Wayne Honnila Honored With Memorial

At left: The family of the late Wayne Honnila of Cedarville gathers around the memorial stone and anchor erected at Clark Township's waterfront park in downtown Cedarville Saturday, July 15. Family members include Mr. Honnila's wife, children, and grandchildren (from left) Kevin Honnila, holding his daughter, Olivia, Cole Honnila, Erin McGuff, Steven Honnila, Joanne Honnila, Jack McGuff, Lyn Honnila McGuff, Jay McGuff, Sara Honnila, Debbie Honnila, and Erik Honnila, holding his daughter, Allison.

The community service of Wayne Honnila is now recognized in a monument at the Clark Township park on Hodeck Street in Cedarville. Alimestone boulder topped with an iron anchor, dedicated Saturday, July 15, recalls Mr. Honnila's 45 years on the fire department, 12 years on the school board, his long service on the township planning commission, and the many years he maintained the channel buoys that mark the dangerous rocks and reefs.

Mr. Honnila died December 1, 2003.

Nearly 100 people attended the dedication on the shore of Cedarville Bay, from which the Honnila family business, Viking Boat Harbor, is visible to the south. Dedicating the monument were his wife of 40 years, Joanne, Clark Township Supervisor Linda Hudson, and Robert W. Smith. His granddaughter, Erin, read scripture.

Mr. Honnila was the guest of honor at the 1994 Les Cheneaux Antique Wooden Boat Show and was active with the Les Cheneaux Area Boy Scouts and Toastmasters International. He

came to the Les Cheneaux Islands at the age of eight when his parents bought Viking Boat Harbor. He took over from his father, George, in 1976, and his son, Steven, now runs the business. All three Honnilas have served on the township fire department, George as a charter member.

John Grenier, John Hessel, and Randy Dunn contributed to the design and construction of the memorial, which was spearheaded by Mary Baker, a former colleague on the Clark Township Planning Commission and Les Cheneaux Islands Association.