Malcolm Jenkins with his Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medal. (Submitted Photo/Matthew Jenkins)

By paNOW Staff

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Citizen of the Year Malcolm Jenkins turns 80

Jan 13, 2023 | 6:00 AM

Tradition says that the symbol of an 80th birthday is the Oak, a strong and beautiful tree believed to bring wisdom, strength, and endurance, embodying a substantial journey through life so far.

It is attributes like these that describe one community member so well on the day that he reaches this tremendous milestone.

Malcolm Jenkins, the owner of Prince Albert’s Canadian Tire and Party City turns 80 years old on Friday, Jan. 13.

There is not a resident in the city that doesn’t know the Jenkins name and the contributions that Malcolm has made. Don’t forget the large amounts of Toffifee he brings Prince Albert every Christmas.

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paNOW spoke to his son Matthew Jenkins about the man his father is and how he always had that spirit of helping others.

Matthew said he and his family will be around for his 80^th celebration to give tribute to the man who raised him.

“He’s been a great guy throughout my whole life, a great father and I just want to be there and wish him the best to help him celebrate,” he said.

Matthew and his sister were born in Ontario and soon found themselves in Thompson, Manitoba when Malcolm started his journey with the Canadian Tire company.

While the family may not have had a lot at that time, Matthew said Malcolm always made time for him and his sister Karen.

When Malcolm became a part of the Canadian Tire family, Matthew said he was ready for the challenge, giving it 110 per cent every day.

(Submitted Photo/Matthew Jenkins)

“I do remember him rolling up his sleeves and being very happy to get at it every day,” he said adding that his dad still works roughly five days a week.

As for his community spirit, Matthew said that has always been a part of his father’s life and his career has allowed him to give back.

When the family moved to Prince Albert, Matthew said his father wasted no time in helping those around him.

“He wears his heart on his sleeve. He sells the community of Prince Albert,” he said. “He’s a people person, he loves the community, and he loves everything about it. He’ll fight for it to the bitter end.”

While there is a building named for Malcolm’s father Alfred and a section of the Hospital named for his late wife Melba, Matthew said that’s something that Malcolm doesn’t want or need for himself.

He’s happy to contribute to the community and doesn’t need the recognition.

“He’s not in it for the fame and the glory but he sure likes to see kids happy,” he said. “The biggest thrill he gets is seeing people that deserve to be happy, seeing them happy.”

Brittany Hudak and Malcolm Jenkins mark the official opening of P.A.’s inclusive playground (File photo/paNOW Staff)

One example that Matthew provides is a time when he and the City helped provide ice cream to kids at a local spray park free of charge with no need for applause.

Among those in the community wishing Malcolm a happy 80^th Birthday is Mayor Greg Dionne, who gave his best wishes to the multi-time Citizen of the Year.

“We just love Malcolm Jenkins and the biggest thing we love about him is that he loves the City of Prince Albert,” he said. “In that spirit, Malcolm, Happy Birthday and a lot more to come.”

Please join paNOW and the City of Prince Albert in wishing Mr. Malcolm Jenkins a happy 80^th Birthday.

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @princealbertnow