“As sure as the Lord is above, I don’t want to leave” Says Teary-eyed Cresswell
CFNO-fm Radio Host Al Cresswell and MPP Michael Gravelle presenting a 50th birthday message from Premier Wynne. Photo OntarioNewsNorth.com
MPP Michael Gravelle teased about Cresswell's love of hockey and the Maple Leafs gifting him with some unique memorabilia. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com
MARATHON, ON– Wednesday, May 22nd, well known CFNO-fm Morning Show Host, Al Cresswell, was in attendance at the Marthon District Chamber of Commerce’s annual “Evening with Michael” supper in honour of Thunder Bay – Superior North MPP and Minister of Northern Development and Mines, the Hon. Michael Gravelle. The supper has been held for more than a dozen years and so, Cresswell, never seemed to doubt that it would unfold as per the usual, with his role being that of reporter, that is until about half-way through supper when he was surprised to see his parents, accompanied by his children, long-time girlfriend, and other family members arrive.
The Marathon OPP Sergeant is among those with kind words and praise of Cresswell's reporting and community contributions. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com
Manitouwadge Town Councillor Natalie Labbee addressed those in attendance to explain she had been the lead in orchestrating the surprise, in recognition of Cresswell’s 50th birthday (May 21st). Labbee told OntarioNewsNorth.com that in light of the recent application by Dougall Media (CLICK HERE for those details) to move CFNO-fm radio’s office to Thunder Bay and the outpouring of support to keep the station in Marathon, largely directed at Cresswell and his news coverage in Northshore communities, she felt the timing was right to let Cresswell know just how much he was appreciated by the people in Marathon and neighbouring communities.
Attending Mayors including Terrace Bay’s Mike King, Red Rock’s Gary Nelson, Manitouwadge’s John MacEachern and others each took their turn to present Cresswell with birthday greetings many also presenting momentos from the communities. Schreiberite and Olympian Dominique Filane, who had also been in on the surprise, had brought a banner which Labbee had encouraged attendees to sign, behind the scenes, prior to supper beginning. Marathon Mayor Rick Dumas explained that council had special wishes they would be sharing with Cresswell at their regular meeting Monday, May 27th. M. Gravelle also had a special message from Cresswell from Premier Kathleen Wynne in a very official card as well as one from himself (see video below). EvenMarathon’s OPP Sergeant seized the opportunity to share positive comments about Cresswell.
Cresswell was overwhelmed by the outpouring of affection and couldn’t help shedding a few tears when he took the mic to thank everyone as he explained that he hoped Dougall would not succeed in moving the station “As sure as the Lord is above, I don’t want to leave” said Cresswell also explaining that “If they move to Thunder Bay I’m out of a job, I’m out of the equation”. He told the attendees they were like family, that he knew everyone there, their families and children. Paraphrasing Michael Gravelle’s earlier statement that the Northshore communities in the Marathon region were more like one community.
It was clear by the standing ovation that those in attendance agreed with Cresswell that their communities were more than just geographical neighbours and that they much appreciated his years of work as the local radio morning show host and news director.
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- MPP Michael Gravelle teased about Cresswell’s love of hockey and the Maple Leafs gifting him with some unique memorabilia. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com
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- The Marathon OPP Sergeant is among those with kind words and praise of Cresswell’s reporting and community contributions. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com
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- CFNO-fm Radio Host Al Cresswell and MPP Michael Gravelle presenting a 50th birthday message from Premier Wynne. Photo OntarioNewsNorth.com
