YMCA specially recognizes the Lakins

Mardi Suhs | Cadillac News Pat and Don Lakin received a surprise recognition plaque at the YMCA annual meeting Thursday night. The plaque reads, ÒOur community is better because of you.Ó

CADILLAC — Most everyone recognizes Pat and Don Lakin. They are retirees with purpose and vitality. They are the septuagenarians who can still be spotted taking power walks, biking or even water-skiing.

Most Cadillac residents have also seen the Lakins at community events and causes. For more than 20 years the couple has been a committed presence on area boards and committees.

On Thursday, during the fifth annual Meeting of the Cadillac Area YMCA, the Lakins were surprised with special recognition for their many contributions.

“Our community is better because of you,” reads their recognition plaque.

“This is a recognition of what the Lakins have meant to the YMCA and the entire community,” stated Chris Gentry, YMCA director. “Don has put his time, talent and treasure to the test as one of our most consistent leaders and the two of them have made a generous commitment.”

The Lakins have been key players in the effort to bring the YMCA to Cadillac. Don served on the original committee and has been active in fund-raising. Currently he is the chairman of the YMCA board of directors.

Gentry noted that Lakin’s concern for bringing the Y to Cadillac is motivated by his concern for kids, a concern that put him on the CAPS school board for 12 years.

“Don cared deeply for the students at CAPS,” said school board president Craig Weidner. “He was a great strength to the board. Don and Pat have great empathy for others and they both work hard to provide their physical support as well as personal resources to help bring opportunities to others less fortunate.”

Pat Lakin has served as president of the Arts Council and worked tirelessly for the Cadillac Area Arts Festival.

“Cadillac was really lucky when they decided to move here,” stated friend Linda Anderson, noting that the couple volunteers in the Headstart Birthday Book reading program. “They love this town.”

The Lakins originally lived in Grosse Pointe where Don had an optometry practice. They bought a cottage on Lake Mitchell in 1970 and moved here permanently in 1984. In addition to practicing locally, Don taught in the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University from 1981 through 1997 and left as a full professor.

“Dr. Lakin is wonderful,” said Marsha McDaniels of the dean’s office. “He has done so much for our school and for optometry. He would do anything for us and even though he’s retired he’s still very active in the profession.”

“They are both exceptional people,” added Judy Coffey, parish assistant of the United Methodist church. “They have been very involved in the local church. They both really view working for justice for people an important part of how they live out their faith. They are exceptional people.”

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Couple recognized

On Thursday, Oct. 11, the YMCA board of directors held their fifth annual meeting at Baker College. Afterwards, director Chris Gentry presented recognition awards to the to the 2002 founding board members; Ann Smith Zdrokowski, Dave Monson, Mary Dillon, Don Lakin, Christie Kearns, Tim Reaume, Amy Bizzigotti, John Raffaele and Rick Fulmer.

Then, acting upon a recommendation by Dr. Fred Carroll, a special recognition award was presented to Don and Pat Lakin for their dedication and commitment to the community through volunteer work.

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