Honoured by Ron and Jayne Burman, Len and Fran Burman, Diane and Tom Byrnes, and Shirley
and Andrew Grant.
Thank you for honouring Paulette and Hank with a Leaf of Inspiration and for supporting your Community Waterfront Park project. Story to follow.
Bethune, Fergus (Fergie) 1931- 2009
Except for one year working for Canadian Pacific Railway in Sault St. Marie, Fergie resided in North Bay. Family and friends placed predominantly in his life. The five Bethune brothers were very close! It was not uncommon to see the five Bethune spread across one far corner of the West Ferris arena absorbed in the hockey game between sons and nephews.
Fergie enjoyed an active physical life. His earliest school photos show a proud goalie in his elementary school sweater. After secondary school Fergie refereed some exciting games for the North Bay District Hockey Association.
As son Mike entered into hockey, Fergie became involved coaching minor hockey. He remained mainly with the Atom division where in 1971 he was part of the team that led the NGM team to victory in Sarnia , winning the Silver Stick for West Ferris/North Bay while playing against the most notable player of the day and later know as “The Great One”.
After years of coaching, working, chairing tournaments and being involved with the Executive Fergie was honored with a lifelong membership in the West Ferris Minor Hockey Association.
While winter meant hockey, summer brought golf with family and friends. Of course the longest hole to “play” was the 19th. Great camaraderie was enjoyed and we understand Ferg “had his own seat” where he entertained all with his continuous jovial anecdotes, asides and witticisms. Throughout his life many enjoyed this warm humor.
After retirement from the Ontario Northland Railway in 1990, Fergie and his wife spent winters in Florida where he would plan the yearly mixed golf tournament. The ladies often remarked about their appreciation being part of Fergie’s team because of his encouraging and uncritical manner.
And “YES” Fergie did get his hole in one! However it occurred on December 3, 1996 at Sandipiper Golf Club in Lakeland Florida. This was well reported and documented.
Fergie always had a story to share with others, mostly North Bay lore, and was referred by many as the historian. With his remarkable memory he was often asked to clarify historical facts.
It must be noted that Fergie was especially proud and supportive of his son and daughter. He always stepped up to the plate for them encouraging by word or action.
Dad taught us at a young age to respect others and always greet people with a smile. He himself had a smile for everyone, and it was contagious.
Over the years many have commented on the close relationship between Dad and Mike, they were not only father and son, but best friends.
Dad always supported our decisions, and would give his advice when asked. We appreciated him for listening, caring, giving, sharing and always being there.
Dad was blessed with three beautiful granddaughters that adored him. He spent endless hours entertaining them and you could clearly see the joy in face when they were around.
He was later blessed with a great granddaughter, and even though he only had 4 years with her he left a lasting impression. Whenever she looks at his picture she says” I miss my Pa”.
Dad was a devoted father and husband, lived life to the fullest, and we have all gained strength from him. The love Dad showed for his family and friends will never be forgotten.
Love from your family.
Supporting the park.
Thank you for supporting your Community Waterfront Park project.
Honoured by Joan Ferneyhough
Thank you for honouring Bill and Di Bookham with a Leaf of Inspiration and for supporting your Community Waterfront Park project. Story to follow.
Honoured by his family.
Roland ‘Rolly’ Boyer,
1932-2006
There are so many memories that swirl through my mind when I think of my father. A man who was committed to providing for his family, who took us on vacation and camping every summer, and a father who tried to give us as many opportunities as he did not have as a child. A bit of an enigma, he was both very social and very private. He was a pioneer in his own way taking courses in art, classes in cooking, and at the age of 64, graduating with his high school diploma. He was a traveller and explorer going off with my mother to all corners of the world. He was a singer and a good one too. There were many Sundays when we would hear him crooning to Marty Robbins or Hank Williams. It is from him that my siblings and I got our passion for music whether it be playing or singing. He loved to gather with his family and he is missed by us all.
My father took to writing poetry when he went back to school as an older gentleman. Here are two he wrote:
Where Were You Dad?
Dad where were you when I needed you?
I needed you to sit me on your knee.
