“A COMMUNITY PARAGON”
Michael Joseph Stone
(Mike/Digger Stone)
1944-2022

This brief synopsis has been prepared, at the time of Mike’s passing, to commemorate, honour and to continue to evoke the esteemed memory of Mike as a Springwater Sports Heritage founder and advocate.

In 2013, at the genesis of Springwater Sports Heritage, Mike enthusiastically participated in providing a range of valuable support to assist in the launch of this new and challenging undertaking.  His encouragement, benevolence, eagerness and hands-on contributions benefited the creation and materialization of Springwater Sports Heritage while blending seamlessly with other participants motivated to create and accomplish the appropriate and desirable objectives.

As Springwater Sports Heritage continued to evolve and adapted, over its now ten years, Mike’s participation and support did not diminish.  His belief and interest in community and sports was always evident.  Even though Mike was thoughtfully committed to many other community organizations and their diverse endeavours he always arranged to make time for Springwater Sports Heritage.

At the time of inception the main directorial commitment of Springwater Sports Heritage, given the existing technological options and opportunities, was that it would be virtual with the hope that in the future there may be a “Bricks and Mortar” opportunity to physically display some treasured items.  With this established the quest for financial support to design and develop a website for Springwater Sports Heritage commenced.  Within a short time Mike, and his wife Faye, were able to secure a funding benefactor “The McGuire Trust” and addition financial support from the Elmvale District Lions Club.  This significant support was the key financial step for Springwater Sports Heritage to ensue its desired mission.

At the beginning Mike was a key member of the Heritage Committee and he/they played a vital role in the Committee’s evolution.  During this period Mike, along with his teammates, facilitated the development of its strategy, blueprint and the fulfilment of its endeavours.  Their templates are being used throughout the website and provide a consistency and comprehensiveness to the variety of collected works.

It's important to note again the endless commitment Mike made to the broader community.  Springwater Sports Heritage was but a small part of the many hours of dedication Mike gave throughout his lifetime to numerous events and organizations.  Well beyond the contributions Mike made to Springwater Sports Heritage his extensive and wide-ranging legacy will be appreciated and continue to support those it was meant to lend a hand to.

Springwater Sports Heritage is grateful and blessed to have had Mike as part of the team. 

Galleries

(Mike Stone passed away at Barrie’s Royal Victoria Reginal Health Centre on August 6, 2022)