By Rosalind Russell – One of Espanola’s most popular events is being held in special memory of one of its long-time members, the late Rodney (Rodd) Junkala. (the J is silent, UNK-ah-la).
Knights Cruisers Club President, Richard Stroud says they will be remembering Rodney who passed away in January at their annual cruise-in this weekend.
He says Rodney was an active member, a big supporter of Espanola and loved his car, a Thunderbird, which he brought to many of the shows over the years.
Stroud adds this year’s Cruise-In is set for this Saturday at the Espanola Regional Recreation Centre Oval from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
He says the event is free but is asking the public to bring donations for the Massey Food Bank and drop them off at the registration desk.
The show features hundreds of cars from the 1900s to modern day, a barbecue hosted by the Espanola Elks, a craft fair featuring over 60 vendors, and a plant sale by the Espanola Gardeners.
During his younger years, Rodney worked in renovations, with a special skill set in drywall work which kept him busy working towards his dreams.
Rodney started his career at Falconbridge (Glencore) as a labourer and worked his way up to a Millwright before retiring as a Maintenance Planner after many years of service.
Rodney was very active in the Masonic Lodge, also a member of the Scottish Right, Shriners, and Eastern Star as well as The Royal Canadian Legion.
He was 70.
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