The 13th annual Perry Folk Award was just presented to one lucky Weyburn resident for their personal interactions, friendly demeanour, and positive attitude at the Weyburn Golf Club.

The award was presented this year by the mother and father of the late Perry Folk, who was known for his excellent attitude on the green.

"We are presenting this award to Tara Busch for being a good patron and for her infectiously positive attitude that enhances the clubhouse atmosphere," shared Sylvia Folk. "So she's basically the clubhouse MVP. This is in honour of our son Perry. He loved the golf course so Al York from York Jewellers puts this up every year to someone like Tara that is an excellent role model for others in the community."

The nomination process involves club members writing down the names of a few suggestions, and the one most commonly named is that year's winner.

"I was shocked when I got the call and I am very appreciative," expressed Tara Busch. "I just received a plaque and I will have it with me for the year until it is forwarded on to someone else that will receive the award next year. And I also was awarded a $100 gift certificate to PumpJacks Saloon & Steak House."

Photo of Tara Busch with the 2021 Perry Folk Award (captured by Denis Conroy)

The award has been given out in the past by Perry's brother Kevin Folk.

"It goes back to how my brother was out there all those years ago," he shared. "This award came up in 2009, the year my brother Perry Folk died. Mr. [Al] York from York Jewellers was my brother's friend, and he thought that the things that Perry did needed to be acknowledged and rewarded somehow."

The first winner of the annual award was well known Weyburn golfer Graham DeLaet.

"I'm glad that Al York has been doing this for us because Perry has been gone now since 2009," told Ben Folk, father of the late Perry Folk. "He actually used to work at the radio station too. He was an announcer for the Red Wings for some time. It's good to see them keeping this up in our son's honour."

Perry left a legacy behind that continues on through the positive spirit that his brother, parents, and Al York have made sure to keep alive.

"He spent so much time at the golf course and threw some clubs into the water," Sylvia Folk exclaimed. "He had so much fun. He even dove into the water after them. I don't know whether he retrieved them but those were some stories we heard."

Busch added that she was blown away by the honour and said that she will continue to spread positive energy wherever she goes.

Kris Labatt, at left, received last year's Perry Folk Award, which was presented by Kevin Folk (photo by Marna McManus).