PREECEVILLE, Sask. — The memory of Jack Prien lives on through a donation from his estate to the Preeceville Minor Hockey organization. Candace Kuta and Cory Paul, friends of Jack Prien and executors of his estate, made the presentation on Sept. 3 at the club’s AGM.
Before they presented the donation, they shared a little about Jack and, more importantly, what his wishes were for his gift of $31,817.77.
“Jack was born in 1928 in Preeceville and spent nearly his entire life as a part of this community. He was someone who believed in helping people. He volunteered countless hours to organizations around Preeceville, and if there was something happening at the sporting grounds, curling rink or hockey arena, there was a very good chance you would find Jack there.
“Jack never actually played hockey himself, but he loved hockey.
“For 45 years, Jack was the sole official scorekeeper for the hockey games at the Preeceville Arena. He watched generations of kids grow up on that ice. He knew the families, he knew the kids, and he loved being around them.
“You could usually find Jack wandering around the rink with a smile, a joke to tell, and probably a hot chocolate and chicken fingers in his hands.
“Over almost 70 years, Jack gave his time, his energy and his financial support to minor hockey. It became a very important part of his life.
“So when Jack made plans for this money, his wish was very clear.
“He wanted it to benefit Preeceville Minor Hockey as a whole.
“He didn't want it to simply become part of the organization's everyday operating expenses, where it could be spent and eventually be forgotten. He wanted his contribution to create something lasting — something that would continue to benefit the organization and the kids for years to come, carry his name and his legacy forward. And every time a group of young hockey players climbed onto that bus to travel to a game or tournament, Jack would still be helping them get there.
“Of course, we understand that the decision ultimately belongs to Preeceville Minor Hockey, and we trust the organization to determine what will provide the greatest benefit.
“Our hope is simply that this gift can be used for a lasting project or asset that benefits Preeceville Minor Hockey as a whole, just as Jack intended.
“So tonight, as we make this contribution in his memory, I think the greatest tribute we could give him is to allow that spirit of giving to continue.
“Jack loved the kids. He loved the rink. He loved this community.
“And we hope this gift will allow a little piece of Jack to remain a part of all three for many years to come,” Kuta concluded.
