2008 Inductees

Ronald Mahar

From a small engine repair business on the Black Rock Mountain Road to the World Woodsman Competition in Hayward, Wisconsin, Ron has enjoyed every minute.

Ron’s expertise in building and reconstructing his equipment led to the growth of his business, a small engine repair and sales business, Ron Mahar Sales & Service. The business moved to Berwick in the former Berwick Dairy building in the early 1980’s. Although Ron sold the business in 1998, it continues in his name to this day.

Running the business and raising a family kept Ron busy, but he still found time for a little recreation. Ron’s proficiency in operating a chainsaw drew him to Nova Scotia’s first Championship of chainsaw competition held at the Lions Hall in Berwick. Arriving late and still in his business suit, he was challenged to prove himself and in 11 seconds he cut his way through a 10” x 10” log to the amazement of the crowd. He never looked back! This winter carnival event, a huge money maker for the Lions Club, was organized by Dave Miller. It consisted of four classes with two saws per class and endured for nine years.

Over the next eight years Ron, along with his family, covered most of the Maritimes, in challenging his many competitors, who became friends united in their love of and success in competition and in their advanced knowledge of their craft.

Ron competed in many places, including Halifax, Windsor, Margaretsville, Shubenacadie, Noel Shore, Musquodoboit, Digby and St. George, New Brunswick. In 1979 he took first place in Aylesford. In 1981 he took first place in a Class 1 event in Berwick. Known as the “North Mountain Champion” he won first in the 45cc class in Margaretsville in 1982. Back in Margaretsville again in 1983 he won first in the 60 cc class. In 1984, in St. George, New Brunswick, he won the trophy in the 1st Class competition. In 1985 Ron won two large trophies at the Nova Scotia Forestry Exhibition in Windsor for the fastest time in the 35-49 cc and the 65-90 cc categories.

Ron won the Nova Scotia Woodsman Title in 1985 and qualified for the World Championship in Hayward, Wisconsin. He chartered a private plane and, with the support of a couple of friends, he headed off to international competition. Ron enjoyed every minute of it, realizing that he was among the best in the world in his sport.

It is with pride that Ron Mahar is recognized by the Berwick Sports Hall of Fame.

Inducted June 2008