Boyd Balkwill
Boyd Balkwill was born in Seman Sask., August 28th, 1923. He moved to Orillia with his parents when he was 6 years old and began playing lacrosse in these early years. He played until his participation in WW2, then returned to play with the Huntsville Hawks. In 1950, Boyd and the Hawks captured the Eastern Canadian Senior "B" Championship. The following year, he won the OLA Intermediate "A" Championship for Huntsville. In 1953, Boyd coached the Orillia Juvenille "B" team that captured the Provincial title. In the following year Minor Lacrosse in Orillia folded due to lack of players. This did not dampen Boyd's love of the game and he began refereeing. Over the years he refereed in many Mann Cups, Founder's Cups and President's Cups.
In 1966, Boyd spearheaded a group of lacrosse enthusiasts to help organize a game for the Canadian Centennial in 1967. The group included Boyd Balkwill, Gerry Mugford, John Rykman, Jim Wilkie, Frank Thorington, Dr. Paul Williams, Doug Balkwill and Garry Balkwill. During these meetings, it was decided that instead of planning for a single Centennial game they would attempt to rekindle lacrosse in Orillia. This group was the driving force behind what is now known as Orillia Minor Lacrosse Association. In 1967, Novice and Pee Wee teams were first formed. In the years that followed Tyke, Bantam, Midget, and Juvenile were added. Initially, they played house league at McKinnell Square before moving to The Community Centre. A few years later the Georgian Bay League was formed, teams included Huntsville, Midland, Barrie and Orillia.
Boyd was the President of the Minor Association for many years and an executive member. He also managed one or more minor teams each year until the late 1970's. When Junior Lacrosse was reintroduced to Orillia, Boyd also served for many years on the executive and coached as well.
Boyd Balkwill was instrumental in founding both the Minor and Junior Lacrosse Associations in Orillia. Boyd was awarded the Merv Mackenzie Award in 1972 by the Ontario Lacrosse Association. He later received the President's Award by the OLA. His love for the game of lacrosse was nurtured at a young age in Orillia, and this laid the foundation for his enthusiasm and dedication to the sport. Boyd's passion for the game did not end with his playing years, which enabled him to resurrect the sport of lacrosse in Orillia. Fifty years of his life was dedicated to the sport that he loved so much.
