Monday, July 10, 2023

WMRC's first Robert Weaver memorial award given to Paul Ullrich (but they had to find him first)

WMRC past president Larry Leavens presents WMRC social media director Paul Ullrich with the first ever Robert Weaver memorial award at Harte grain elevator, pretty much in the middle of nowhere. 

WMRC social media director Paul Ullrich won the first ever Robert Weaver memorial award for his contributions to The Lantern, the official publication of the club. The award was announced at the club's AGM and banquet in May, but he was nowhere to be found.

Paul was gallivanting around southern Ontario on a Fehr-Way motor coach tour, which included stops at the Ottawa Tulip Festival, the 1000 Islands and Niagara Falls. After he returned, he went rail fanning with Larry and long time WMRC member Gary Stepnick, who is also the president of the Winnipeg Railway Museum.   

Larry, who is no stranger to gallivanting himself, brought the trophy and the plaque along with them. He hid it in the trunk in a CN reusable shopping bag. When they arrived at Harte, Larry surprised Paul by presenting him with the award. With the grain elevator in the background and a CN freight train underneath them while they stood on the overpass, it was the perfect place for a photo op!

The Robert Weaver award was created by the WMRC to honour the late Robert Weaver, former editor of The Lantern. Robert edited the publication for 13 years, the longest tenure of any Lantern editor. This award replaces The Lantern award. The award is given to one member each year for their contributions to The Lantern. 

Paul was also very happy that he got to keep the CN reusable shopping bag. 



 

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