A fine fall day was chosen by Barry’s Bay Legion Branch 406 to host a reception for the sponsors and volunteers of the work party who built the patio deck. Before unveiling a plaque overlooking the deck that acknowledged the contributions of Murray Brothers Lumber and McRae Lumber Company, Branch President Heather Poliquin introduced Ted Murray and Jamie McRae by saying, “Without them we would not have this deck.” Above with plaque (from left) Dave Eagles, Ted Murray, Heather Poliquin, Jamie McRae, Bill Cunliffe
Poliquin explained that when the pandemic began the Legion had no idea when they would be able to reopen — and then they were told they could have a patio. She said she had been asking the guys to build a patio for a couple of years but the response was always, No, too much work. She continued, “But when Covid came and that was all we could have, it was done in an hour!” Through laughter, she reminded everyone that they had quickly set up patio furniture and umbrellas on the asphalt in a corner of the parking lot. When they thought about making it permanent, they sent out letters to local businesses and a couple of the lumber mills. “And the first two that answered were Ted and Jamie…. We want to thank Murrays and McRaes for their generosity. Thank you very much for supporting the Legion.” The gathering applauded and drank a toast “To Murrays and McRaes!”
Ted Murray said, “We are happy to be part of the project and glad it’s getting lots of use. Very nice gesture to have that plaque put up there. We appreciate it.” Jamie McRae said, “I echo that sentiment. We are always happy to be part of the community – both mills are – and we want the Legion to stay.”
McRae continued, “We decided we’d donate cash to finance the building, but we also donated one of these big picnic tables. We’ve made a few for the park in Eganville where our original mill was, and we made one more. It’s made out of hemlock. They don’t get stolen as much when they weigh a ton and a half!”
