The Interlake Community Foundation has announced the creation of the Katherine and Ron Mollard Community Fund, a new endowment established by their daughter, Merilee Mollard, to honour her parents’ lifelong dedication to their community.
Ron, known as “Tex,” and Kathy — or “Kay” to many — spent their lives rooted in Stonewall and Stony Mountain, raising three children while giving generously of their time and talents. Tex owned and operated Mollard Moving and Construction, while Kathy served as principal of Stony Mountain Elementary School from 1960 to 1986. Her years at the helm left a lasting mark on generations of students, and one of her proudest accomplishments was overseeing the school’s expansion.
Katherine (Kay) and Ron “Tex” Mollard of Stonewall and Stony Mountain devoted their lives to community service and family
“To quote Tex, he was sure that Kathy’s van knew how to drive to Stony Mountain on its own,” the foundation shared. After Kathy’s retirement, the couple fulfilled a shared dream of breeding and raising horses — something that brought them both joy and kept their family connected through long days spent working together on the farm.
Mollard said she was inspired to create the fund by her parents’ love of their community and by the power of endowment giving.
“Working with non-profits, I have seen firsthand the positive impact of endowment funds in communities,” she said. “I wanted to honour my parents and recognize the love they had for Stonewall and Stony Mountain. To honour their memory, the Katherine and Ron Mollard Fund will be there in perpetuity to help offer stability of funding for organizations with their projects.”
The newly established community fund will provide ongoing support for activities and initiatives specific to the Stonewall and Stony Mountain areas, continuing the Mollards’ legacy of service and connection.
When asked what stands out most about her parents’ legacy, Mollard said their community spirit was unmatched.
“It would be difficult to think of what they weren’t involved in,” she said. “Both Mom and Dad were active in the community, and I remember the biggest thing that they did was give of their time. I no longer live in Stonewall, but I am, and always will be, a Stonewall girl, and this is my way of giving back to two pretty amazing towns.”
She added that her parents would be proud to see their names supporting local causes for years to come.
“Mom and Dad would be pleased that the fund will help to continue to make Stonewall and Stony Mountain great places to live and raise a family,” she said. “I believe they would be supporting the Interlake Community Foundation themselves if they were still with us. If you knew my mom, she would be directing what causes could benefit from support, and my dad would smile and agree.”
Tracy Holod, executive director of the Interlake Community Foundation, said the fund will have a lasting impact on the area.
“It means that every fall when we make our community grants, we will have more money to grant every single year,” Holod said. “It’s an added boost for the area. The ICF permanently invests the donations, and we make grants from the income earned on the funds. To pay for our operations, we charge a small fee to each fund, which again comes from the income earned, not the principal.”
Holod said the foundation works closely with families like the Mollards to ensure their legacy continues to benefit the community in meaningful ways.
“We are here to help,” she said. “I love talking with people, businesses and organizations to help meet their philanthropic goals. Once all the details are decided, we draft a fund agreement with the particulars of the fund. With permission, we also create a page on our website to share photos and stories about the people being honoured.”
On a personal note, Holod said this fund holds special meaning for her.
“Mrs. Mollard was my principal all through elementary school,” she said. “I remember her passion for music and horses. She was strict but fair. I remembered Merilee as a child, and it has been so great to reconnect with her and meet her husband, Charlie.”
Holod encourages others who may wish to honour loved ones to consider setting up a community fund of their own.
“The first step is to think about the legacy they want to leave,” she said. “Are scholarships important? Is there a cause that was close to their hearts? Do they want to support local charities but don’t have a specific recipient in mind? We have many options depending on those answers — and if people don’t have answers, I’m here to help figure it out. It’s the most rewarding part of a very rewarding job.”
Donations to the Katherine and Ron Mollard Community Fund can be made online through Endow Manitoba, by mail, e-transfer, or in person at the ICF office in the Town of Stonewall Building at 293 Main Street. For more information, visit www.interlakefoundation.ca or call 1-204-467-5634.
