By Greg Nikkel
Pangman farmer and former president and owner of the Weyburn Red Wings, Tom Webb shares his story in his book “Guts and Determination”, which he launched with a book release on Saturday.
From three years of interviews with writer Shelley Svedahl, the 88-year-old tells the story of his life in farming, growing up in the 1930s up and working in agriculture until about three years ago when he sold his farm at an auction. His story includes his years of being involved with sports, and specifically with the Red Wings.
“I coached minor hockey for 11 years, and was involved with the Red Wings for 11 years,” said Webb, noting his first four years he was a 50-per-cent owner with a group of partners before selling his share and being away from the team for a year.
Then, in 1980 he came back and took on full ownership of the junior hockey team, a relationship that lasted for seven years and included the Centennial Cup national title in the 1983-84 season, which Tom acknowledges was one of his proudest moments. They were inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame, and the team was acknowledged in the Legislature on May 23, 1984.
Webb pointed out that if he hadn’t stepped up at that time, the hockey team would likely have moved to another city and Weyburn would’ve lost junior hockey.
Webb was presented with a special Red Wings jersey on Saturday by a member of the Centennial Cup team, Dr. John Corrigan, which had Webb’s name on it and the number 84 for the year of the national title win, and a former general manager of the Red Wings also had some comments about Webb.
“If it hadn’t been for Tom Webb sacrificing himself and putting up the money, I don’t know where the Red Wings would be today,” commented Ron Rumball, Weyburn Red Wings Coordinator of Player Personnel. Ron and Tom worked together for the Weyburn Red Wings, starting in 1976 when Webb became president.
He was there when Melfort made an offer to buy the Red Wings, and Webb stepped up to buy the team to keep it in Weyburn. “His heart was every bit as big as his bank account,” Rumball added.
“I’m happy to salute Tom Webb on behalf of the City of Weyburn,” said Mayor Roy. “What better place to release his story, than the home of his beloved Weyburn Red Wings junior hockey team.”
Thomas Webb was born July 14, 1929. He tells it like it is, lives what he believes, and never wavers from his passion to do more. His life hasn’t been easy, but despite many detours and obstacles, he has persevered and thrived.
