It was SRO as two remarkable performers were inducted into the Michigan Water Ski Hall of Fame – Clark Lake’s Jon Broderick and Devil Lake’s Bill Rerchua. Bill’s recognition was bestowed posthumously as he passed away in March 2022. (Read more about Bill in the article published in advance of the ceremony).
Jon traveled from his home in Georgia to receive the award at the home of the Hall of Fame, Krupa’s Boat Mart. You can get a sense of Jon’s impact on the sport in the introduction delivered by Roger Lyons. To read it, please click here.
In the video, Jon tells how his kite flying experience at Clark attracted the attention of Cypress Gardens’ Dick Pope. He also describes how his kite got him not much farther than the Wright Brothers first flight.
Jon Broderick becomes the fifth Clark Lake skier to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. The four preceding him are Tony Krupa, Gary Krupa, Kay Vermeulen Nichols, and Lynn Vermeulen. Photo of Lynn’s trick run is displayed at the Water Ski Hall of Fame.
David Nichols points to his late wife Kay’s recognition, also posted at the Hall of Fame. 
In this shout-out, Lynn, Tony and Flip Reynolds flashback to Clark Lake’s powerful national impact on the sport, fun at Clark Lake and Pine Riders memories.
Jon’s story was told previously on this website – when his induction was announced, and his My Clark Lake Story that this website asked him to write in 2013. Both of these pieces reveal more about his skiing career as well as lake history that spotlights the Clark Lake spirit.
When was his last visit to Clark Lake? “About 10 years ago.” How has Clark Lake changed from early memories? Recall his raft ride around the lake yesterday morning, he said “Clark Lake has gone from a summer resort with cottages to palatial mansions. Every inch of the lake has been upgraded to a fantasy land.”
There is a common thread with those who spend formative years at the lake, but then circumstances take them elsewhere. Jon comments that his experience yesterday “was emotional and made me realize that everywhere I’ve lived is just my house. But Clark Lake is my home. Coming back has been rewarding, satisfying, and an unexpected emotional experience that has been good for me and my family. Translation: I cried a lot.”
Jon’s family was with him for the event.
Son-in-law David Sevilla, daughter Carolina, Jon, and wife Maria
Bill Rerucha’s award was accepted by his brother, Bob.
More on the Pine Riders…
Pine Riders Put on a Show – Clark Lake Spirit Foundation
Pine Riders Water Ski Club – Clark Lake Spirit Foundation
Pine Riders – Clark Lake Spirit Foundation
Congrats Olivia – Clark Lake Spirit Foundation
Buzzy Belcher – Clark Lake Spirit Foundation
Charlie Timberlake – Clark Lake Spirit Foundation
Thanks for the walk down memory lane,. Great article, Rick
Gary, Tony, Rick, Buzz, Lynn. Flip and Linda were little kids when I left the lake to go to The Gardens in September 1958. To return now and see that our summer cottages have evolved into a magical paradise that, at least for me, makes Disney World “just an attraction.” But, “Clark Lake is a lifetime of memories and happiness,” To emphasize that, I wish to state publically that, “before this weekend, I had always wanted to be cremated after I had worn out this old body, and my ashes sprinkled anywhere on the waters of the world.” But now, I want my forever home to be at the cemetery that Ann, Flip and Linda described, and the resting place that exists there. And, I am sure my brother Tom’s daughter Shannon, after visiting Clark Lake and the Spirit Foundation’s work will be considering relocating Tom’s ashes where they have been in an urn in her home for over twenty one years, to the same spot at the west end of Clark Lake. And, my family assures me, after this weekend, they will always be returning to our lake.