Deputy Reeve Jack Wilson of Rural Municipality of Moose Mountain No. 63 says the R.M. not only has big shoes left to fill, “but a few pairs.”
Wilson is referring to the retirements of administrator Ron Matsalla of Carlyle and grader operator Wade Fox of Manor - who between them, have a combined 57 years of experience on the job, with Matsalla's public service career totalling 34 ½ years and Fox's totalling 22 ½ years.
Both men were honoured at a celebration supper catered by Weirs of Manor, Friday, June 15 at the Carlyle Memorial Hall, with family and friends, as well as reeves, councillors and constituents in attendance.
Master of Ceremonies Jack Wilson summed up each man's career, adding: “It is with mixed feelings that we are here to say 'Happy Retirement' to two long-serving and dedicated employees of the R.M. 63.”
“Wade Fox started in May 1996 as our mower man, but soon took over the grader in November 1996,” says Wilson. “One would say that grader operators are a breed of their own. Wade has been with us for 22 years. If one is to analyze his career, Wade has been through four reeves and 22 councillors in total.”
“Wade mentored under and worked beside Larry Slykhuis for 17 years,” adds Wilson. “After Larry's retirement, Wade took over as foreman and passed on his knowledge to new employees.”
“Wade has always had a positive attitude and good work ethic.”
“Ron Matsalla started on January 16, 1984 and worked under Rita Gauthier,” says Wilson. “Ron worked 34 ½ years as the R.M. Administrator. Ron followed in his father's footsteps as an adminstrator. As a young lad, he did odd jobs around he office for his dad. After interning for his dad, Ron came to Carlyle.”
“When Ron started, there were no computers,” says Wilson. “Ledgers were all hand-written and to make copies of things, one would have to crank them out on a Gestetner, whereas today, he has a computer and a push-button copier.”
“Ron's dedication to his work was above and beyond.”
“Throughout his career, Ron has helped manage seven grader operators, and three maintenance men. He has worked under five reeves and 38 councillors.”
“And we can't forget Ron's hockey career with the Carlyle Cougars,” adds Wilson. “He was also on the R.M.'s curling team which won two provincial curling championships and a SARM (Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities) competition in 1990.”
“As I was looking over the history of the R.M., it was incorporated in 1912,” says Wilson. “Ron came close to serving with the R.M. for around one-third of that time, which is a great accomplishment.”
Former Reeve Arnold Lawrence was one of the evening's speakers who paid tribute to both men.
“Wade did an excellent job and I never heard one complaint, which is a record in itself.”
“I worked with Ron for five years as a councillor and 15 years as Reeve,” says Lawrence. “At one point, he was ready to hand in his resignation, because he wanted to be home with his friends and his dad,” says Lawerence. “I told him at that time that his friends were here in Carlyle - where he curled, played hockey, worked in the community and more.”
“So he decided to stay,” says Lawrence. “But the surprising part is he's got his resignation in again!”
“And you're not talking me out of it this time!” replied Matsalla to laughter from the crowd.
Both men expressed their gratitude to their families, friends and everyone involved in their careers, with Fox giving a special thank you to his wife, Teresa and their family and Matsalla saying: “You're going to hear a lot of 'thank yous' from me tonight,” followed by a humourous and heartfelt speech thanking family, friends and the community “for welcoming us like you did.”
Wilson summed the men's retirements this way: “We are all grateful to Wade and Ron for your dedication to the R.M,” says Wilson.
“We want to wish you both the best retirement.”
