Siblings Honour Their Sister with Memorial Pool Tournament
Published Monday, August 29, 2022
Rita Bannon was an avid sports person who loved fastball and broomball. Then, when her body told her it was time to retire from these sports, Rita’s new passion became playing pool. She and her sisters enjoyed the sport together, playing in women’s and mixed leagues in halls around Thunder Bay – and even winning trips to Las Vegas to compete in tournaments.
She had been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer 15 years ago, which she had mostly kept to herself. According to her brother Wally Bannon, Rita had a quiet strength. As a breast cancer survivor, she lived life well, retiring from her job as a Bailiff at the Thunder Bay Courthouse, becoming a partner in the J&W Confectionary and Gas Bar (her family’s business) and enjoying the camaraderie of her pool community.
One day in late July 2021, Rita fell ill, getting sicker through the weekend. When the ambulance and EMS arrived, she suffered a stroke and was rushed to hospital. She never recovered and passed away shortly after.
She left behind many brothers and sisters, but they had no intention of leaving her memory behind. What better way to commemorate Rita’s love for life and fun – they thought – than to gather people together to do what she loved best – play pool.
In one short month, her family organized the Rita Bannon Memorial Pool Tournament at her favourite place to play - the Thunder Bay Elks Lodge #82 – on May 8th. Promotion via social media and in the pool halls attracted 70 participants.
The total entry fees were split 50/50 with one half going to the tournament winners and the other to the Northern Cancer Fund, in honour of Rita being treated for and beating breast cancer here at home.
In all, the funds her siblings raised through the event’s prize auctions and raffles, along with half of the entry fees, saw $11,000 donated to the Northern Cancer Fund.
“Rita was fun-loving and enjoyed a good party,” said Wally. “This was a fundraiser she would have loved. The pool community she hung with really came out and supported her.”
Amazed by the turnout and funds raised in honour of Rita this year, her family has decided to make it an annual event. Planning has already started for the next pool tournament to take place in the spring of 2023.
The Northern Cancer Fund raises funds that are 100% dedicated to supporting exceptional cancer care in Northwestern Ontario. Your donations make HOPE possible. You can donate online at www.healthsciencesfoundation.ca/northern-cancer-fund or by calling 807-345-4673.