The Amherstburg Echo
Thrasher Credits Family For Win
By Ron Giofu
AMHERSTBURG - It was a cause that encompassed friends, family and prominent citizens. It was a cause that brought support from all over the map over the last six months. And it was a cause that was a complete surprise to the person it was dedicated to.
The cause in question was the drive that saw over 400 names and over 50 letters submitted to have Pat Thrasher named as this year's Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce's Citizen of the Year.
The living room at the Thrasher's Dalhousie St. home filled up early Friday afternoon with the reason for the large turnout a mystery until director Janet Willoughby, who was accompanied by chamber president Carl Gibb, broke the news that Thrasher had in fact joined the elite company of prior Citizen of the Year award winners.
"I think it's a very good choice," noted Willoughby after making the announcement.
"It's a shock," said Thrasher. "That's humbling to say the least. To be considered in the same group as past winners is unbelievable."
Helping make Pat Thrasher this year's Citizen of the Year was an impressive list of dignitaries, politicians and organizations. That list included Senator Eugene Whelan, Essex MP Susan Whelan, Essex MPP Bruce Crozier, Amherstburg Mayor Wayne Hurst, Windsor Mayor Mike Hurst, former Amherstburg Mayor Bill Gibb, the Amherstburg Fire Department just to name a few.
But perhaps the most powerful letter came from Tom Kilgallin and his family. The letter detailed the history Thrasher has of serving the community. Thrasher's work ranges from his time on Amherstburg town council (and the committees thereof) to the work Thrasher put in with the United Way, to Thrasher's extensive involvement with the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Thrasher became the chairperson of the Windsor-Essex County Chapter of the MS Society in 1991, a disease he is stricken with himself.
"Pat Thrasher not only meets but by far exceeds the eligibility criteria for your annual Citizen of the Year Award and is a person that has always provided outstanding efforts and dedication to his community where he was born and raised," states the Kilgallins' letter. "Pat Thrasher is a man of integrity, compassion and strong inner resources. Pat continues to give his ideas, energy and support to causes that help people in Amherstburg and the surrounding areas."
This area's annual MS walk that Thrasher has been heavily involved in has seen over $1 million raised since its inception in 1992.
Thrasher gave a lot of credit to his friends and family for their support. He noted "I wouldn't have been able to do what I do" without their support.
"I've enjoyed everything I've done," said Thrasher, adding he has no regrets.
His 10 year involvement with Multiple Sclerosis Society has seen some personal growth along the way. It could be seen as a triumph over adversity.
"It might sound stupid but MS has made me a better person," said Thrasher.
Thrasher will be honoured at a banquet in his honour likely in April where he will be presented the Rev. James E. Martin Plaque.
The Nomination Letter By Tom Kilgallen
Tom Kilgallen, Pat Thrasher, Jayne Thrasher
Pat talking to friends
The Pat Thrasher Family
Brady, Wesley, Becky, Lindsay, Jayne
Pat Thrasher
Pat with his fun People cover,
presented by Dorothy
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