by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative
When it was announced McGregor resident Richard Meloche was selected as the 2024 Citizen of the Year during the Fun Fest weekend in July, many in the crowd knew the former local politician and long-time volunteer would not accept the award unless he was doing so on behalf of many in the area who dedicate their time, efforts, and expertise to improving the community.
And that is exactly what he did on Saturday evening, when friends and family were invited to celebrate this recognition during a banquet hosted at the Essex Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 201).
Meloche is longtime member of the Essex Legion, Heritage Essex, minor soccer, Kiwanis, the Essex Region Goodfellows, McGregor Knights of Columbus, the Town of Essex’s Arts, Culture and Tourism (ACT) Committee, the McGregor Music Fest Committee, and previously Essex Minor Hockey.
He and his wife, Cathy, also founded the fundraising committee that helped develop the soccer fields in Essex Centre.
It all began, however, with involvement with the McGregor Youth Organization.
Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley presented Meloche with a token of recognition during the event on behalf of the Town of Essex.
Bondy noted she spent three terms on Essex Council with Meloche and witnessed his dedication and the spirit of community he committed to the betterment of the town.
She called Meloche “an example of what it means to give back.”
Heritage Essex President, Tony Malkowski, spoke about the invaluable input Meloche provides on the Heritage Essex Committee, which maintains the historic Essex Railway Station.
“He became a member almost by force,” Malkowski joked. “When you have a good man on the job, you keep him as long as you can.”
On behalf of his family, Meloche’s sister, Ruth Hinch, congratulated Meloche on earning the award.
She said it was a privilege growing up with her brother, who was always looking out for her.
Even at a young age, Hinch recalled her older brother taking on a leadership role, including becoming President of the McGregor Youth Organization, where he took charge in initiating events.
Wendy Pulleyblank-Cunningham highlighted Meloche’s dedication to the Essex Region Goodfellows, which annually supports the Essex Area Food Bank, the Essex Salvation Army, and the St. Vincent de Paul Chapters in McGregor and Harrow through its newspaper campaign, corporate donation initiative, and 50/50 raffle.
Meloche has held many leadership roles in this service club, which contributed to the Essex Region’s Goodfellow’s successes.
“The food banks have greatly benefited,” Pulleyblank-Cunningham said, adding Meloche is a man who works behind the scenes as part of many local organizations. “He is an asset to all of them.”
Former Councillor Steve Bjorkman spoke of being able to learn the political ropes from Meloche when he was first elected in 2014. The two formed a friendship that continues today.
“Richard was always there to help,” Bjorkman said, highlighting many of the projects and initiatives Meloche was part of or supported. “He was well respected by Council colleagues.”
Many who congratulated Meloche also recognized the support and partnership of his wife, Cathy, who volunteers with her husband in many ways.
Cathy noted she met her husband in grade school, and recalls his advocacy work beginning as early as the age of 14 in picking up litter and requesting more trash cans to help keep the community clean.
“He always has family and community in his heart,” Cathy said, adding Meloche is proud to watch his six young grandkids already starting to follow in his footsteps in serving the community. “I thank God for him every day. I know the world is a better place because of him.”
Meloche thought it was cool to have so many people he loves in one room. He thanked his wife for all the support and for all she does for the family and in volunteering in the community.
He was extremely honoured to be added to the Essex Citizen of the Year list of recipients that goes all the way back to 1978. A handful of those recipients were onsite during the banquet to celebrate with Meloche and his family.
Meloche knows many who were deserving of the award and believed they too should be celebrated.
The annual Citizen of the Year banquet is hosted as a fundraiser for Heritage Essex.
Heritage Essex teams up to organize the Citizen of the Year program with the Essex Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 201), the Rotary Club of Essex, and the Essex Knights of Columbus Holy Name Council (3305).
A representative of each of the organizations forms the Essex Citizen of the Year Committee, which plans the annual program. It also puts a call out to the community in late spring for nominations, then selects the winner.
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