An Interesting Rugby Read

Lone Oak is a much different proposition and can be attributed to the brainchild of Mike Holmes.  Mike’s name is synonymous with a number of philanthropical supporters of the game in Canada – Karl Fix, Chris LeFevre, Gren Thomas, and John Lecky, immediately coming to mind.  Mike and two partners have invested in eighty acres of prime land with the dream of it becoming one of the province’s most unique rugby homes.

A breath-taking “clubhouse” bar, large floor area and state-of-the-art cooking facility, as well as a patio area have been completed and initiated this past weekend.  The walls are adorned with caricatures of deceased VIRU rugby legends – players, officials and administrators, all of whom gave much to the game.  The artwork is attributed to the talented Paul Shepherd, artist and rugby buff.

This official opening and dedication was in honor of two ex-Viking rugby players, Dave Chambers and Jamie Hawthorne (a four-capped player with the NSMT XVI’s and VII’s).  Both men have been facing major health issues.  With the compliments of Chris LeFevre, Jamie, Dave and wife Sandy, and two of Jamie’s ex-Vike teammates from Kelowna, arrived on midfield via helicopter from Vancouver.  The eighty-foot posts were raised on Saturday and ex-Vike coach, Doug Tate organized some shenanigans and socializing continued until late in the evening.  Other components of the day featured a UVic rugby slide show, courtesy of the late Don Lobb.  Memorable recollections were the precursor to the wonderful spaghetti meal for all, prepared by Mike’s partner, Davine.  Copious libations helped the neural traces recall many memories and antics of years ago.  The evening had a pleasant background of music and vocals of a mixed genre, befitting the vintage of the assembled group, provided by a local talented soloist.  The assembled group represented many post-University club backgrounds; Velox-Valhallians, Abbotsford, James Bay, Cowichan, Kelowna Crows, and UBCOB.  It was with some wet eyes as the helicopter returned and loaded our friends and folks slowly broke up, leaving for abodes from Victoria to Calgary.

So, what is the vision for Lone Oak rugby? There may well be myriads.  The Vikings have already experienced a pre-season camp.  It could be an amazing venue for a Sevens tournament, with a dip in the incomparable, Tribune Bay; camp out and accommodation at the furnished bunkhouse; or a men’s or women’s Provincial encounter; a getaway for a visiting international team or an alternative for a national team to have a few days away from Shawnigan Lake.  It will no doubt be a gathering place for major island events, Folkfests, weddings, school ventures, kid’s rugby camps, would all be possibilities. The potential for events is unlimited for this “field of dreams”.  There is a downside and challenges, hurdles being limitations on the island for accommodation for spectators wishing to attend, and transportation can be far from seamless.  This being said, I would not miss the opening event!  Mike has paved a path of acceptance of rugby by his fellow islanders.

On behalf of those in attendance, Jamie and Dave, you will always be on our minds and your inspiration is amazing.  To Viking rugby and our deceased mentor, Howard, ‘The Flying Banana’ Gerwing and his forever tolerant, brilliant and loving wife, Marina, thanks for all you taught us.  To Mike & business partners, and Davine, what a legacy.  Your philanthropy, vision and generosity for the game we love is boundless.