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The Honourary Lifetime Membership Award. This award is recognized for people who have been part of this club for many years and who, over time, have made a real and lasting impact on it. Not always in one big way, but in all the small and consistent ways that add up over time. We acknowledge the people who step up and help keep things running. But this recognition is about something longer-term. These are the people we come to rely on. They are the ones who help define what this club feels like, year after year.

Nanci Beers

For many years, Nanci has been a true cornerstone of this club. Her dedication reaches nearly every aspect of our curling community. She began coaching high school teams in 1978, and from that point forward she continued to inspire and develop the next generation of curlers, instilling not just skill, but a love for the game.

Since 2008, Nanci has taken on the responsibility of organizing schedules and running the ladies' league, a role that requires precision, and a whole lot of behind-the-scenes effort.

Beyond the ice, Nanci brings people together. She organizes the ladies’ Christmas and closing dinners, creating opportunities for connection, laughter, and community that extends far beyond the game itself. She has also played a key role in helping coordinate the Muskoka Ladies and Interclub programs, opening the door for more curling opportunities and strengthening relationships with our neighbouring communities.

Nanci’s contributions are not just tasks completed, they are traditions built, relationships strengthened, and a community sustained. Her mentorship, her organization, and her unwavering devotion are woven into the daily life of this club.

Nanci, your impact will be felt for generations of curlers to come. We appreciate everything you do and have done for this club.

Ray Pavlove

Ray Pavlove as it truly is a legacy name around here. Ray’s passion has always extended beyond the game itself, focusing on growth, inclusion, and opportunity for future generations.

One of Ray’s most significant contributions has been his dedication to junior curling. He played a pivotal role in expanding our junior program, ensuring that young curlers not only had a place to learn, but a place where they felt welcomed and supported. Ray has always been someone full of ideas, constantly thinking of new ways to strengthen and sustain the club, whether through creative programming or initiatives to help with funding and long-term success.

Among those ideas was the creation of what many now know as the Timbits Tournament. It was built on a simple but powerful belief: that any school-aged child who wanted to curl should have the opportunity to do so, regardless of their ability, experience, or background. That spirit of inclusivity is something that continues to define our club today.

Ray’s work in junior curling dates all the way back to 1966 at Foley Public School when he moved to Parry Sound. It was there that he first introduced students to the sport, organizing one-day curling matches with other schools. What began as a small initiative quickly grew into something much larger in popularity, to the point that it became province wide and that the Ontario Curling Association took notice and became involved.

Even today, Ray continues to curl and remains a mentor to many. His influence can be seen not just in programs, but in the many curlers he has encouraged, supported, and inspired over the years.

Perhaps one of Ray’s most meaningful contributions is the way he ensured the future of the program he built to stay alive this was done by bringing Deanna Jackson on and passing that torch to her.

Thank you Ray, for your vision, dedication, and lifelong commitment to promoting our sport to anyone you meet along your journey.

Deanna Jackson

You may remember from my speech last year that I spoke about Deanna and truthfully, I could stand here again tonight and continue praising her for far longer than time allows. But that’s because what she has given to our junior program isn’t something that can be summed up in just a few words, it’s simply who she is. I was grateful to be a part of each experience 1st hand when I was a junior but then also as a coach.

Deanna has been involved with our youth program for over 40 years now. 40 Years of evening practices, attending bonspiels, and all the behind-the-scenes preparation to have the program run smoothly. She hasn’t just contributed to this club; she has helped define what it means to grow up in it. She inspires, sparks excitement, and makes kids feel like they belong from the moment they step on the ice. She has this incredible ability to make every young curler feel seen, supported, and valued.

And sometimes, her impact shows itself in moments that you simply can’t script like a few weeks ago, just before the end of the youth season. Deanna came out onto the ice and surprised the kids. The reaction was instant, they didn’t hesitate, they ran straight to her with excitement. All eager to talk, laugh, and show off the skills they had been working on all season. In that moment, you could see exactly what she means to them, it truly was inspiring from a coach’s perspective. And what happened that night made it even more special. That night, we witnessed 2 perfect takeouts and a perfect button draw, shots that hadn’t been made all season! Now you could say that was a coincidence, but I think most of us would agree, Deanna might just be the good luck charm. The excitement, pride, and energy on the ice was a reflection of the connection she has built with these young players.

That connection isn’t limited to the players, either. It extends to coaches, parents, and families and speaks volumes about the kind of person she is.

Deanna, you’ve given young curlers a place to grow, a reason to love this sport, and a sense of belonging that they will carry with them forever. For all of that and more, it is a privilege to recognize you tonight as an Honourary Lifetime Member.

One of the most important things we do as a club is recognize the people who hold everything together. We continue to thank them and understand how hard they work, as every one of you has at one point in time met these wonderful people who keep our club running smoothly.

Clubs like ours run on people, people who volunteer their time for a sport they enjoy, or even just because of the people they’ve met along the way. Tasks that are completed behind the scenes, but with all the same outcome of supporting our curling club and our membership.

Paul Trussler

Paul’s story with our club started in a pretty familiar way, he had never curled before moving here, until his wife Jeanette convinced him to give it a try. And as it turns out, that one decision led to a whole lot more than just stepping onto the ice.

Paul is a qualified electrician, and over the years he’s become someone we rely on for just about everything electrical in this building. From upgrading the lighting throughout the club to installing the new LED lights on the ice, his work has made a lasting difference in how our space looks and functions every single day. But what really stands out is the time he gives.

For many years now, Paul has spent weeks before the season even begins about 2 – 3 weeks straight, here at the club, helping put the ice in and making sure everything is ready to go. Long before most of us step through the doors, Paul is already hard at work behind the scenes.

And his volunteering doesn’t stop there. At the Ladies dinners, you’ll find him stepping up once again, helping serve and support the event in whatever way is needed.

Paul is someone who shows up, puts in the work, and makes this club better in ways that don’t always get seen but are always felt. Paul, thank you for everything you do. It’s our pleasure to recognize you tonight with this Service and Recognition Award.

Paul Milligan

Paul started his curling career in 1987, and not long after in the early 2000s, he became involved with the board of directors and as you can still tell, he's still here! But over the years, he’s become someone this club depends on in more ways than we can count.

As a qualified ice technician, Paul helps out in whichever way he can, whether it’s before the season starts, during league play, at bonspiels, or even after everything wraps up, he’s always there to lend a helping hand. But Paul’s contributions go well beyond the ice.

He has also served this club as a member of the board of directors for many years. In that time, he’s helped guide decisions, support initiatives, and ensure the club continues to move forward. Being on the board often means working behind the scenes, in his case, handling finances, contributing to reports like the ones we hear tonight, and putting in countless hours that many never be seen. And that really sums up Paul. He’s the person you call when you need an answer, a solution, or a helping hand. He knows the ins and outs of this club, what needs to be done, and what comes next, and more often than not, he’s already on it. Even when he was balancing a full-time job, family life, and supporting the Georgian Jumpers, Paul has always made time for this club.

Paul, thank you for your dedication, your knowledge, and the countless hours you’ve given. It’s a pleasure to work along side you and to recognize you tonight with this Service and Recognition Award

You represent the spirit of this club. Your time, effort, and commitment are what make this community what it is.

Awards and Recognition

Honourary Members

Service and Recognition Award