In Memory of Bob Saunders

Our greeting was always brother Bob. The nose, the mustache, the glasses. It never failed, enthusiastic, smiling, interested. Memories will keep Bob by our side. 

Robert Bruce Saunders
(November 8, 1935 - May 29, 2011)

Sign Guest Book

At the Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital after a short courageous battle with cancer, on Sunday May 29, 2011, Bob Saunders age 75 years. Beloved best friend and companion of Marjorie Kells. Loving father of Barry Saunders (Donna) and Brent Saunders. Predeceased by his daughter Brenda Roy (1978) and his son Daniel Saunders (1973). Cherished grandfather of Robert (Megan), Joanna and Ryan. Dear brother of Laura, Barbara and Bonnie. Fondly remembered by Carol Saunders. Dear friend of Jeff Kells (Roni) and Mark Kells (Sandra). Grampa Bob to Lucas, Bailey, Eric, Alexandra and Declan. Bob was a retiree of Wallace Barnes Associated Springs, Burlington and an active member of the Burlington Lawn Bowling Club. Bob will be missed by his many bowling friends here and in Florida. Visitaiton at the DODSWORTH & BROWN FUNERAL HOME, BURLINGTON CHAPEL, 2241 New Street (at Drury Lane), Burlington 905-637-5233 on Tuesday May 31st from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday June 1st from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. Private cremation to follow. Interment St. Andrew's Anglican Church Cemetery, Grimsby at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. 

A SEEDING EXERCISE - HOW GOOD ARE YOU? ONTARIO FOURS

Here we go again. Time to test your expertise in the field of Ontario Bowls.
The first event of the Big Three. Fours, Pairs, Singles
You are invited to rank the Provincial Fours qualifying teams as you predict they will finish.
The individual rankings are averaged to establish the Cumulative Provincial Rankings.Numerically list your selections with #1 being your top choice You must list a minimum of 10 teams but do list all 16 teams if you choose.You can select men only, women only or both groups.Don't be wishy washy. No ties.If you are a participant in the Provincial Fours 2010 , you cannot select your own team.Your selections are kept confidential. I cannot prevent individual bragging of personal wisdom.
Deadline Thursday June 9, 2011
What does this all mean - nothing.
If you looked at past rankings/results stats you would see falls down the ladder and wonderful shimmies up the pole. The podium conclusion hasn't been altered. You win on the field, not on paper.Just a fun task that generates interest for the event and awareness of the participants.In fact many of us do this exercise mentally for the major competitions. This time you can compare your long distance thoughts with others.


So take a look at the entries, do your analysis and send to bgnorth@sympatico.ca
LOOK ON THE BLOG FOR THE DISTRICT WINNERS

FRIDAY NIGHT SPICE

What if:
         At the Provincials there was a set time for the Reception.
        Receptions are meant to host a crowd of people which allows the opportunity to mingle with  the hosts, the players and other interested guests in attendance.
         It makes it much easier for the good people who organize the event to plan and facilitate with a definite start and finish.  
         And to add some sizzle, conduct the positional draw for Saturday's play.
RECEPTION 7:00 PM    DRAW 7:30 PM
All team reps will first draw for selection position. Any team not represented will have their draw conducted by the host Committee Chair or delegate - in front of the gathered masses.
Have a big board available and in the next round post the selected positions as they are drawn.
Have some fun. A witty MC, an involved audience could be a energetic start to the weekend.
There is still no team obligation to be there but I am wagering a 'bob' that the participants would be peppered with players.
And isn't it much easier for the draw master to be able to prepare the scorecards and scoreboards the night before.

Just a thought.

DISTRICT FOURS WINNERS 2011

Unofficial
WOMEN
D1 Laurie Roth(S)Sue Duransky, Pat Chute, Bettyanne Rankin
D2 Noreen Welsh(S), Julie Fowler, Cathy Townsend, Karen Robinson
D3 Laura Ritchie(S), Elaine Clayton,Yvette Vanderpost, Jan McLean
D4 JoAnne Bugler(S), Kay Johns, Sharon Farrish, Marilyn Lancaster
D5 Julia Farrell(S), Shirley Vidler, Wendy Buick, Karen Peart
D6 Marg Lepere(S), Katherine Smith, Wendy Devonshire, Sherry Riddick
D7 Connie Steinman(S), Beverly Hitchman, Ellen Edwards, Betty Mayne
D8 Liz Geurtjens(S), Vi Young, Joyce Ruddell, Theresa Bester
D9 Sheila Lumley(S), Mary Meldrum, Linda Baron, Heather Comba
D10 Erin Chambers(S), Karen Marley, Elaine MacSween, Janet Luke
D11 Kelly McKerihen(S), Laura Seed, Lisa McKerihen, Heather Battles
D12 Doreen Semple(S), Gloria Cheung, Brooke Reid, Sandy McKenzie
D13 Peggy Dundas(S), Carol Finlayson, Pat Weissflog, Chris Pingle
D14 Doreen Souch(S), Sue Logeman,Priscilla Downs, Nicky Chamois
D15 Pauline Hill(S), Pat Gemmell, Sylvia Poulain, Donna McLeese
D16 Leone Braby(S), Sandra Jefferies, Esta Brock, Flo Barclay

