Two more names were inducted into the Walk of Fame in front of City Hall on Saturday, as both Harold MacKay and Tom Laing were honoured for their influence on business and industry in the City of Weyburn.
Known for his work as a lawyer, Harold MacKay studied economics and political science at the University of Saskatchewan. He also received the Governor's General medal as an outstanding graduate at the Weyburn Collegiate (now known as the Comprehensive), received a Bachelor of Arts degree with distinction at the U of S, and an university medal of Law from Dalhousie University.
MacKay has been a chair of the Saskatchewan branch of the Canadian Law Association, and on a national level was chair on the task force on the future Canada Financial Services Sector, director of the Bank of Canada, and senior policy advisor to the Minister of Finance of Canada.
Speaking on his return to the city, Harold talked about the memories of his childhood in Weyburn, and "first and foremost I think about my mother and dad who were very proud citizens of Weyburn. They were community-minded persons, a virtue that I try to take to heart."
Harold started practicing law in 1963, and became a commercial arbitrator in public policy matters for the province and federal governments. "The role that I am best known nationally was with the future Canada Financial Services Sectors. We were appointed by the federal government to deliver a report that dealt with a wide range of topics that effects Canada banks."
Referring to difficulties suffered by banking and financial systems in 2008, Harold noted that the Canadian banks were "quite simply the best in the world. It remained safe for depositors and open for business."
While not taking credit for the success of the banking system, MacKay did comment that "Weyburn values were instrumental in whatever I have been able to achieve. It was here that I learned the value of hard work, without which there can be no accomplishment. I also learned that life is not a soul journey, but a team sport."
Tom Laing served the City of Weyburn as Mayor for three years and as alderman for nine years. Besides his civic services, he had a leading role in starting many businesses in Weyburn that still thrive today.
"I don't know who coined the phrase from past achievement comes future progress, but it would fit the life of Tom Laing," said son Jim. Business life for Tom started in 1944 after the death of his dad, who left behind a struggling business called "Weyburn Bottlers", and it was up to Tom to save that business.
Tom turned the business around, acquired a franchise for Coca-Cola and named the new company "Laing's Beverages".
"Dad's life touched many in Weyburn, and provided them with opportunities if they wanted to work hard," said Jim. It did not take long for Tom Laing to acquire co-ownership of the largest privately-owned Coca-Cola operation in Canada.
"While building a successful Coca-Cola business, dad was often out of town but never forgot Weyburn," said Jim. Tom Laing brought Western Wire and Cable to the city, now known as Nexans Canada, and was also fundamental on a member organization that brought the CFSL radio station to the community.
"Dad was a master entrepreneur, and to be a successful entrepreneur you have to be an idea guy. He had many ideas, and for a large part that is what made him successful," said Jim.
Tom Laing served his community in a number of ways, and was fundamental in bringing the Weyburn Red Wings to the community, and establishing the Weyburn Police Service.
"The theme that runs through with Tom Laing's success is that most of his enterprises still exist today, flourishing and growing, providing employment for people who live here," said Jim.
The next Walk of Fame induction will take place in 2013. This is also the year when Weyburn will mark its 100th anniversary as a city. Nomination forms for Walk of Fame inductees are available at City Hall.
