Figure skating in Williams Lake is about to get a new look for the first time in over four decades as a prominent coach is set to retire.
Joanne Macnair first arrived in Williams Lake in 1979 to take a coaching position at the city’s skating club at the War Memorial Arena.Forty-five years later, she is ready to hang up her skates after inspiring generations of athletes.
Born and raised in Vancouver, Macnair put on her first pair of skates at just two-years old and started figure skating at the Kerrisdale Figure Skating Club at age nine, where she would spend a decade as a competitive figure skater.
“As luck would have it, my coach was Dr. Hellmut May, a former Olympian and world-renowned coach,” she recalled. “I feel so fortunate to have been trained by one of the best.”
For over four and a half decades, Macnair has been the best for young skaters in Williams Lake, a place she immediately fell in love with. She has been a driving force behind the Williams Lake Skating Club (WLSC) since she first arrived, and has gone on to coach children of her former students.
“I instantly loved the feel and vibe of living in a small town and as a result I have been here ever since,” she said.
Robyn West, former president and board member of the WLSC, said Macnair has brought a high level of skill to the small town and has shared it with so many in her years as head coach, coaching not only the kids but the parents as well.
“It was evident to us from the start that Joanne cared deeply for each skater,” West said. “Joanne managed not just the skater’s feelings but also the rest of the family’s as well.”
West added that Macnair “taught the club and community how the skating world worked,” in terms of what the club needed to do, how to sign up for competitions and what should be worn on the ice. She was never too busy for a phone call, used humour and kindness with the kids and gave true praise when it was earned.
“She made everyone feel special,” West said.
Macnair was the 2015 recipient of the Skate Canada Provincial Club and Recreational Coach Award, an award given to an individual who moves beyond coaching as a profession and truly contributes to the development of skating globally, but her greatest accomplishment is seeing her students grow and succeed in higher levels of skating and in life.
Throughout her career, she has had several students who have gone on to pass Gold level tests in the Skate Canada testing system, which she says is a feat achieved by very few skaters.
She is extremely proud of three of her senior students who successfully completed three and four Gold test levels in the various disciplines — Emma Penner and Julia Bowman with three Gold levels and Reagan West with all four.
Having one figure skater complete multiple Gold levels, let alone three skaters, is a first in the history of the WLSC, and is a testament to Macnair’s passion and coaching abilities.
“The WLSC is a small club, but Joanne’s ‘kids’ were known as the ones to beat when we went to a competition,” West said. “The strength of the club was evident with numerous topthree provincial rankings, and Joanne always had the kids prepared to take on the arduous Skate Canada tests. It is uncommon for a small club to test and compete at such a high level.”
West said Macnair had the ability to bring out the best in each skater, as she mentored, cheered and coached the skaters and educated the parents along the way.
Macnair feels fortunate to have had such an amazing run and career that she truly loves, and is thankful for all the young skaters she has coached, their families and the whole Williams Lake community.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with many wonderful kids as well as their parents,” she said. “It has been so rewarding watching the accomplishments of all skaters, from the littlest Canskaters through to all my private lesson students over the years.
She has made many lifelong friends through the skating community, both in Williams Lake and other clubs around the province, and has had “many laughs along the way” as well.
“I would like to thank all the parents over the years who stepped up to volunteer for events and took positions on our executive board,” Macnair said. “You are all part of what has made us a successful club.”
In her retirement, Macnair plans on spending more time with her two sons, daughter and “grandbabies,” and may sneak in a few more trips down to Mexico with her partner Don. She feels she is leaving the skating club in the very capable hands of Breanna Penney and Marissa Bruneau, and will still be popping in from time to time to visit the skaters and coaches and watch some skating.
“I can say without hesitation that Joanne was the ideal coach for my family and the families we skated with” West said. “Skating may be an individual sport, but it is a family affair, and Joanne is a part of many families in and from Williams Lake.”
West hosted a retirement party at her home for Macnair on July 26.