Unofficial
MEN
D1 Tom Roth(S), Jim Roth, Ron Whitehead, Wray Roth
D2 John Bezear(S), Brian Fowler, Martin Haalstra, Dylan Jacobs
D3 Wayne Wright(S), Don Caswell, Kody Olthof, Bob North
D4 Jurgen Fessler(S), Larry McLellan, James McLellan, Chris Johnson
D5 Charlie Roach(S), Nic Van Wessel, George Wilson, Larry Anderson
D6 Herb Nesbitt(S), Hugh Branston, Weston Nesbitt, Dave Houtby
D7 Darryl Fitzgerald(S), Andrew Wagner, Kevin Schinbein, Derrick Bruder
D8 Mike Bester(S), Chris Bester, Bob Bester, Ken Bester
D9 Eldon McFayden(S),Frank Sneider, Blair Munshaw, Alex Graham
D10 Ken Uyesugi(S), Bob Bates, Eric Brands, Dave Carruthers
D11 Steve McKerihen(S), David Anderson, John Devonshire, Fred Wallbank
D12 Dave Johnson(S), Bruce Lynn, Rick Matthews, Aldo Milani
D13 Gord Legacy(S), Ron Geniole, Martin Foxhall, David Llewellyn
D14 Andrew Hudson(S),Robert Smith, John Hawryszko, Jim Smith
D15 Steve Miller(S), Bryan Luther, Jack Gemmell, Dave Miller
D16 Brian McCartney(S), Ron Wood, David Jefferies, Gerry LaPorte

CANADIAN IDLE

It's Time.
The Victoria Day Weekend.
The Bowls Bell tolls for the traditional start of the Ontario lawn bowling season.
I have spent the winter producing and starring in a new series of Canadian Idle.
We were on location in Orlando/Kissimmee and Treasure Island on the Gulf in Florida. But we didn't want to miss the opportunity to experience the fun of snow in Ontario so did some hard time in Dresden during January and February.
But that was then and this is now.
Of course before the Queen's Day action I take my hot and cold wardrobes and head to the lee of the escarpment. I love the Niagara Falls openers. It is like a high school reunion without name tags but planned activity to give you space and interval to remember everyones name.
And St Marys was an oasis in the desert of rain.
By the way the greens ran very well both in the Falls and The Stone Town. Excellent work Jeff Clapp and Larry McLellan. Play both for a treat this summer.
Saturday and Sunday we did our traditional doubleheader. Fairmont first, what a beautiful day, and off to Burlington the next day for the premier preDistrict  gathering of the Provincial pretenders. I am not sure of District 15 but every other District in this province, 1 to 16, Windsor to Ottawa made the trek to central casting and turned around and went home after. Thirty two teams drawing and driving , laughing and frowning. What a great group of people for social interaction to be serious competitive yet loose and relaxed. It works for me.
And again my thanks to the greenskeepers at these facilities for outwitting Mother Nature and creating a surface that played well and will only get better.

My health- many know but if you don't, I am a prostate cancer selectee. I have had surgery and radiation in the hope to eradicate those frisky, evasive little cells. My PSA is the barometer that measures the search for zero but I am slowly creeping up the ' what do we do next ladder'. I feel good, do what I have always done , don't fret over what I can't control and greet each day with the same enthusiasm.
I tell you all this because many ask me when we see each other after the winter and besides I want to repeat the preventative message.
My PSA was in the 30's before I received treatment. I had been going for the blood test on a regular basis but notification of the results were not forwarded in a timely fashion.
Number 1, be responsible for yourself.
One in six men will be a prostate victim. Next time you are in a crowd start counting and asking.
It isn't an exceptional case, it is part of your neighbourhood.
Number 2, don't wimp out. Get the blood test and the rectal examination.
This cancer has a high cure success rate when detected early.
Number 3, is there a choice?
I will be running our Cancer Challenge again this year. Many have joined in to have some fun and help the fund.
As last year's Cancer Bowls Challenge Supportors know, many have money held in escrow for disposition as you wish.
By all means join us when the Challenge 2012 opens for business. Details to follow.

Huron Perth Men's Circuit
Men's tournaments can survive and thrive.
Bowling to-day in St Marys. Awaiting the results.