Above: Richard “Dick” Parker’s hard work for the Gunflint Mail Run is recognized by a new award meant to honor similar efforts by volunteers. Left: Rick Johnson was presented with this year’s inaugural award.
In addition to awards for mushers at the close of the 2016 Gunflint Mail Run, a new award was initiated, the “Dick Parker Outstanding Volunteer Award.” Gunflint Mail Run Co-directors Sarah Hamilton and Jack Stone devised the award to honor a volunteer who puts his or her heart into seeing that the race took place—just as Richard “Dick” Parker of Grand Marais has done for many years. The inaugural award was presented to Rick Johnson of Grand Marais.
Stone presented the award to Rick Johnson, stating, “Gunflint Mail Run 2016 was the sixth year I was involved in the directorship of a Cook County sled dog race. Every race there was always one person that our board could depend on to know everything that needed to be done. He could tell you about every road crossing and every route and what was good and what was bad. He knew the right people to talk to in order to get signs for the road crossings and worked with the trail groomers and volunteers alike. That person is Dick Parker.
“This year Dick is not able to join us because of his ongoing health issues. When I first heard that he was not going to be able to help, my first thoughts went to him and his family.
“And then I panicked. I never had to do this without Dick. But we survived.
“As the race progressed and as we reflected on everything Dick has done for our races we felt it was appropriate to create and present the Dick Parker Outstanding Volunteer Award to a volunteer that worked hard to carry on the spirit that Dick has.
“I am not sure anyone can ever work as hard as Dick did as race day approached, but we feel that our choice for this award this year came pretty darn close. The recipient of the Dick Parker Outstanding Volunteer Award 2016 is Rick Johnson.
“Rick was our Trail Boss this year. In normal years he would be in charge of putting up and taking down trail signs for the race. He would also sweep the trail after all racers had gone through to make sure we have no stragglers. It is a lot of work but everyone puts in a lot of work.
“This year however, with all the downed trees and brush on the trails, Rick put in many hours of work cutting and clearing to get the trail ready. He had help from others but he took on the responsibility of having the trails ready for race day.
“On behalf of everyone on the board, mushers, volunteers and visitors, thank you Rick for your contribution this year.”
Stone concluded, “And thank you again Dick Parker for all you have done for me and the race community in Cook County.”
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