From left to right: Dianne Ethier, Lillian Guy, current owner Chris Szeszorak and Harold Guy. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Local business

A lasting Legacy: Father and son recipients of prestigious award

Mar 17, 2025 | 4:04 PM

Standing before a packed room at Prince Albert’s Coronet Hotel, Harold Guy received a roar of laughter after joking he could not believe he had a son who is a senior citizen.

Harold made the remark at the annual Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce Legacy Luncheon, and was there to accept the Legacy award for his son Byron, who was unable to attend in person but did provide a video statement.

Having previously won a Legacy award himself in 1996, Harold admitted to paNOW he never imagined he would get the opportunity to accept another award.

“But I’m pretty proud too that they carried on and it was recognized in the community,” he said referring to the grocery store.

The original Harold’s IGA in Prince Albert was opened in 1960 by Harold and his wife Lillian. When asked what he thought was the secret to the store’s long lasting success, Harold said it was always been about the customers and noted the friendships he made.

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“To this day when we go to the store I’ll meet people that I wouldn’t see otherwise,” he said. “It makes you feel good that their kids have grown up and it’s just a real treasure.”

During his address to the crowd, Harold talked about “the girl” he met in Prince Albert. Harold and Lillian have now been married for 69 years. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Dianne Ethier, branch manager at the Prince Albert Scotiabank, presented the award and noted Byron Guy grew up working at Harold’s and did a number of tasks including stocking shelves, cleaning and cashier.

“However he was most fascinated and skilled with being the butcher,” she said.

At one point Byron did venture out and tried his hand at some career paths including working for Molson’s and even the oil fields in Alberta. In 1985 he returned to Prince Albert and in 1992 the store was destroyed by fire.

“It was a setback that caused the family to have deep discussions and deliberation of their next steps,” Ethier stated.

The family chose to rebuild and after his dad retired, Byron made the decision to take over as owner, and bought the store from his dad.

“Although different from his dad in many ways, Byron continued to be a pillar in the community and built on the strength that had made this business so successful.”

Three tables were set aside for Harold’s Family Foods. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

In addition to recognizing this year’s Legacy award winner, the luncheon also revealed the list of final nominees for the Samuel McLeod business awards.

Business of the Year: Pet Planet, Lake Country Co-Op and Parkland Ambulance

Business transformation award: Evergreen Nissan and Embrace Orthodontics

Business leader of the year: Shantel Kalika, Perry Vermette and Trevor and Coralee Dutchak

Community Involvement: Mann Northway Northern Bears, Parkland Ambulance and Lake Country Co-Op

Customer Service: Firehouse Subs, Mann Northway and Korycki Mechanical

Diversity in the workplace: Scotiabank, PA security and RBC

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Indigenous Business: Indigenous First Designs, Vermette Wood Products and Limitless Gear

Marketing: Cradled Wellness, Firehouse Subs, Bison Ridge Farms

New Venture: New Homes – Lake Country Co Op, Holiday Inn and McDonald’s

Non-profit organization: KidsFirst, Pretty in Pink and Prince Albert Co-operative Health Centre

Young entrepreneur: Mitchell Jones (Evergreen Nissan), Devon and Becky Johnson (Bison Ridge Farms) and Taylor Korycki (Korycki Mechanical)

Micro Enterprise of the Year: Indigenous 1st Designs, Cradled Wellness and Aglow Therapy

The Samuel McLeod Business Awards gala will be held on April 11 at Plaza 88.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Blue Sky: @nigelmaxwell.bsky.social