One of the most important assets of any amateur sport, is a long term sponsorship. 5 Pin Bowling has been extremely fortunate in the past 15 years to have been associated with Carling O’Keefe Breweries. Their involvement with bowling began in 1963 and was initially with the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of Ontario. In 1965, the sponsorship transferred to the Ontario Bowlers Congress and more than $92,000.00 was contributed to cover a Bowler of the Week Program, a Provincial Handicap tournament and the World Championships.
In 1973, Carling O’Keefe Breweries Ltd. accepted a proposal to sponsor aa programme for all bowlers across Canada. The Classic Event which is being called the COLT 45 CLASSIC this year, captured the imagination of the average once a week bowler throughout Canada, and since 1973 has attracted over half a million entries. At the same time, sponsorship dollars were increased and have totaled a quarter million dollars from 1973 to today. When you add up the overall involvement of Carling O’Keefe during their 15 years with bowling, their contributions approach the million dollar mark.
Several men have been involved over the years with bowling, and while many have moved on, others are still in the Carling O’Keefe empire and all will be remembered for their contributions to bowling. Namely- Reg Bovaird, Bob Frewin, Ron Lenyk, Les Wainwright, Dave Heggie, Kevin Shaughnessy, Ed Hyjek, Gene and Tony Rudiak, Al Brooke, Jim Camlin, Doug Gerrard, Rick Scully, George Fuller, Tom McAllister, Wen Waddell and Dave Groombridge.
While normally in the past we have nominated an individual as a “Builder of the Industry”, this year’s selection is Carling O’Keefe Breweries. Their award will be accepted by their President and Chief Executive Officer, S. Roderick McInnes.
Born in Toronto in 1933, Mr. McInnes has been a dynamic member of the business community and actually began his career with Carling in 1960. Following his graduation as a chartered accountant and his articling period with Touche Ross, he joined Carling O’Keefe and served in various managerial positions. One position was that of comptroller, where with his finacial background, he could always keep his eye on the dollar. Following six years with Carling, he broadened his knowledge of the consumer market by working at the manager level with General Foods, Salada Foods, Canadian Food Products and Connaught Laboratories. In 1976, he returned to Carling O’Keefe Breweries as President and Chief Executive Officer. He has been primarily responsible for the strong position held by Carling O’Keefe in the corporate world today, and for the profitable picture that now appears on the Carling O’Keefe balance sheet.
With his wife Gladys and son Roderick, he now resides in Don Mills and enjoys golf, fishing, and carpentry. The Bowling Industry is proud to Honour Carling O’Keefe Breweries and S. Roderick McInnes for their contribution to the 5 Pin Bowling Industry across Canada.