Left to right, Rena Weikle, District 99 Program Quality Director, Danielle Barrett, President, Battlefords Toastmasters, Bob Johnson, Recipient of 50 years in Toastmasters Award, Ben Acquaye, Division E Director. (supplied photo/ Candace Dustan)

By BattlefordsNOW Staff

Roast the Toastmaster

Battlefords Toastmasters Club celebrates 50 anniversary of member with surprise roast

Sep 20, 2019 | 2:00 PM

The Battlefords Toastmasters Club celebrated Robert W Johnson’s 50 years as a toastmaster on Wednesday night.

Every year, the Battlefords Toastmasters Club holds an awards night. One of the awards is the R W Johnson SOB, or Spirit of the Battlefords award. It is tradition for members of the club to roast the recipient.

As the namesake for the award Bob is not eligible to receive it, but he was honoured with a special award and roast Wednesday night at a surprise 50-year celebration. The roasts of Bob had the room full of members and guests, including Bob’s wife Carol, in stitches. Not one to be outdone, Bob used his quick wit and Toastmasters experience in his equally amusing rebuttals.

Bob began his Toastmaster career in 1969 and was an original member who was instrumental in getting the Battlefords Toastmasters Club chartered in 1977.

As an accountant, Bob joined Toastmasters because wanted to gain public speaking skills for client presentations and audits. He has been an active, spirited member ever since, mentoring many fellow members along the way.

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In 1994 Mr. Johnson achieved the title of Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM), the highest honor and title a Toastmaster can attain. He has been providing outstanding service to the club ever since and he still serves as the treasurer on the executive.

Another prestigious award was presented to Johnson at Wednesday’s meeting. He received the Toastmasters International Communication Achievement Award outstanding achievement and contributions to communication excellence.

At the conclusion of the event, Johnson thanked the organizers of the special event and said he hopes to continue with the group for many more years to come.

Battlefords Toastmasters meet every Wednesday evening in September through June from 7 to 9 p.m. in room 108 of the Don Ross Centre. Guests are always welcome to attend.

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Submitted by Candace Dustan