Mike Kyte is doing what he does best, volunteering to promote his chosen sport of 5 pin bowling.
Born in Toronto in 1952, Mike was the last of five children and following short stays in Barrie and Toronto, in 1963 the family settled in Richmond Hill. Mike joined the Youth Bowling Council (YBC) at Allencourt Lanes and through time advanced to the adult leagues, first at Allencourt and then at ABC Bowl in his hometown.
In as early as 1972, Mike became involved in the administrative side of bowling and, upon the urging of a popular local volunteer, Jack Hill, in 1976 Mike joined the board of the York Simcoe 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association. One year later, Mike was recognized as Tournament Director of the Year in the incentive program at the annual convention held by the Ontario 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association (O5PBA). He continued his excellence by winning again in 1978 and again in 1991 and 1992. He was also recognized as the Membership Chairperson of the Year in 1990, 1992 and 1996. He assumed the presidency of the York Simcoe zone in 1997 and, under his leadership, the zone was recognized as Association of the Year for 1998-99. Along with these awards, the annual bowlers’ convention was a time for some special activities. On one occasion, Mike shaved his head for Kids Help Phone and under the auction hammer of Hall of Famer, Jack Hales, $1,100.00 was raised for the charity.
With this local zone success, Mike accepted the challenge to advance to the provincial board in 2001. Beginning with the record scores portfolio, Mike also served on committees involving membership, constitution, planning and association reorganization. While offering his expertise in these areas, he hoped to become provincial Tournament Director and following Hall of Famers, Walter Knapp and Harold Stoddart, he now holds his coveted position.
To complement his adult involvement, Mike took to the YBC. He took over as Program Director for the YBC at ABC Bowl from 1985-87 and then transferred to Pro Bowl in Richmond Hill, where he has held the position for almost 30 years. In 1976, he joined the teaching division of the Master Bowlers’ Association and continues as a member to this day.
Be assured that Mike could not have contributed all this time without the support of his wife, Doreen. Mike actually proposed to Doreen at a Master Junior tournament in 1975 and they married a year later. Two daughters, Michelle and Diana followed and Mike used his volunteer skills to coach the girls in both baseball and bowling. On the lanes, he coached in the Youth Challenge, the Senior Mixed and the 4 Steps to Stardom in the YBC and two times at the Provincial Open. At all levels, Doreen has been there as well, winning her share of awards and also volunteering for a variety of jobs that have to be done at both the local and provincial levels.
Over the years, Mike’s volunteerism has been duly recognized. The YBC presented Mike with an Appreciation Certificate in 1989. Mike has assisted the local Special Olympics chapter on numerous occasions using his expertise as the Tournament Director. In recognition, the Ontario Special Olympics awarded Mike a plaque in 2000. Locally, the York Simcoe 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association inducted Mike into their Hall of Fame in 2006 and just last month, the Richmond Hill Sports Hall of Fame honoured both Mike and his wife, with induction in that group as well.
Off the lanes, Mike joined the Post Office in 1981 and over the years, has also enjoyed driving a school bus, something he continues to this day. Mike and Doreen are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their first grandchild, as Diana is expecting next month. Retirement only gives Mike the time to do what he wants to do, namely volunteer. Both Mike and Doreen are looking forward to the next opportunity, when and where it might be.