Once a Volunteer, Always a Volunteer

That statement pretty well describes Don Forth’s life.  As a young father he started out coaching his son’s hockey teams. He then became a hockey referee officiating youth and then “old timers".  Don was always interested in stock car racing and in 1968 he was part of the founding group of the Wetaskiwin Stock Car Club (WSCC). That year the club built the Sunset Speedway just west of Wetaskiwin and Don has been involved at the race track ever since.  Don also coached youth bowling for 32 years and still volunteers his time at Western Lanes.  Besides that he also donates his time to the Wetaskiwin Icemen Hockey Club.  It is because of his varied and enduring volunteer efforts in our community that Don is being inducted into the Wetaskiwin & County Sports Hall of Fame.

  Actively Involved in Stock Car Racing for 55 Years

Don has been a member of the WSCC since the club’s inception and at one time served as Vice-President.  He is the only member of the original club still active and involved at the racetrack.  Don was instrumental in the building of the Sunset Speedway. This included creating the clay oval raceway; Don could be seen running equipment and shoveling clay and gravel. On race nights he was the Flagman.  Then in 1994 he was involved in the paving of the Sunset Speedway. In 1995 when the WSCC leased the speedway to new management, Don seamlessly transitioned his volunteer efforts to the new group.  Sunset Speedway became the Edmonton International Raceway (EIR) in 2001.  As an octogenarian, Don still flags at the EIR and he can still be found at the raceway during the week helping with new construction and improvements.  He also runs the tow truck, is a repairman, helps with test drives and generally carries out jobs that need to be done. To recognize his over 50 years of contributions to the raceway a section of the EIR Grandstands were named after Don Forth at a ceremony in September 2017.  Don was and still is a very indispensable person at the EIR.

First Master Bowler in Wetaskiwin

In the 1970’s owners of the Bowling Alley encouraged Don to earn his Master Bowler certificate so that he could coach youth bowling.  Don became the first Master Bowler in Wetaskiwin. After 32 years of involvement Don retired from coaching.  However, he still devotes his time to Western Lanes.  Don can be found at the front desk handing out bowling shoes, assisting in the oiling of the lanes,  working on the machines, helping out with tournaments and just being at the bowling alley ready to assist where needed. 

Icemen Fan Extraordinaire

Don has always been an Icemen fan and has consistently attended most of the home games.  Because he was always at the games, one of the Board members encouraged him to get involved with the team organization.  For the past two years Don has served on the Board of the Icemen and at home games he works the penalty box.  Don is a valued member of the “Icemen Team”.

Happy to be Involved

Don is a very modest individual and does not do any of his volunteering for recognition, he contributes because he is loyal,  hard working and works in the best interests of his various organizations.  Don is happy to just be involved.  Don should be an inspiration to all of us and is perfect example of what being active and involved all of your life looks like.  We congratulate Don on his worthy induction into the Wetaskiwin and County Sports Hall of Fame. Your community is indebted to you for your service.