Thunder Bay lost a well-known local sports figure just before Christmas.
I was among thousands saddened to hear of the sudden death of Don Stokaluk.
The man best known simply as The Fox amongst the tight-knit local golfing community, won four Strathcona Invitationals and countless other events over the years.
But aside from his skill on the greens, it was the way he treated people that made him stand out.
I had the chance to play alongside Don years ago at a media event connected to the Strathcona Invitational. Those who know me realize that I probably couldn't hit the side of a building with a golf ball if I was standing 50 feet from it.
Don handled my non-expertise with the clubs with great humour. We had a very enjoyable time.
It has been my pleasure to be asked each year by the Invitational committee to emcee a small dinner prior to the tournament, held to recognize all the past-champions. It’s a chance for this flogger to sit and chat with all the good golfers, like Don, a recent inductee into the Thunder Bay District Golf Hall of Fame.
I have had the chance many of those years to enjoy the pleasure of his company.
One of the highlights was when The Fox would deliver his list of people he likes and people he doesn't like. The regaling was done with his typical wit and good-natured style; it was always a fun-filled moment of the dinner.
As we mourn his passing, we can all mark Don Stokaluk as someone on our own lists of people we like.