Baldur-Argyle Fire Department host barbecue and dedication to Jack Bolack
A huge crowd turned out in support of the annual Baldur-Argyle Fire Department BBQ fundraiser.
The burgers, as always, were exceptional, and the company even better!
Alan Skardal, RM of Argyle Councillor and volunteer firefighter was impressed with the event. “Our local Fire Department is fortunate to have incredible support from our community and events like this highlight that support.”
Other comments made from attendees included:
“We are so lucky to have the volunteer Fire Department we have.”
“It is great to get out and see people and support our local Fire Department.”
“This Fire Department helped to save one of our family members, and for that we will always be eternally grateful and our family will support them in any way we can. We are all so lucky we have them.”
At this year’s fundraiser, there was a very special dedication to Jack Bolack in recognition for his huge contribution to his community. A plaque in Jack’s honour has been added to the Glenora Fie Hall with the following inscription:
In Honour of Jack Bolack (1950 – 2025)
Dedicated Leader – Dedicated Volunteer – True Community Builder
With heartfelt gratitude for your many years of service to the Rural Municipality of Argyle. Serving as councillor from 1984 – 1990 (6 years) and Reeve from 1991 – 2006 (15 years), and as a proud member of the Baldur-Argyle Fire Department.
Gerry Janz gave a heartfelt speech, sharing stories and even a few secret codes that were used to ensure the Department never ran out of wrenches.
Jack’s granddaughter, Breanne, then stepped forward to share a beautiful tribute to her grandpa:
“I am Breanne Bolack, and as many of you know, I was also given the privilege to know Jack Bolack, but I consider myself the luckiest person because I got to call him Grandpa.
“My Grandpa was a hardworking, funny, kind, determined, humble and always willing to help. It didn’t matter the distance or the occasion, he was always there for anybody, so being a firefighter was a natural choice. The moment the fire radio went off, Grandpa was also off and on his way to help. I used to joke with Grandma all the time that I had never seen him run so fast.
“Firefighting was just as important to Grandpa as his snowmobiling adventures, family, friends and the farm, but when the fire radio went off, the farm was put on hold for him and my dad.
“Waiting to finish whatever had to be done on the farm was never something that bothered Gramps, but he sure didn’t like it if someone said, ‘There is no warm OV, just cold’. Warm was Grandpa’s specialty for such an amazing and special person in my life.
“I would like to say to all firefighters here today, or to people in the future who would like to become firefighters, that anytime you get into that firetruck or put out that fire, my Grandpa Jack Bolack is proud of you all. Thank you for all that you do.
“I know Grandpa has the biggest grin on his face from Heaven.
“Grandpa, I love you”
Jack Bolack may have left this world, but his legacy continues to thrive in the hearts and minds of those he touched. Family, friends, and even strangers carry forward his spirit, reminding us all that life is a precious gift. In every act of kindness, every moment of laughter shared, and every dream pursued, Jack’s spirit lives on, larger than life, inspiring generations to come.
According to Baldur-Argyle Fire Department Chief Mayson Lockhart, the proceeds from this year’s fundraiser will go directly toward purchasing new rescue tools to help the Department respond to emergencies more effectively and keep our municipality safe.
Congratulations on another successful fundraiser. Thank you to all of our volunteer firefighters for everything you do for all of us.
PHOTO CAPTION: This is the plaque in memory of Jack Bolack which has been mounted on the Glenora Fire Hall. PHOTO BY SUZANNE PADDOCK
