By Fred Groves
In 1957, 15-year-old golfer Bob Panasik became the youngest golfer ever to play all four rounds at a PGA event.
His legacy lives on and on November 5 at the Urban Field House in Emeryville he was posthumously inducted into the Lakeshore Sports Excellence Hall of Fame which is located at the Atlas Tube Centre.
In a video message in front of a large crowd, TSN Reporter Bob Weeks said, “he (Panasik) was a great man, and a great golfer. He would always offer suggestions.”
‘Panny’ as he was known, was inducted into the Athlete Legend category of the local Hall of Fame. His accomplishments, like that of his fellow inductees are numerous and include representing Canada three times at the World Cup.
The November 5th ceremony also saw former University of Windsor women’s hockey team player and now assistant coach Natalie Barrett inducted in the Athlete Modern category. She played one year of professional hockey in Montreal.
The 2025 Class of the Hall of Fame also included Builder Paddy Byrne who was a founder of the Belle River Soccer Association and Lighthouse Cove’s Jim Cooke who travelled the world as a driver and then a spotter in automotive racing.
“It’s truly an honour to be inducted alongside of them,” said Barrett.
From a young age, Cooke had a fascination with cars and in the video presentation chronically his life, was known to sleep in cars so he could always be sure to get a ride. He thanks many people for his achievements and acknowledged Lakeshore.
“I’ve lived in Lakeshore for over 55 years. The community has grown so much. It is something to be proud of,” said Cooke.
Community meant a lot to Paddy Byrne. Born in Dublin, Ireland and he was a former Lakeshore town councillor. He owned a well-known pizza eatery and became a soccer official before his passing last summer.
Speaking of all the inductees, Hall of Fame co-chair Joe Bryne said, “their legacy endures with lessons they have taught us.”
The four 2025 inductees join those from last year’s inaugural year – David Tremblay, Jim Mahon, Mary Ann Pinsonneault and Reg Chevalier.
“Sports are the heartbeat of our community,” said Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey. “Sports doesn’t just entertain us, they teach us the value of hard work.”
Besides the four inductees this year, the Hall of Fame gave out it’s very first bursary to local athlete Liv Johnson. A St. Anne’s High School grad, she has excelled at both volleyball and soccer as well as being a figure skater and a skating coach.
Board members of the Hall of Fame include Chairman Jim Rauth, Joe Bryne, Doris Desmarais, Ron Garant, Mary Ann Pinsonneault, Allan Hillman, John Mahon and auxiliary members Frank Jeney and Ian Ruston.
The program for this year’s event read, ‘we are honouring the heroes of the game and recognizing Lakeshore residents who, through participation, achievement, or support, have made outstanding contributions to our society.’
Nominations for the 2026 induction are now open and can be sent to lsehof2024@gmail.com
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