With tonight’s induction, Don Guindon of Windsor becomes the first person to be inducted to the 5 pin bowling Hall of Fame for his contribution at the association level.

Originally from Sudbury, Don moved to Windsor in 1965, and with his new wife Pat, began his bowling career in the Windsor area. Don was always an avid bowler, both in Sudbury and in Windsor, playing three or four times a week. He would qualify for the Open eight times as a bowler and once as a coach and, in his league play, averaged over 250 for several seasons. In addition, Don also found time to volunteer as an administer of our sport.

In 1970, Don joined the Windsor five pin board and his first position was that of awards chairman. After only one year, Don was named awards chairman of the year by the Ontario Bowlers Congress and, in the following year, Don was also named president of the Windsor association.

Don, who has been labeled a perfectionist himself, demanded excellence from his board and through this dedication, Don was named president of the year in 1975 and 1977, and his Association won the "Association of the Year" title at the same time. Don was also elected to the provincial board, a position he held for two years but unfortunately resigned due to his job requirements and the extensive travel.

As President of the Windsor Association, Don introduced several changes and new programs. He spearheaded the establishment of the new association in Chatham, which became the St. Clair Association. He was instrumental in starting the Booster Club draw which allowed Windsor, one of the smallest associations, to become one of the richest and, throughout the years, cover tournament costs for local bowlers as well as convention expenses for Windsor delegates.

The Booster Club proved so successful that the fundraising program was adopted by the OFPBA and during the last seven years, the provincial program has raised over one million dollars for Ontario’s bowlers.

Through Windsor’s Booster Club, a Hall of Fame and Awards Banquet was started in the Windsor area and Don was inducted in 1980. In addition, a scholarship program was established for the youth bowlers and children of the association executives.

In the eighties, Don has continued to guide the Windsor association both in the newly created position of executive director as well as president.

In 1983, Don and his wife Pat took over Parkview Lanes and as proprietors, have served the Windsor bowlers in this capacity as well.

Despite a heart attack two and a half years ago, Don has now started his own sheet metal company, Aldon Sheet Metal, and as you would expect with Don’s dedication the company is very successful.

In a letter to the OFPBA, the late Audrey Naylor stated that Don Guindon is responsible for "making" the Windsor association, and tonight we recognize this contribution to the growth of our sport.