LaRonge Saskatchewan? Until January of 2004 I’d never heard of the place. Then I met my future husband on the Internet through an online dating site. A short time later I’m married and living in this small northern town of approximately 5000 people with my current husband, a long time resident of LaRonge.

I’m not the first Newfie to make LaRonge my home.

Born in Newfoundland in 1894 David Patterson left home at the age of 14 to seek his fortune in the West. After his many travels, David finally settled in LaRonge. On January 2, 1923 David was married and with his wife Victoria, had 10 children.

Throughout his 60 years residing in LaRonge David worked for the Forestry Department as a Tower man and also operated a trap line. The renowned Grey Owl was one of his closest friends and together they used their energies for the conservation of the beaver. As a Forest Ranger, David’s area covered most of the North and he was able to do a census of the people and the types of wildlife. The Northern people knew David as ESKITTWOKAMOW, which means “Forest Ranger” Because of his dedication to the North and it’s people, David Patterson became a respected and well-known legend in the North.

Patterson Park downtown LaRonge is named in his honour.

LaRonge continues to be influenced and benefitted by Newfoundlanders. LaRonge has many professional and tradespeople from Newfoundland calling LaRonge home.

April the 4th The LaRonge Chamber of Commerce held a Newfoundland Night to honour the corporate citizens of LaRonge. Reasoning for the name “Newfoundland Night” given by a Newfoundlander was that in these rough economic times only Saskatchewan and Newfoundland are the bright spots.

Perhaps not the only reason, we Newfoundlanders love to have fun.

The buffet was traditional Newfie fare, codfish, Shipwreck, Jigs Dinner, crab legs, bologna, etc. A scoff indeed. Salt meat is not readily available here so some recipes had to be improvised.

Entertainment was supplied by, A. Frank Willis, the One-Man Band from Newfoundland. This man of amazing talent and Newfie charm played multiple instruments using his mouth, hands and feet and did it all at the same time. He preformed a solid three hours interspersing his music with jokes. A Frank held a “Screeching in of about 30 wanna be Newfoundlanders.” Not having a cod a capelin had to be used.

About 150 attended the “Newfoundland Night.” Of these a group picture of 20 Newfoundlanders calling LaRonge home was taken with A. Frank Willis.

Proud to be a Newfoundlander
Sharon Topping
  Submitted By: shaon topping