Tractor Trot participant remembered as 'generous, caring' (30 photos)

Overcast skies threatened the start of the 23rd annual Canada Day Tractor Trot, but the spirit of the event kept the risk of showers at bay for the duration of the event.

A total of 120 tractors trotters left the parking lot of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 374 in Richards Landing through an Honour Guard of residents and visitors who lined Highway 548 as each machine and, in some cases, wagons and trailers made their way into town and more awaiting residents.

Jeanne Arthurs delivered the annual address, reflecting on how the trot began 23 years ago. The four originals – Ed Arthurs, Gord Hawdon, Jerry Hawdon and Lloyd Schell – kept inviting more and more people to join them until it grew into the large and well-attended event of today. To date, the trot has attracted over 350 drivers that have driven in the event through the years.

Jerry Hawdon and Lloyd Schell are no longer with us, Arthurs said, but Gord and Ed and their wives, Jeanne and Gloria continue to keep their vision the four set out to this day.

"We are always saddened to hear a tractor participant has passed along," Arthurs said. "A few days ago we lost Don Levesque, a generous, thoughtful, helpful and caring member of our community."

Arthurs went on to say that Levesque was a yearly participant and generously donated prizes year after year.

"Don special ordered unique bottles from Kentvale Merchants and had them filled with island maple syrup," she said. "He did this for the enjoyment of tractor drivers. Don would work on his tractors all year and bring them to the tractor trot. This year, no different."

Life had plans for this caring soul and the community is greatly feeling his loss, Arthurs added.

"Don is not here but his tractors and his spirit have joined us for the day," she said. "Thank you, Don for all you have blessed us with."

Two of Levesque's tractors were driven by son-in-law Andy Broks, and granddaughter Riley Broks and daughter, Erin. A third was driven by family friend.

Arthurs thanked the many volunteers who prepared the breakfast feast as well as prize donors.

"We want to thank you tractor drivers who make this event what it is. We know it takes a lot of time and effort to get your tractors ready and hauling them here," Arthurs said. "You make the Tractor Trot. Thank You."

There were a number of newcomers who boarded a tractor and filed into line for the first time, including Mike Mantha, MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin.

"A long-standing tradition, the Canada Day Tractor Trot brings the various communities of St. Joseph Island to pack the street and watch in awe as the new and old models chug through the streets," Mantha said. "Topped off with a fantastic breakfast, what better way to start Canada Day as the MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin, a must-see trot."

Mantha never drove a tractor before today and now he has accepted a challenge and will be entering the St. Jospeh Island Plowing Match in August.