Becky McKenzie has been honoured by the Town of La Ronge. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

gratitude

Municipality honours McKenzie with bench dedication

Sep 23, 2022 | 1:03 PM

The good works of Elder Becky McKenzie haven’t gone unseen by the residents of the tri-communities.

On Sept. 22, she was recognized by La Ronge council with the dedication of a bench in Patterson Park for her devotion and commitment to beautifying the area. Just about every day, McKenzie can be seen downtown collecting garbage on the side of the road and outside of local businesses.

The idea to honour McKenzie for her hard work was initially brought forward by former mayor Colin Ratushniak.

“The idea was put forth we should start recognizing community members for their contributions they are doing out of their own free will,” said deputy-mayor Viviana Ruiz-Arcand. “It was brought up that Becky McKenzie was out every single day helping to clean up the streets because she wanted to help and contribute to the community.”

Ruiz-Arcand explained it is the first time a bench has ever been dedicated to an individual, but added more dedications could occur for those who show exceptional service. She noted it was up to the Parks and Recreation Department to choose a bench, which happened to be one close to and facing the waterfront.

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“We need to create more of a historical legacy and recognize our community members of the things they do,” Ruiz-Arcand said. “We are rich in tradition and heritage, and we just don’t share it enough.”

Deputy-mayor Viviana Ruiz-Arcand shows the plaque to Becky McKenzie. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

The plaque honours Becky McKenzie for her devotion and commitment. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

A small crowd attended the dedication ceremony on Thursday. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

McKenzie attended the ceremony and she thanked everyone for the kind gesture. She was so happy with the dedication, she even broke out into song.

“B-I-B-L-E, yes that’s the book for me, I stand alone on the word of God, the B-I-B-L-E,” she sang.

Born in La Ronge, McKenzie spent most of her life living in the region. When she first married her late husband Antoine McKenzie, who passed away from cancer in 1999, the two of them did prospecting throughout the North. The couple also had a daughter, Alice McKenzie, who currently lives in a care home in Prince Albert.

As for why she continues to clean the streets, McKenzie mentioned she does it so local residents can enjoy the outdoors and because she feels a responsibility to do so.

“I love doing it for the Lord because he said ‘I have chosen you out of the world to do good onto all,’” McKenzie said. “He’s done great things for all of us.”

In 2019, McKenzie was honoured as Citizen of the Year at the Tri-Community Awards and Recognition Gala.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno