On September 11, 2001 my husband started work at Chalk River laboratories near Ottawa. He would finish his 30 plus year career at Atomic Energy in 2014 June. He started working for AECL on October 2nd 1980 at Whiteshell Labs in Pinawa, Manitoba. It was in that community that he love of golf increased as he belonged to the local golf course and played constantly during the summer.
When my husband retired 10 years ago his retirement party was held at the Petawawa Golf club in the upper banquet room. It was catered by Karin Cotey, wife of the present lease holder Paul Cotey. Bruce has continued to support the golf club by renewing his membership every year, playing first thing 7 days a week and most men’s nights. On Thursday though he does play at Pembroke Shores with a group on their Men’s night. Over the last 10 years his skill level improved so now he is one of the super seniors with a low handicapp.
Currently he is the Senior Ryder cup captain and the Senior Intersection captain for Petawawa and all ranks service club Golf club. He is also one of the two Super senior Legion golf members with Roy Barker who qualified three years in a row to go to the Provincial Legion tournament. Over time he has participated in various competitive events such as the 19 man scramble, which he won once, the Dave Findlay Ryder cup tournament and the regular intersectional. He also participated every year in the Earl Gray two day event on the August long weekend. When the senior division was created a few years ago he took turns coming in first or second.
I gave an overview of my husband’s commitment to the Petawawa Golf course club on Base Petawawa as some background. I know that life changes constantly with the military and that as a civilian we are privileged to play on the course on military property. I am fully aware that the military have ultimate authority on the base and that civilians are guests. We have been fortunate to have a good relationship with the present couple who run the golf course part: Paul Cotey, and his wife, Karin who runs the catering aspect. We lived in the Kitchener area for many years and have some knowledge of where they come from. We remember in 2001 and 2002 that there was more of a military presence on the course as each hole was sponsored by a unit on the base. Since Paul Cotey took over the running of the course there have been many changes to the focus. Paul initiated the Dave Findlay fundraiser event and the Dave Findlay Ryder cup. The fundraiser was sponsored by Dave Findlay widow Jackie to pay for the Junior program which has grown over time. The Ryder cup was a friendly two-day event among clubs in Renfrew County area. Paul has also supported the Emeritus tour and Soldier On tournament. My husband is planning on sponsoring a team on Thursday September 19. There have been many social events such as the July 1st nine and dine that have become part of our summer calendar. I would like to go on record that any business on a military facility has to go by military rules. However there has to be give and take and respect for the civilians and the community.