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Niagara History Center press release & photo
The Niagara History Center will present its annual Key to the Locks Award to Robert (Bob) Ray, at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 16, in a ceremony at the Erie Canal Discovery Center, 24 Church St., Lockport.
Bob personified the epitome of what this award represents: dedication to community and a selfless willingness to do whatever is needed to improve it. Bob recently passed after a short battle with cancer, but his memory will live on for a long time in Lockport.
Bob volunteered in several capacities. He is noted for being the primary flower tender on Canal Street, planting and watering hundreds of flowers each year. He arose early, cleaning up any trash that accumulated from the night before, so the area was clean for the day's visitors. He is also remembered for hours of dedicated service to the Palace Theatre, polishing the brass during the day and putting on his tuxedo to greet visitors for evening shows. Bob was also the driving force behind getting the Christmas lights decorations for the Canal Street gazebo.
Always looking for more to add to the community, whether it be an event or a simple helping hand, Bob will long be remembered as a kind, gentle, selfless man who fell in love with Lockport and did his best to make it a better community.
Subsequent to the award ceremony, there will be a procession to the locks area where flowers will be placed with the Lock Tender Tribute statues, and a demonstration of the Flight of Five historic locks will take place between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
If weather permits the ceremony will be held outside on the lawn, so dress accordingly.
1859 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY 14072
Phone: 716-773-7676
Fax: 716-773-7190
