Two new inductees to Weyburn's Walk of Fame were honoured on June 18 at City Hall. Harold MacKay and the late Tom Laing were inducted into the business and industry category while family and friends watched proudly.
Considered an expert in the Canada's legal, business and financial sectors, MacKay was a lawyer by trade. In addition to practicing law, MacKay chaired the Federal Business Development Bank from 1981 to 1985 and the task force on the future of the Canadian Financial Services Sector in 1998. MacKay was made an officer of the Order of Canada in 2002.
MacKay said it was a tremendous honour to be recognized by his hometown and even more special than receiving national recognition.
"It's wonderful to be recognized by your own people," said MacKay.
Industry leader and former Weyburn mayor Tom Laing was the chairman of the Saskatchewan Industry Advisory Council, director of the Saskatchewan Economic Development Corporation, and president of the Soo Line Broadcasting Co.
Laing was one of a group that was instrumental in bringing the Red Wings Hockey Club to Weyburn and served as their first president.
During his time as mayor from 1963 to 1966, Laing made an important decision to sell Weyburn's power plant to SaskPower, and because of his wise investment, the money helped fund the city for the next 20 years.
His son Jim Laing spoke at the induction ceremony about his father's legacy to Weyburn.
"I spoke for 13 minutes but left out a lot of material," said Jim in an interview with Weyburn This Week. "He accomplished so many things; it's mind-boggling to think about it."
Jim said that his father helped to build the city at a time of real growth.
One of his contributions will be seeing some changes soon during the renovations to the Weyburn Travelodge. The former Laing's Beverages building, now Detour Bar and Grill, will be undergoing renovations as part of the overall rejuvenation of the operation.
