Dan Thain, an Abbotsford resident and Mission businessman who passed away suddenly in July 2010, was recently honoured by his Toastmasters Club.
Thain was the president of the Messengers Toastmasters when he drowned on Harrison Lake in a boating accident.
Club member Bruce Masse sponsored a trophy in his honour, given out to the club’s Toastmaster of the Year.
Brenda Molnar, the recipient, was thrilled to receive the first Dan Thain Memorial Award, presented to her by Dan’s wife, Nancy Thain, at a ceremony during the club’s summer barbecue.
“Dan always asked me, after I did a speech, if I’d mind if he gave me his personal evaluation. I always enjoyed hearing his tips for improvement,” Molnar said.
Masse said Thain was a man “who embodied the Toastmaster spirit.”
“He grew in so many ways during his time with the club, and was a wonderful mentor to all our new members,” Masse added.
The Messengers Toastmasters meet at Cedar Brook Church every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
For more information, visit toastmastersabbotsford.com.