08-24-20 Regular Meeting of the La Porte City Council

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Recognition of Service Kelly Garner The three words that describeloyalty,dedication,and passion. He had such a passion for working forthe City of La Porte, but, evenmore, withBay Forest Golf Course. Kelly began his career at Bay Forest in July 1989, when his wife,Virginia,allowed himto take the position of Assistant Golf Professional under Head Golf Professional Alex Osmond. In 1992, Kelly earned his membership to the Professional Golfers Association of Americaand eventually earned the role of Head Golf Professional at Bay Forest tofinish out his thirty-one year career with the City of La Porte and Bay Forest Golf Course. Kelly would always step up to any challenge. The golf industry has definitely changed through the years and Kelly took the lead in improvements. He would ensure Bay Forest was keeping pace with the industry and could provide the customerswith a feeling that it wastheir home course. Kelly consistently played an instrumental part in the growth and success that led to Bay Forest being recognized as one of the top municipal golf courses in the state. His strongestattribute is his passion, both for building the game of golf and for Bay Forest. Kelly provided private lessons and developed junior clinics to get moreyouthinvolved in the game, which became the annualtwo-day junior championship, now named the Kiibler Cup. Before the industry became flooded with summer junior tournaments, the Kiibler Cup was one of the largest junior tournaments in the Southern Texas Section. Why stop with the kiddos,Kellyasked, and then developed the Bay Forest Handicap Association and monthly tournaments with a year-end championship. But his pride and joy is the Bay Area Championship. The BAC is a two-day individual stroke play tournament that still attracts golfers from all over southTexas. As Kelly prepares to begin his next chapter in life and enjoy retirement, he will be dearly missed by the many he has touched over his 31years of employment atthe City of La Porte and Bay Forest Golf Course. His former and current colleaguescannot thank Kelly enough for all he has done. Now, he and his lovelyVirginia can spend more time with family in North Texas,and spoil their two granddaughters even more. Enjoyit,Kelly, you deserve this next phase of life. And a work schedule anymore!