Don Sumanik (d. 1982)

Don Sumanik went to high school in Fort McCloud, Alberta and met his future wife, Elsie Weltons there. His work with the Canadian Weather Service took him outside Alberta between 1960 and 1967, including  two trips to Whitehorse.((“Elsie Joan Sumanik 1938.” //Trailblazers and Change-Makers: Pioneer Women of the Yukon,// 2022 website: https://yukontrailblazers.ca/changemakers/elsie-joan-sumanik.))	

Don Sumanik moved to Whitehorse in 1966 and became a major force in the expansion of cross-country skiing in the community. He cut trails, set ski tracks, served as president of the Whitehorse Cross-Country Ski Club, and promoted major ski events. He was key to bringing the 1974 Canadian National Junior Cross Country Championships, the 1976 Canadian National Senior Championships, and the 1980 Canadian National Junior Cross Country Championships to Whitehorse. He served as the Race Chair for the 1974 and 1976 events and in 1975 he was Chair of the Canadian Ski Association. His greatest contribution was bringing the 1981 World Cup Ski Race to Whitehorse and getting the Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Chalet built in time for the event. Although he was waiting for his second heart surgery of the year, Don actively participated during the week of the race and was appointed World Cup Chair. Sumanik was inducted to the Hall of Fame in 1983 for his major contribution to cross-country skiing in Whitehorse.((“1983, Don Sumanik (Cross Country Skiing).” //Sport Yukon,// 2019 website: https://sportyukon.com/programs/hall-of-fame/1983-don-sumanik-cross-country-skiing/))
	
The Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre in Whitehorse is on Sumanik Drive, named in his honour. Mount Sumanik is located near Whitehorse.