To the residents of Bowden and surrounding area:
On Jan. 17, 2013 Bowden lost a lifelong resident, Don Poynter. His death affected many people: many lost a friend, a brother, an acquaintance but most of all a dedicated resident who always had a smile, a handshake, a friendly word for young and old alike.
I submitted a request to the Town of Bowden in March 2013, asking them to consider renaming the arena of Bowden, where "Choppy" spent countless hours, to "The Don Poynter Memorial Arena." The town council put out the request in their town newsletter. They asked the residents their opinion. I was saddened to learn that the people stated it wouldn't be fair to other people that have given much of their lives to Bowden to rename the arena after one person. Choppy was involved in as much as any one person could possibly be involved in for his community. I'm wondering if anyone else ever put in this request for their loved one? Because if not, this is a non-issue.
I drove through Torrington and noticed the arena was named after a resident from that area. I did not know this man, but I got a warm feeling inside thinking that he was loved that much and must have been a true “giver” to his community that the town would give him this honour of having the arena named after him. So I decided I'm not going to sit back and take "NO" for an answer from town council on this matter.
We as friends and family of Choppy need to stand up and fight for what we believe would be the highest honour to Don. Let his name shine in lights for his hometown.
So now I put this out there in an open letter to the editor, how many people actually went in to the town to voice their opinion on this matter? I truly find it hard to believe that anyone who has lived in Bowden, been part of an organization that involved Don Poynter. Choppy knew of his tireless dedication to his beloved home place, knew of his volunteering to many, many causes - Ag Society, Lions Club, Parks and Rec, curling club, and arena, both playing sports and working, volunteering to build the ball diamonds and dugouts that many of you and your children enjoy to this day, made your rest stop a pleasant place that your town could be proud of, made the cemetery a reassuring place that our loved ones can rest comfortably and in beautiful surroundings. I could go on and on.
Those of you that truly knew Choppy should be honoured to say "Yes, I want something to be done for this true veteran of my town, because honestly, without him, many of the things that my family and I enjoy may not be here today without his dedication and love for his hometown."
He loved Bowden and everyone in it. He chose to live his entire life there, from his birth to his death. Not many of you can say that. He was a true Bowden resident.
I believe the Town of Bowden should step up and support him. Show him we loved him and appreciated him.
Carla Sparks,
Calgary
