CALEB NICKERSON
PONTIAC February 24, 2021
On Feb. 24, the family of the late karate instructor Tim Sullivan received an award for his leadership as a sensei in a small ceremony at his former dojo in Saint Joseph’s Hall on L’Isle aux Allumettes.
Sullivan was posthumously awarded the . . .
Lise Waters Prize for leadership by Loisir Sport Outaouais in July 2020, but the physical trophy was presented to his wife Joanne and daughter April by Pontiac Warden Jane Toller. L’Isle aux Allumettes Mayor Winston Sunstrum and Sullivan’s close friend and fellow sensei Paul McGuire were also in attendance.
Sullivan tragically passed away on Feb. 9, 2020, but was the founder of the Chapeau Karate Club in 2005. A long-time martial arts practitioner, he was remembered by his students and colleagues as a tough but gentle teacher, someone who expected a lot from his pupils and pushed them to fulfill their potential.
Over the years the club has trained dozens of students, including several members of the Sullivan family, and racked up plenty of awards along the way. Outside of the dojo, he was a skilled mechanic and would bend over backwards to help a friend in need.
“It makes it real. It’s exciting, I’m honoured that he was thought of like this,” Joanne said following the brief presentation. “He would definitely be happy with it.”
“It’s kind of heart-warming that people actually view him the way we view him,” April added. “He made such an impact on everybody and it’s nice that he’s being acknowledged for it.”
