The formal dinner and presentation is still more than a week away but the accolades are rolling in for the 2023 recipient of the "Community Builder of the Year," Barry Mjolsness.
And how could the choice have been more appropriate – the Builder of the Year’s family has been cranking out two-by-fours for 80 years.
From the SLS Centre, to the building of the Ranchehouse, to the Activettes Food Bank, to STARS Air Ambulance, and even sponsorship of champion chuckwagon driver Layne MacGillivray, Mjolsness and his family are well known for their tireless philanthropic efforts.
Their company, Spray Lake Sawmills, has been a Cochrane icon for eight decades not only in creating jobs to help families put food on the table, but also in helping those less fortunate through agencies like the Food Bank.
Recently retired long time local family doctor Dennis Fundytus remembers Mjolsness’s parents, Chester and Martha, as patients and friends.
“I had the pleasure of knowing Barry's mom and dad for many, many years as they were awesome patients of mine and both contributed to many fond memories,” he said.
Fundytus shared some insight into the passing of the Spray Lake Sawmills torch from father to son.
“I remember a discussion with Chester as he was handing over the reins to Barry. Chester was very close to his family and truly felt that Barry would realize Chester's goal to not only grow the business,
but also contribute to the community of Cochrane.
“I believe Chester would be very pleased – Barry truly succeeded. I believe his contributions have benefited the community of Cochrane, not only as a business employer but even more importantly as a generous donor to multiple charitable organizations and to the impressive (SLS Centre).
“I wish him and his family well as he heads off into retirement leaving a great legacy to our community of Cochrane,” Fundytus concluded.
Mayor Jeff Genung has good memories of Mjolsness’s generosity and community spirit, and can’t think of a better choice for the award.
“They were integral in getting the rec center off the ground,” he recalled. “When it first came to light it was a real grassroots kind of organization, and we needed additional ice surface and Spray Lake Sawmills came up big time – they were one of the big reasons that even happened in the first place.”
Genung also had praise for the way Spray Lake has been able to run a sawmill in the middle of town with very few, if any, complaints from neighbours about noise or dust.
“That's the type of care and compassion that Barry has shown through his standard business practices.”
Genung said Mjolsness has given to “almost every charity that I can imagine.”
And when the sale of the sawmill hit the news a few weeks ago, Genung wasn’t surprised.
“Just in case I got a phone call from the media or heard from some of their staff or residents about what was going on, he phoned me first, and that's a class act – that's the type of individual that he is.”
The mayor said Mjolsness was such a humble person he thinks organizers must have twisted his arm to attend the gala.
One of the main organizers said the choice for the award was easy.
“The best thing I can say about Barry – and there’s so many good things to say about Barry – the best kept secret in the Town of Cochrane is that Barry is maybe one of the most philanthropic-minded individuals I’ve ever met,” Dan Kroffat said.
Kroffat, who has been involved in too many fundraisers to count, said Mjolsness has a perfect record.
“He’s never said no to me.”
Kroffat added that Mjolsness never wants any credit or attention, and that “he does not wave any flags.”
Town of Cochrane Coun. Susan Flowers said she’s heard nothing but good things about the Mjolsness family in the 40 years she has lived here.
“The name is always heard throughout the community because they're known to be such great employers as well as big supporters of non-profit organizations and all the special things that we have here in Cochrane,” she said.
“I’ve always been impressed with the good reputation they've had and the willingness to help with community projects and community development.”
There are still a few tickets left for the gala fundraising dinner on Oct. 23 at Cochrane Ranchehouse, sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Rotary club.
The club is still accepting donations of silent or live auction items. For more information or to purchase tickets go to rockymountainrotary.com, email [email protected] or call Nicola at 403-932-9900.
Cocktails are at 6 pm, dinner at 6:30, with the program and live auction beginning at 7:30.
Proceeds from the event will go to support the philanthropic and community-building efforts of the Rocky Mountain Rotary and the ROARR Foundation. ROARR is a registered charity engaged in Equine Assisted Learning programs for youth and seniors in need.
