DAWSON CITY Two long-time supporters of recreation in Dawson City, the late Art and Margie Fry, will be commemorated by having the town's new recreation complex named after them.

The town's recreation board made the recommendation at the May 17 meeting of the trustee's advisory board.

The bylaw enacting the change received first and second readings on June 7.

The request was supported by a five-page petition collected nearly two years ago by John Van Every, a former town councillor.

In his letter of support, Van Every noted that 'Art and Margie Fry would walk to town on boxing evening at 60 or 70 below F. when their truck wouldn't start, but never missed a night with the kids.

'They also sponsored kids for different events by donating gold prizes for the events.'

In a letter written in 2002, Joe and Karen Mason wrote down the history of Art's involvement with boxing, for which he was well-known, from his days as a professional himself to the training that sent George Mason to the Commonwealth Games in 1982.

'Almost every family over a 20- to 30-year period (that we can recall) benefited from the generosity of Art and Margy Fry,' wrote Van Every.

'Although the young children of today may not remember the Frys, long-time Dawson residents and parents certainly do, as Art and Margy spent their lives contributing to the town.

'We can think of no better couple to name your arena after than Art and Margy Fry.'

The actual bylaw provides for the building to be named the Art and Margaret Fry Recreation Centre.

The committee gave third reading to the bylaw late last month.