The late Wade Konschuh loved golfing as well as bringing people together to share a good time.
So his daughter Becca decided, and his wife Bev agreed, that a great way to honour and celebrate his memory was to organize a memorial golf tournament fundraiser in his name.
The inaugural event was held on Friday, May 25 — one year following his death — at the Sundre Golf Club, with proceeds going to the Moose and Squirrel Clinic’s home palliative care program.
“We had perfect weather — it was fantastic,” said Bev, adding the event was full up.
The golf course was in great shape, the meal was tasty and the organizers struggled through tears to find the words to express the extent to which they appreciated the substantial support that in the end helped to raise about $7,000.
“I don’t know how we’re going to make it better next year — it’s going to be hard to top,” said Bev.
Becca, who lives in Calgary and works for Totem Golf generally from the head office in Cochrane, said there were 140 golfers, and that including volunteers there were 156 people at the Sundre Golf Club for the event.
“We were really touched that all of those people could make it out and celebrate Dad’s life…He loved to get everybody together to have a good time,” she said.
“He was very humourous, giving and loyal.”
Wade also played a big part in inspiring and shaping the person Becca has become today as well as influencing her aspirations for the future.
During his final days, the clinic’s home palliative care service greatly facilitated providing Wade with comfort, and Becca said she wanted to show her gratitude by raising funds for the program.
The tournament raised $3,500 with an additional matching amount donated by the Totem Charitable Foundation, she said, adding her hope is to make the fundraiser an annual event.
Sundre is not only a great place to call home, said Bev, but also a wonderful community with a dependable and supportive backbone of caring people who, when needed, do not hesitate to come together and lend a hand.
“I just know we’re in the right place. This is where we were meant to be. I can’t say enough about our community.”
Wade was always fond of getting people together to share some fun, and Bev said he would have been really pleased with the memorial tournament, which brought together many people who had not seen one another for too long.
“For him, that was a priority, to stay in touch with friends.”
