Community will miss top 'go-to guy'

John Stewart

April 28, 2009

Ron Lenyk is going to miss the community, but not as much as Mississauga will miss him, say local civic leaders.
"I sometimes wonder what he did at The Mississauga News," Mayor Hazel McCallion joked yesterday when asked about the mark Lenyk has left on the city.
"He's everywhere," the mayor said of the longtime publisher of the newspaper, who'll leave that job on Friday after 31 years at the helm. Lenyk is being promoted to a new post at Torstar Corporation, The News' parent company.
"He's been a major proponent of the Mississauga community," added McCallion.
"He knows everybody. He's well-liked and he gives full-time to the community. I always say that, if he ever runs for mayor, I'm in trouble."
Administrators of several charities in Mississauga told The News that convincing Lenyk of their cause opens up doors that lead to promotion in the newspaper, instant connections to an array of other potential board members and volunteers and opportunities for fundraising that wouldn't be possible otherwise.
Lenyk is the city's top go-to guy when it comes to charities looking for an emcee who's funny, and well-connected enough to fill seats at their annual fundraising galas.
"His networking abilities are just phenomenal," said Keith Tansley, executive director at Community Living Mississauga, where Lenyk has spent the past 25 years on the organizing committee for the annual tribute dinner.
"He's been huge for us and I'm sure you'd hear the same thing from every other charity," said Tansley. "He's just been fantastic for this community, largely because of other people he's put us in contact with. Many of the people in his social circle have become great supporters of CLM."
Jayme Gaspar, who heads Heritage Mississauga, where Lenyk has assisted with several projects including the restoration of the Port Credit log cabin, was "shocked and dismayed" to read of his departure.
"But I know he'll still be around; it's in his blood," said Gaspar. "He just can't stop working in the Mississauga community. He's been an incredible help for heritage."
Jim Grieve has co-chaired the Success by 6 program with Lenyk for four years.
"Ron has just been the most amazing advocate and business partner," said Grieve, director of education at the Peel District School Board.
"He understands both the economic argument and the human element for helping families as soon as you can," Grieve said, referring to the pre-school education and socialization program. "He's viewed by all the participating organizations as a pivotal leader."
Lenyk's good friend and partner in numerous charitable pursuits, local car dealer Laurie Williamson, jokes that the publisher pursues his charity work like he plays tennis — all out, all the time.
"The guy can't walk (because of bad knees), but there he is rushing to the net," said Williamson, whose daughter, Taylor, will marry Lenyk's son, Terry, Oct. 3. "Everything's full speed once the game is on. He was usually the key to getting sponsorship for these groups and, boy, could he sell tickets and raise money."
In an interview, Lenyk, 62, said his job and his community work have, basically, blended into a single entity over the years.
"Local newspapers help tie the community together," said Lenyk. "People look forward to finding out what's going on in their town through us and they want to know what we have to say and they trust us. It's hard to be critical if you're not going to take part.
"Journalists have been described as jackals at the banquet of life, but our writers are in the community and part of the community."
Lenyk, who moved to Mississauga when he was 16, laughed when asked if he'll miss his dozen-or-so "dates" every week at community events with McCallion.
"I wish it was only 12," he said.
When Lenyk told McCallion last year that he hopes to work until age 75, the 88-year-old mayor accused him of being a "quitter."
"She's my mentor. I don't always agree with her, but she's shown me to never give up on your life," said Lenyk. "She's 88 going on 21. She's what being human is all about — let's live as long as we can and be as productive as we can."
Lenyk might have to limit his charitable activities beause of his new role as vice-president of Torstar, but he says he won't be giving them up.
That's largely because the charities know he'll be impossible to replace.
"I don't think anybody's going to let Ron off the hook," said Tansley.
jstewart@mississauga.net