I needed you to teach me how to say thanks and please.
I needed you to hold my hand as we walked to the store.
I needed you to tell me you would be there evermore.
I needed you to be there when I brought my grades from school.
I needed you to be there to teach me about tools.
I needed you to be there when I hit my first home run.
I needed you to be there when the season was all done.
I needed you to be there when I starred in the school play.
I needed you to be there but you were always far away.
I needed you to take me to a lake where we could fish.
and in the evening by the fire I would sit and make a wish.
I needed you to be there when I grew to be a man
but dad as years went by I finally understood
I know you always loved me and you did the best you could.
He
He wanders the streets in every city and town.
People pass him by; they look and they frown.
He begs for a nickel, a quarter, a dime.
He’s very patient; he has lots of time.
His clothes are all ragged he looks out of place.
Some rush on by him avoiding his face.
His hair is all matted; his eyes sunken in.
He smells of cheap whiskey, cheap wine, and cheap gin.
He stands by a building that big money built.
Folks toss him money to ease all their guilt.
When I see him there I heave a big sigh,
but for the grace of God, go I.
Honoured by Rhonda Ruddy.
Thank you for honouring Sgt. Ronald Bailey with a Leaf of Inspiration and for supporting your Community Waterfront Park project. Story to follow.
Honoured by Paula Mann, David Bevilacqua and Paul Bevilacqua.
Thank you for honouring Matilda and Fred with a Leaf of Inspiration and for supporting your Community Waterfront Park. Story to follow.
Honoured by the Beaulieu Family.
Henry and Cecile Beaulieu were married 03 August, 1948. Soon after marriage they began a family. By 1973, they had raised six boys and one girl, and if God allowed, there would have been a lot more Beaulieu children running around today. Thanks to their seven children, the Beaulieu family grew even more when six daughter in-laws and one son in-law were added to the picture. Nothing was more rewarding to Henry and Cecile, than that of their grandchildren and great grandchildren. It was a love like no other.
Not only were Cecile and Henry very busy raising their own children, they also unselfishly opened their home, family and hearts to over 43 foster children. Dad would come home from work only to find a new little face at the dinner table. Mom and Dad loved children, all children, even those with disabilities and handicaps.
Henry, better known to us children as, “pappi”, “Mcquiver”, “Dad” and most of all, our “hero”! Dad was a stern man, tough to break, unless your name was Cecile! He was a very hard working man, provided the best for his family. He was gentle when needed, but strict when necessary. He raised us children as he was raised. We all learned at a very early age about respect, loyalty, and the importance of family. Henry was a religious man, who went to church and believed in Jesus. Grace was said before dinner, and Sundays were always church days….whether we liked it or not! After Mom passed, Dad took over being the best he could be.
Henry Beaulieu. Born the 13thof November, 1923. He lived an honorable life, with much to be thankful for. He died on 15th of August, 2011, with his children and grandchildren by his side.
Cecile, better known to us children as, “mammi”, “Mom”, and most of all, our “protector”! Mom was soft, gentle, loving and pure. She would open her heart to anyone and give them the last piece of bread she had. She always went without only to be certain we had what we needed. She was the BEST cook and most of the time; she put meals together when we didn’t have a lot. We can always remember getting off the school bus and smelling what we were having for dinner….amazing! The kids in the neighborhood would come to visit, knowing they would always leave with a treat or two.
Cecile Beaulieu. Born the 10th of May, 1930. She lived a joyful life, loving every moment spent with her family. She died on 8th of February, 1993, with her children and grandchildren by her side.
We, as the Beaulieu children, live our lives strong and proud today because of what our parents had taught us. Although they have passed and are together as one again, they will forever live in our hearts, in our dreams and in the eyes of our grandchildren. Rest in Peace Mom and Dad, till we meet again!
Love,
Marcel, Jerry, Roger, Mark, Mike, Paul and Chantal.
Thank you for supporting the Community Waterfront Park project.
Honoured by their Family.
Thank you for purchasing a Leaf of Inspiration for Walter and Nilda and for supporting your Community Waterfront Park project. Story to follow.
