Page 24 - Green Master summer 2022

uFEATUREuJOHN B. STEEL AWARD
Congratulations
to a Female First!
One of those highlights for Marie was being one of the first female foursomes at the National Golf Club of Canada which is an exclusive all male club. Most importantly Marie was known as a friend to so many across Canada and everyone looked forward to catching up with her during one of the many industry events she participated in over the years.
“Marie Thorne is well-known and respected in our profession. Her long career included many speaking engagements for CGSA along with many other associations. It was no surprise to find out that the late Gordon Witteveen who was one of Marie’s mentors contacted her after writing the book Practical Golf Course Maintenance, asking her to review a chapter about spraying for accuracy. There’s no question Marie has had a profound impact on many in our industry!” said John C. Scott, AGS, CGSA Past President.
Marie spoke during her acceptance speech about being the first female recipient of this award and asked the question, “Does that mean I have broken through the grass ceiling?” She said the purpose of her career was to make superintendents look good and how she’s always had a special place in her heart for superintendents! She paid special tribute to her two mentors Gregg Allan and the late great Gordon Witteveen. How grateful she was to have Gregg as her career long mentor who encouraged and supported her throughout her career and provided guidance and business strategy to her like no other. Gord, who was a source of encouragement to her, opened doors for her through his global network of contacts.
The CGSA John B. Steel Award commemorates the CGSA’s first President, who was also the first superintendent to be inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame. This award is presented annually to an individual, chosen by the CGSA Board of Directors, who has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of the profession of Golf Course Superintendent. The recipient is presented with an original soap stone carving (pictured above) designed and carved by Bill Fach, retired Master Superintendent, and a past CGSA President. GM
Marie holds her trophy, hand carved by CGSA Past President Bill Fach, MS Emeritus and also proudly wears her 30-year member pin.
CGSA member R. Marie Thorne received the distinguished
2021 John B. Steel Award during the Awards ceremony on March 3, 2022, as part of The Canadian virtual Golf Course Management Conference. Marie, who retired in April 2018 from Syngenta Canada Inc., was delighted and humbled to be the first female recipient to receive this award. Being in the turfgrass industry since 1981, she knew most of the previous recipients of this award which made receiving it even more special.
Marie has been a CGSA member since 1983. During her career she gave to the industry spearheading several partnerships within the Canadian golf course management profession, supporting both CGSA and a number of regional groups across Canada. She was heavily involved with the Ontario Turfgrass Research Foundation’s fundraising golf tournament over the years.
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