ESTEVAN - The commitment of the late John Kish to aseveral organizations was recognized at the annual Farmers' Appreciation Evening Thursday night at the Beefeater Plaza.
Kish was a big part of the event, with his involvement dating back to when it was still known as the Estevan Farmers' Day. He was volunteering back when it was a two-day event.
He was also a long-time member of the RM of Estevan's council from 1984 to 2011.
"He contributed to many committees, including the nursing home committee, and the regional and local library boards. He was on the airport liaison committee, as well as the emergency measures organization," said Jason LeBlanc, who was the MC for the evening and is also the reeve for the RM.
LeBlanc said Kish was one of the longest-serving councillors in the RM.
Kish also played an instrumental role in a consortium of local RMs purchasing Creighton Lodge in 2010. LeBlanc said Kish saw the need to keep the lodge open for seniors in the community.
RMs owned the health-care facility at one time, and its future was in doubt before the RMs reacquired the facility.
In memory of Kish, LeBlanc announced the RM would be renaming a portion of Township Road 30, near his residence, as John Kish Road. The announcement drew applause from the audience.
As for Kish's contribution to the Farmers' Appreciation Evening, LeBlanc shared a story from committee member Randy Johner, who recalled that Kish would walk up and down the streets, collecting donations, sponsorships and more to make the Farmers' Day event even bigger.
"I didn't think I was ever at one of these where it wasn't John Kish saying grace before we sat down for the meal," LeBlanc said.
LeBlanc also recalled that there used to be a dance at the Farmers' Day when it happened over two days.
Kish died in November at the age of 87.
Kish's widow Paulette and his daughter Sherry Fallis were presented with numerous gifts and a plaque from the Farmers' Appreciation Evening committee.
Paulette thanked the RM and the Farmers' Appreciation committee for the recognition and said there were plenty of fond memories from the event.
