The Council of the Municipality of Russell presented a recognition award to Dr. Darrell Menard to recognize his service and dedication to the residents of the Russell community.
Dr. Menard has become a vital figure in Russell through his work as a physician and community leader, making a positive impact both in the community and around the world.
“I really love this community,” Dr. Menard said. “That’s why receiving an award for your work in the community you love is very special. »
After almost 20 years of marriage, he and his wife, Janet, lived in small military communities while Dr. Menard was in the military. They were then posted to Ottawa, but found it too overwhelming. Looking elsewhere, they discovered the conservation area housing estate and decided to move to Russell 33 years ago, “and we’ve never regretted it”.
Dr. Menard takes a moment to highlight his wife, who has been by his side for 33 years. She helped the medical office as a practitioner, caring for her own patients, examining people, determining the urgency of each person’s needs, and giving advice over the phone.
“Often, spouses are not mentioned in these prices. But I want to say that she played a very important role for the community who felt that I should receive this award, but she also played an essential role in bringing these projects to fruition. I think we forget that sometimes. It’s important to thank her, because she truly played a key role in everything our family has done for this community. »
Since moving to Russell, he has practiced as a physician, caring for patients suffering from sports-related illnesses or injuries, at any time of the day or night. His work demonstrates his deep commitment to the health and well-being of residents.
But Dr. Menard’s contributions are not limited to the municipality.
He served as a doctor during Canada’s seven-month peacekeeping mission in Bosnia in 1998.
In recent years, Dr. Menard has continued to participate in Paralympic sporting events, providing medical support to Canadian athletes and being a mentor for indigenous rights and freedoms, offering advice to those who need it.
Returning to Russell, he volunteered as a speaker and moderator at fundraising and support events for community organizations such as the Kin Club, the Curling Club and the Knights of Columbus.
For Dr. Menard, one of the most notable achievements was his role as a guide runner who helped visually impaired athlete Jacques Pilon win a gold medal at the 1980 Paralympic Games in Arnhem, Netherlands, and breaking the 1,500 meter world record by almost 10 seconds, with a time of 4 minutes, 31 seconds and 60 milliseconds.
“It was a huge and extraordinary experience. I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to do this, and I would say it’s the highlight of my athletic career, for sure,” said Dr. Menard.
What are the next steps for Dr. Menard?
Dr. Menard isn’t done yet. His next adventure: a book. Currently in the layout stage, the book, titled Diary of a Deployed Doc, will chronicle Dr. Menard’s experience during his seven-month deployment to Bosnia.
The book is made up of journal entries detailing his experiences, thoughts and feelings while away from home.
“So I’m very excited to have one of these books in print in my hands, after all the work we’ve done to put this project together. So that’s the next big project.
“I actually wrote it mostly for my own mental health while I was there, to give me a chance to clear my mind in the evenings, but also so that my family could say later: ‘Here you go what dad went through,” and they can read it and say, “Oh, I didn’t realize you had to do that.” »
He began writing during his peacekeeping mission, but only resumed his writing and collected it a year and a half ago, with the support of his family. His daughter, Rebecca, did the cover and illustrations for the book, his younger son, Mathew, edited the book, his older son, Nathan, proofread part of it and edited it, and his wife also contributed to publishing the book.
The book will be available around the end of year holidays.
Dr. Menard’s legacy as a father, physician, athlete, Métis advocate and community volunteer has left a mark on Russell Township.
“Dr. Menard is the epitome of service and selflessness,” said Mayor Tarnowski when presenting the award. “Thank you, Dr. Menard, for everything you do. Your presence is a gift to our community and we are all deeply grateful to you. »
