Every Wednesday, Discover Weyburn will be highlighting a Walk of Fame inductee through the years, leading up to the induction of Curt Minard on June 17th.

This week's Walk of Fame spotlight is Tom Laing, who was inducted into the city of Weyburn's Walk of Fame in 2011. 

The Walk of Fame recognizes and honours the outstanding contributions of Weyburn's citizens. Read more about the award HERE.

Laing's legacy is still palpable today, with his name preserved through Tom Laing Park, which serves as the home of the Weyburn Beavers, the Weyburn Iron Pigs, the Weyburn Sun Devils, and U18 teams. Tom Laing Park was built in 1987/1988 to host the Canadian Junior Baseball Championships. 

In addition, Laing Crescent in the Opportunity City is duly named after the Walk of Fame inductee.

Laing was an industry leader. In 1944, he took over Weyburn Bottlers from his father. He turned around the struggling business, and obtained a franchise for Coca-Cola. It then became part of the largest privately owned Coca-Cola operation in Canada. 

Tom Laing U18 BeaversFile photo of the U18 AA Weyburn Beavers at Tom Laing Park.

Laing was the president of Soo Line Broadcasting Ltd., which was responsible for the launch of the Canadian radio station CFSL in 1957. CFSL operated on the 1340AM frequency for both the Weyburn and Estevan area, until the establishment of its sister station CJSL in Estevan, in 1961. From there, CJSL operated on the 1150AM frequency, which they still operate to this day.

In 1991, CFSL moved to the 1190AM frequency, and became AM1190, the flagship radio station in Weyburn, which is now owned by Golden West Broadcasting Ltd. 

Soo Line Broadcasting Ltd., along with CFSL and CJSL, were acquired by Golden West Broadcasting Ltd. in 1995.

Laing was a civic-minded individual, and was among those instrumental in bringing the Weyburn Red Wings to the Opportunity City, including serving as their president for a number of years.

In 1957, Laing assisted with the establishment of the Weyburn Police Service under the leadership of James E. McCardle, after a 12 year absence of municipal policing in the Opportunity City. Laing also served as alderman for a number of years, as well as the Mayor of Weyburn from 1963-1966.