04/02/2026
On our Night of Champions night a very special CVCC Lifetime Member Award was handed out. We are going to share the speech and introduction of the award by presenter Adam Duncan:
"Hello members, friends and guests. Welcome to our Night of Champions.
It is a privilege to stand here as the Director of Marketing and Communication for the Comox Valley Curling Centre to recognize Mickey Colburn. I have had the pleasure of knowing Mickey for nearly the entire 15 years I have been a member here, and while we have never been teammates on the ice, we have certainly been on the same team when it comes to the success of this club.
To give you an idea of how special this moment is, the Life Member Award is not something we hand out lightly; in fact, it has not been awarded to anyone, Since Sandra Gallaway was awarded it, 15 years ago.
Mickey's life has truly been defined by the sport of curling. She started playing 57 years ago at the age of 12 in Bagotville, Quebec. After time spent at the curling club on Kingsway in Edmonton, she first found her way to the CVCC in 1984. She eventually spent some time in Gander and Kamloops, where she spent her time coaching U-18 boys' and girls' competitive teams, before finally making her way back home to the CVCC in 1997. She has been a fixture here ever since.
Throughout this long history, Mickey has maintained a standard of strong volunteer work that is clearly evidenced by her receipt of the Duffy Simpson award, two years ago. Her commitment goes far beyond simple membership; she consistently works for the betterment of the club through her actions and deeds. During her time serving on the Board, including her tenure as our Secretary from 2018 to 2021, she demonstrated the initiative and reliable participation that we look for in our leaders. In 2019 Mickey was also involved in the Pro Shop renovation, which has led to our Pro Shop being arguably the best on Vancouver Island.
Now, as a board, we don't always get it right. Mickey won the Duffy Simpson award two years ago, and with that, you are supposed to receive a free league fee. Well, we actually charged her for it last year. We only recently realized the error, but in all that time, Mickey never said a word. It is a total testament to her character. I know if that had happened to me, I would still be moaning and complaining to Keith about it today.
That selfless nature is exactly what Mickey brings to her thousands of hours dedicated to the Junior Learn to Curl program. Mickey runs this program with such passion that her volunteers, students, and teachers all hold her in the highest regard.
Describe the program:
• Two sessions for roughly 30 kids from an elementary school
• At least two times per month during the curling season
• Shoes and equipment
• Volunteers on each sheet
• Year end spiel for a group of super keeners
• There is a direct correlation between the kids that take this program and who sign up for our Junior curling nights on Wednesdays.
The program is so successful that there is consistently a waiting list to get in. We saw just how vital her leadership is when she briefly tried to retire; the program struggled so much without her that she "unretired" to help us redesign it, ensuring it remained sustainable by managing the number of school groups. Because of her, the next generation of curlers in our community has a place to grow. One of Mickey’s curling highlights was when she was helping run the JLTC program in Newfoundland and a young Brad Gushue was a student in the program. Not saying Mickey helped him win Brier’s, World Championships and Gold medals, but I guess I’m saying she did.
Her dedication doesn't stop with the juniors. Mickey is crucial to our Adult Learn to Curl program and the Hit the Ice clinics. She has served as chair or co-chair of the Mixed Bonspiel and used to lead the Jam Can kids' windup event. Whenever a rental group needs help teaching new curlers, she and Dennis are almost always the first to put their hands up.
Beyond the technical side of the game, she is the heart of our curling community. She is the person who sends cards of support or bereavement when a member is facing health challenges or loss, demonstrating a level of care that embodies our core club values. A couple years back my uncle, who was like a dad to me passed away and I couldn’t make JLTC that day. I felt like I’d let Mickey down, by bailing last minute. A couple days later in the mail arrived a card from the CVCC letting me know that the club was sorry for my loss. Isn’t it great how the smallest gestures mean the most in those moments?
Mickey is a competitive curler whose spirit on the ice is infectious, friendly, and welcoming. She is quite simply the most positive person I know, demonstrating her love for curling and this club every time she walks through the doors. She’s won many lady’s leagues, bonspiels and provincial titles, but most of all she acts for the betterment of the whole, displaying strong leadership and providing constant encouragement to others.
When Jack and Mary Holden heard that we were awarding Mickey this award, they sent me this message:
"Congratulations Mickey on being awarded the CVCC Life Member Award. We can think of nobody more deserving of it than you. We observed over the years the countless hours you put in running a very successful school learn to curl program. Coordinating schedules with the various school teachers, organizing volunteers and making sure everything was run in a safe and fun environment took a lot of work. We'd been involved with other school curling programs across the country and we have to say, yours was by far the best. Although we have to admit, we had to move away just so we could get our Tuesday and Friday mornings back. It was a pleasure working with you, curling with you and against you. Again, congratulations."
Now, this is from me. Mickey, your contributions to the CVCC have been invaluable. While you may not always respect the rules of shouting out answers during trivia when I am the emcee at the mixed bonspiel, we wouldn't have it any other way. You are a total beaut, and we thank you for everything you have done for our curling community.
Finally, as if we didn't have enough to celebrate already, today is also Mickey’s birthday. Please join me in wishing her a very happy birthday and congratulating her on this well-deserved honor of becoming our newest Life Member Award recipient.
