Page 4 - Nov-Dec 2019 - Reporter

Message from the CHAIR

the quiet before the storm

RON SCHELL ell, it’s that time of year again - the quiet Now I don’t always write about stuff regarding
Schell Home Hardware Wbefore the storm that we call Christmas. our industry because I want you to read my
Building Centre, Autumn has been amazing; warm, sunny, the column; and industry stuff is bloody boring. Two
weeks ago my wife Monica and I travelled down
“Leafs” are falling; and they have only played a few
Stouffville, ON
of their hockey games. It is nice to see things are to Cancun, Mexico for a week’s vacation. The
normal. resort is called the Moon Palace, slightly bigger
On a sad note, my Uncle Harry Schell (Steve than the Lamplighter Inn in London, Ontario,
Schell’s dad) passed away in October. Uncle Harry where we held the LBMAO AGM. Nine pools (really
worked upstairs in his shop ‘til “91”. I am not ponds), 25 restaurants – just a huge resort. We
talking 1991, I mean until he was 91 years old! He used golf carts to get around from place to place.
was a company man and owner of Schell Lumber First time on a golf cart that I wasn’t looking for
for over 72 years. They said last year at the my golf ball. This was a family oriented resort
hardware merchandise conference that 61 years with many kids of various ages. Now, what really
old is the average age of owners bugged me (pissed me off) – at dinner, lunch and
"Autumn has of building centres in Ontario. I’m breakfast, almost every kid (I mean every kid) had
been amazing; now 62 years old so I’m now above their iPad or iPhone, heads down, playing a game,
average for once in my life. We did texting their friends, whatever...never lifting their
warm, sunny, the give Harry a watch at 25 years of head to engage in conversation at the table. Even
"Leafs" are falling; service. His brother Percy Schell, my some of the adults were doing the same. My word
dad (although dad is still waiting for of advice – if you’re on holiday with your family,
and they have the DNA test results), is still working make sure your kids leave the phone or iPad in the

only played a few upstairs in the office at the age of room. Set an example and leave your phone in
89. We are either long livers or we the room too! We need to talk to our families, not
of their hockey have long livers. Uncle Harry was a bury our heads in the sand.
games. It is nice talented man; his drawings look like The LBMAO is always looking for new members.
paintings and his wood working was If you know of anyone, please pass their names
to see things are second to none. Even the customers on to headquarters or myself (416-892-5500).
normal." liked him. His grandson Jeremy, even Also, being a committee member is not a big
though he has big shoes to fill, seems commitment, but you should be committed. The
to be following in his Pa’s footsteps. pay sucks, but the people are great.
Now, to the future: First - I have not seen I am never sure, but I think this is probably
the figures yet, but I feel like we had a financially the last issue of the year (last issue – need
successful year. Second - Snowmobile day breaks a tissue) so have a wonderful Christmas
up the winter blahs. Third - I believe we will and hope to see you at next year’s events.
maintain the four golf dates and locations. Fourth
- Curling needs a boost so hurry hard. Fifth - The
car/truck/motorcycle is for me one of the best
times. Everyone can join in. Suggestions for a
fishing day are being considered. We should do it
just for the HAL-I-BUT.

4 LBMAO Reporter - November-December 2019 www.lbmao.on.ca