Franklin Prouse

As a very successful GM dealership, Franklin Prouse Motors has been a key player in keeping the Sault rolling for more than 40 years;  its now retired owner has also been an engine behind many community efforts.

Taking the example of his parents, Frank and Winifred Prouse, who were very active in the church, Frank Prouse has continued and expanded that tradition with his community, church and charitable activities.

While serving as a member of the Sault College Board of Governors, Frank might well have taught a few classes, such as "How to Be a Model Citizen" and "Giving Back to Your Community". Reinvesting in the people who supported him is overwhelmingly evident in Frank's history of involvement.

Hoping to provide an example to others, Frank has supported healthcare and so many other causes over the years. Attracting visitors to the Sault since 1973, Frank owns Lock Tours Canada, which operates the ship Chief Shingwauk, offering tours of the locks and the Sault Ste. Marie waterfront as well as private parties and dinner cruises.

In 1975 he co-operated with the city to purchase the museum ship Norgoma and administered its operation until 1992. Frank's maritime interests can also be seen in his efforts to re-open the Sault lock after its closure in 1987. He has served as president of the Canadian Passenger Vessel Association as well as a board member and past President for the Algoma Country Travel Association and continues his membership with the International Ship Masters' Association. Frank's involvement with the Mariport group has helped bring cruise ships into both Sault Ste. Marie and the Great Lakes as a whole. Working tirelessly over the years to bring new and innovative tourism opportunities to Sault Ste. Marie, Frank was awarded the Economic Development Corporation's Tourism Award of Excellence in 2004.

Frank is a former president of the Community Concerts Association. Past community involvement includes the Rotary Club, serving as the Director of the Algoma Conservatory of Music, and fulfilling two terms as the Vice Chairman of the Board of the Central United Church. In 1990, he received the Skipper Manzutti Business Achievement Award from the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce. A committed family man, Frank's feelings toward Sault Ste. Marie have grown only stronger since he and his wife, Nora, moved here with their four children from Acton, Ontario in 1962.

"The Sault Locks and St. Mary's River were what originally drew me here," he recalls. "I love the Sault. It's the best place in the world."

These are words that could only be uttered by a true patriot of our community. A member of the Plummer Hospital Board for 12 years with another 5 years on the Plummer Foundation Board, Frank's long standing commitment to healthcare in our community led to the first rationalization agreement which was instrumental in bringing the hospitals together to operate as one comprehensive healthcare service.

"My vision for the future includes a full cancer centre for the area," he says. "I continue to be passionately committed to achieving the highest standard of care for our community."

He has donated $100,000 to the New Hospital Campaign. As well, Frank has a life insurance policy for $100,000 that names the Sault Area Hospital Foundation as its beneficiary.

If those who do follow his lead contribute only a fraction of what Frank has, his example will continue to benefit all of us who call Sault Ste. Marie our home.