8492-R1_MSA_September2023

MSA Pays Tribute To One of the Greatest Groomers of All Time O n August 13, 2023, the Maine Snowmobile

as well as the connector trail from 81 in Medway and at the age of 97, he was instrumental in the reloca tion project of ITS81 during the 2020/2021 season. Over the year’s Barney was awarded several of the MSA’s top honors in 2001 he was awarded Groomer of the Year and 16 years later in 2017 he became the first ever to win that title for a second time. In 2020, he was inducted into the MSA’s Hall of Fame. On March 5, 2023, Barney Robichaud turned 100 years old and on that day like so many before he was out in the New Holland grooming trail for all to enjoy. In addition to Barney’s ded ication to snowmobiling, he was also a distinguished

member of his commu nity. Driven to succeed he worked for Great Northern Paper Company for 43 years retiring as the Wood Buyer Superintendent. In 1986 after retiring, he began a second career as a skilled carpenter and cabinetmaker. Barney had a remarkable aptitude at piloting the Super Cub aircraft and received his solo license. He also gained notoriety for his special style of square dancing. The MSA is proud to announce that the Annual Groomer of the Year Award will now be in honor of our legend the “Barney Robi chaud Groomer of the Year Award”. It will certainly be a true honor for all those who obtain the status of Barney Robichaud.

community suffered at great loss with the passing of Barney Robichaud. Barney was the epitome of what it means to be snowmo biler and more importantly a club volunteer. In 1970 at the age of 47 Barney joined, the Mattawamkeag Road runners and was a faith ful volunteer for the last 53 years.Yes, that’s 53 years of cutting brush, signing trails, building bridges, working with landowners, re-routes, equipment maintenance and thousands of hours in the groomer for the sport and community he loved so much. Barney was a founder of many trails including ITS81 from Lincoln to Benedicta

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