by labour as the day on which workplace injuries and fatalities are formally grieved. Ceremonies to mark the day are held in most Manitoba communities.
