Late Father, Husband Honoured at MJBEX Awards

When the winner was announced for the Business Leader of the Year at the 2019 MJBEX awards, some were brought to tears, but all stood to their feet and clapped for the person who was honoured. 

Unlike all the rest of the awards, the Business Leader of the Year was an in memorium to the late Mike Walz of Moose Jaw. And rightfully standing up to accept the honour was Walz's children. His son Russ took to the podium to show his appreciation on his father's behalf and shared some of his father's key attributes and personality traits that made him one of kind. 

Russ said that there important lessons that his father not only taught his five children but also to those who had the pleasure of working with him or knowing him. 

"The first lesson - respect is given and trust is earned, you betray either one of those and you'll likely lose both. If you dealt with him many of you knew that his handshake was not only large and firm but it was his word, if he shook your hand know that he not only trusted you but he respected you. The second lesson was you need to be willing to work hard, you need to work smart and you need to be involved. He tried to remind us that success doesn't always come quickly so be patient, be diligent, and remind yourself that you will never fail if you never stop trying," explained Russ. 

One of the many reasons Walz was chosen for the award one could assume was because of his heavy involvement not only in the business world but also in the community. During the speech, his son described the many areas his father had a hand in local sports such as baseball, skiing and hockey along with various jobs. 

"He fulfilled jobs to really being a farmer at heart and this all lead to his success with his brother as a realtor and a broker at Landmart Realty over the last fifteen or sixteen years but it was his level of community involvement and his dynamic resume that leads to the lasting images many of you will have of him and ultimately to the lasting lessons he taught all of us."

Russ added that he and his siblings often brought up that his parents should move closer to their children some of which who have grandchildren since they've all moved out of the city now but said his father never seemed to agree and he could tell how connected he felt to his home. 

"To receive this honour on behalf of my father is something that we will all look back fondly on and be a reminder to us of the impact he had on the community he loved and the community we all grew up in. To hear all the kind words and the heartfelt stories of my dad since his passing has been touching and humbling to all of us. From our family to all of you we say thank you, thank you for the trust and respect you showed my father throughout his life and the trust and respect you continue to show him since his passing."