They called him “Dixie Joe.” It is a nickname earned partly because of his lifelong association with the Dixie Curling Club, but it is also an affectionate expression of admiration and recognition for what Joe Gurowka has achieved during a remarkable curling career both on and off the ice, as a competitor and administrator.

     His peers thought highly enough of Dixie Joe Gurowka to induct him into the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame in 1994, a fitting recognition of his competitive record and tireless dedication as a builder. He is honourary life member of the elite Governor-General’s Curling Club, the Royal Canadian Curling Club, the Cornwall Curling Club and the Ontario Curling Association.

     On the home front, Mississauga also paid tribute to Gurowka, selecting him as the city’s Master Athlete of the Year for 1993. And on June 5, 2003 he became an honoured member of the Mississauga Sports Hall of Fame.

     Gurowka represented the Dixie Curling Club in provincial and national competitions for 18 years.

In men’s provincial championships, he was skip of two Ontario champion foursomes (1966 and 1976). In all, he reached the final 12 times. He also participated in the men’s seniors provincial championship where he was Ontario finalist 11 times, winning in 1986, 1989, 1992, 1994, 1998 and 1999. He captured the men’s Masters title and added Ontario Silver Tankard Double Rink title to his collection in 1982. On the national level, Gurowka won the Canada Life Bonspiel twice (1969 and 1979) and was Royals Bonspiel champion twice. He won Canadian national seniors titles in 1986, 1989 and 1992.

     He also won numerous lesser local and regional bonspiels, rounding out a truly remarkable competitive record.

     Gurowka’s administrative record is just as impressive. He was president of the Ontario Curling Association in 1984, president of the Canadian Curling Association in 1989, and chair of the Ontario Curling Federation (Curling Ontario) in 1993 and ’94.