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Vegreville Councillor Jerrold Lemko Honoured with Robert Clark Legacy Award
Vegreville Councillor Jerrold Lemko Honoured with Robert Clark Legacy Award
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
Vegreville resident Jerrold Lemko expressed he was incredibly humbled to be inducted into the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame and to receive the Robert Clark Legacy Award in Red Deer on July 9, 2025. Lemko shared that he never, ever expected something like this, and receiving the Robert Clark award is even more prestigious because Clark was a mentor, a very strong leader whom he looked up to and enjoyed spending every minute with, as well as learning from. “He was more than a leader for hockey; he was a community builder. I was fortunate enough to follow and mentor under him. I don’t think I will ever be able to wear his shoes.”
Lemko’s life of volunteerism started at a young age. His parents moved to the Village of Holden when he was six years old. “I grew up there, went to school there, graduated there, and met my wife, Anita, there, whom I have been married to for 48 years. I am so blessed to have her in my life. She is the stronger half of the team.
My dad was a councilor in the village and was a volunteer. He encouraged volunteerism. I remember a time when I was 12 and he told me to shovel the snow off the church steps. I asked what I would get paid for the job. He said it was volunteer work, but I would get more out of this than I would from paid work, which I would just spend. But the good feeling inside from helping others would be forever. To this day, I enjoy volunteering.”
Lemko was a coach for young hockey players for many years, was the President of Vegreville Minor Hockey Association, and on the Board there, was on the Board of Directors for Hockey Alberta, was on the Development Council for Hockey Canada, was quite involved with the World Juniors, the Canada Winter and Summer Games from 2003 till this year which he retired from now. He also received the
Governor General Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers in 2015.
Lemko also helped to get KidSport Vegreville started again with Roy Mills after the passing of Brian Henderson, where Mills is now doing a wonderful job as the Chair.
Lemko reflected that his fondest memories were the times spent interacting and sharing stories with Hockey Alberta’s people, players, youth, and his time with sledge hockey. “It’s the beauty of being surrounded by the people.”
In his opinion, participating in hockey helps young people because they contribute to a team, whether it is successful or not, and create bonds and friendships that last forever. “It is about enjoying playing the game, enjoying the sport, and the company and the laughter of your fellow teammates.”
Lemko closed by saying he was able to spend time with Hockey Players and Influencers Ryan Smith, Calgary Flames Joe Nieuwendyk, and Craig MacTavish, and they were all beautiful people who are humble like the rest of us.
