FOCUS - AUGUST 2017 11 “I enjoy being home, and gardening, looking at the lake, motorcycling, kayaking and boating,” says Ruth. “There will be lots to do. It’s time to do something different.” Floyd is “looking forward to having more time to en- joy the toys we sell to others.” On his life list are a week long snowmobile trip and an adventure to the east coast (where he’s never been) to visit friends. “I’ll miss the business, but I’m really looking forward to retirement,” Floyd commented. The passing of Ruth’s parents last year before Christmas helped prompt the decision to close the doors. Ruth lost her mom and her dad, three weeks apart. It was a wake- up call. Amecca for toy lovers throughout the GTA, Asselstine Country sits on a sprawling nine acres near Blackstock, ideal for customers to test ride the Yamaha and Suzuki machines. Like test driving a car, people who try out the toys on the trail, “get a feel for the differences, like the suspen- sion,” Ruth noted. “People enjoy the opportunity to take them out for a spin before making a decision.” The Asselstine’s have certainly met lots of great people through owning their dealership. They have had generations of customers, including a gentleman who recently purchased a mini ATV for his five-year- old grandson. On Family Day weekend, they had two families of typical happy customers, who saved up to get snowmobiles so the whole family could enjoy doing something together. “As I’ve always said to Floyd, ‘We sell fun,’ comment- ed Ruth. “The toys we have sold have made so many people happy.” The Asselstine’s have developed wonderful friend- ships with their customers, sales reps and their loyal staff mirrors their example of treating everyone like family. In his 40s now, Darryl Prosser has been withAsselstine Country since high school. He’s gone from cleaning up the yard and cutting the grass as a teen to being “the amazing guy” in charge of the parts department. Ruth and Floyd’s grown children Craig and Michelle “enjoyed riding the toys,” Ruth said, but taking over the family business was not their path. Floyd, who had a motorcycle license at the age of 16, even before he had a drivers’ license for a car, has had a lifelong passion for the business. He “does everything” at the shop and it’s hard to get away, Ruth pointed out. Last year, they went south for a week, and Floyd later realized that that was their first vacation since 2008. “It’s been a long ride,” Floyd commented and al- though he has enjoyed his career, it’s time for a change. He’s been so busy, he says, “The years have flown by!” As one family rides off into the sunset, the Michaud family will be taking over the Yamaha and Suzuki dealer and will now be known as Blackstock Motorsports. Best of luck to all! By Lynn Campbell, Focus on Scugog team work aVZ accounting & tax Inc with D’Souza, Van Zeeland & associates 1st Financial Centre 269 Queen Street, Port Perry oN L9L 1B9 905-985-1926 Fax: 905-985-4320 anita@1fc.ca Computerized, Government Reports, HST, Payroll, WSIB/CRA Audits & Appeals, Forensic Reviews, Budgets and Business Plans. C.A./C.P.A Services also available. Corporate • Small BuSineSS • Farming • perSonal All Accounting & Bookkeeping Services Paula R. McMurtry BARRISTER & SOLICITOR Practising in Durham Region Since 2002 250 Shanly Street, Port Perry 905-982-2650 • www.mcmurtrylaw.ca • Family Law • General Civil Litigation Practising in Durham Region Practising in Durham Region Since 2002 250 Shanly Street, Port Perry 250 Shanly Street, Port Perry 905-982-2650 • www.mcmurtrylaw.ca 250 Shanly Street, Port Perry 905-982-2650 • www.mcmurtrylaw.ca CaNaDIaN tIre 14325 Simcoe Street, Port Perry 905-985-7341 Everything you need for the best season yet! CaNaDa’S HUNtING Store