Category: M

McQuaig, Lillian & McQuaig-Skinner, Judy #236 *

Memorial Tribute for Lillian (Comba) McQuaig (1924-2002)

And Judy (McQuaig) Skinner (1950-2001)

Lillian McQuaig (nee Comba) was born on January 18th, 1924 to Thomas and Theresa Comba in North Bay, Ontario. As the youngest of six children, she benefited from the support of a fun-loving, close-knit family.

She was a devoted mother of five: Tom, Judy, Phyllis, Joan and David, and was further blessed with nine grandchildren. She dedicated her entire life to raising her children (many of those years as a single parent) and was a role model for all mothers. Lillian’s faith and active role in Corpus Christi Church gave her the strength, courage and determination to face life’s challenges with an even temper and an optimistic outlook.

Lillian was an incredible cook and her brownie recipe will be passed down for many generations.  Her desire to please everyone kept her very busy in the kitchen. She never made a meal without taking all food preferences into account and would routinely serve-up a homemade dessert twice a day. Without complaining, she worked tirelessly inside and outside the home to provide for her children.

She took great pride in volunteering many hours to the Catholic Women’s League and the local parish. Her love of music ranged from singing in the church choir to keeping up with the latest “rock” hits well into her 70s.

Lillian possessed a unique ability to teach by example – never admonishing or criticizing. She was the embodiment of goodness and remains our true hero!

Judy Skinner (nee: McQuaig) was born on August 1, 1950 to Lillian and Dalton McQuaig of North Bay, Ontario. She was a dedicated Customer Service employee for Ontario Hydro serving thirty (30) years in this capacity.

Judy was a very social and engaging spirit, evident in the many lifelong friends she gained – both in her beloved hometown as well as the many places she travelled. She was the unofficial “Mayor” of North Bay for many consecutive terms! Judy loved to entertain, hosting many family get-togethers and dinner with friends. Judy’s infectious laugh is one thing her family and friends will never forget.

Through sheer determination and drive, Judy discovered her creative side.  She worked hard to acquire her many artistic skills, some of which included needlepoint, knitting and painting. Her personalized crafts and Christmas ornaments continue to grace our homes and serve as a fond reminder of her many talents.

Judy had a soft spot for her nieces and nephews and loved to treat them to cottage vacations, the trendiest restaurants, coolest shops and nicest hotels. She could always be relied upon for quality alone time or just lending a trusted voice over the phone. She made each one feel special.

Judy’s active involvement in all our lives, her boundless energy, love of life and sense of humor has bestowed endless memories upon us. There was never a dull moment when she was around. Whenever the family is together, you will inevitably hear one exclaim, “Judy would have loved this!”

Honoured by David and Terri McQuaig, Tom and Lois McQuaig, Joan and Mike Medley, Phyllis and Lloyd Beaudin and families.

McIntosh, Bob #224

Honoured by Maureen McIntosh.

Thank you for purchasing a Leaf of Inspiration honouring Bob McIntosh and for supporting your Community Waterfront Park project.  Story to follow.

Mattawa Lodge 405 A.F. & A.M. #405 *

Honoured by past, present and future members.

A Summary of the History of Mattawa Lodge No. 405 A. F. & A. M.

The present Town of Mattawa has a long and historical background being situated at the junction where the Mattawa River flows into the Ottawa River.

Mattawa was a stopover depot for the early Canoeists and Fur Traders paddling their canoes between Montreal, Ottawa and the regions to the north into Lake Temiskaming and the tributary rivers and to Lake Abitibi and the Abitibi River, and by other routes north to the Moose River, and on to Moosonee and Moose Factory and the James Bay.

Those Fur Traders exchanged guns, ammunition, traps, knives, axes, clothes and other supplies in a barter system for the trapper’s furs which were taken also by canoe over the same routes to Montreal for shipment to England, France and the European markets.

The Mattawa River was likewise a means for travel to Lake Nipissing, and the French River and on to the northern shores and rivers of the Great Lakes. Later the Mattawa and Ottawa Rivers were a means of floating the pine logs down to Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City dockside for shipment by boat to England and Europe.

The area opened up to new activity following the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway which served the Town of Mattawa. Sawmills were set up on the Ottawa River and the Railway Sidings, including Klocks, being named after the Sawmill Owners, about ten miles east of Mattawa, with accommodation for the workers, their families, and cleared areas for gardens and raising food for the families and pasture for the livestock.

In any growing community a Masonic Lodge usually became an active organization in the lifestyle of some of the men. In 1883 a meeting was held in Mattawa to consider such a Lodge. Several of the workers at Klock Siding were Masons from Pembroke and the area, and the meeting resulted in an application to Grand Lodge to start a Lodge in Mattawa, being sponsored by Pembroke Lodge No. 128. The first meeting was held on June ll, 1884 in a room over an old bakery at the rear of McDougal and Cuzner’s Hardware Store. Mattawa at one time was a bigger Community than North Bay and as such Masonry flourished.

The Lodge continued to increase in membership whereby a larger Lodge room was required, eventually resulting in a Stock Company being formed in 1891 to build a magnificent building on the Main Street in Mattawa, with the first floor level leased to the McDougal and Cuzner Hardware Store, and the second floor containing offices and residential apartments, and the third floor a well laid out Lodge Room, and other rooms leased to other organizations, including the Lodge Room leased to the Pembroke Chapter No. 53 of Royal Arch Masons.

A number of the most active members of Mattawa Lodge had to move away between 1895 and 1901, resulting in loss of revenue and the building being sold to pay off the debt. The Lodge reached a mutual agreement with the owner, to rent the Lodge room. Later, following the owners death, the Lodge was unable to come to a suitable agreement with the new owner. A Temple Corporation was formed and a new building was erected and the Lodge Room consecrated in 1950.

Following the decline in logging, sawmilling, and farming in the area, and the abandonment of the community of Klocks the Lodge saw a reduction in membership, although there was an increase in activity during the Hydro Construction on the Ottawa River in the late 1940’s.

As Mattawa Lodge had been sponsored by Pembroke Lodge from the East so Mattawa Lodge spread its benign influence to the West and North by sponsoring Nipissing Lodge No. 420, in North Bay, and Temiskaming Lodge No. 462 in New Liskeard.

Mattawa Lodge Members assisted in the formation of Lodges in North Bay, Sturgeon Falls, Haileybury, New Liskeard, and Sudbury and in 1920 when the Lodge was formed in Temiskaming in Quebec, the work was done entirely by Members of Mattawa Lodge. Earlier Mattawa Members took their demit as they became Members of Lodges in the new areas opening up in the West and North of Ontario, thus partly resulting in the decline in the Mattawa Lodge Membership.

During the fall of 2002, it became quite apparent that Mattawa Lodge was struggling under the pressure of declining membership and increased maintenance costs of the building which was now more than 50 years old. At a Lodge meeting, a vote was taken and passed to move the Lodge from Mattawa to North Bay. On June 3rd 2003, Mattawa Lodge held their last meeting in the Town of Mattawa. June 21st 2003, ushered in a new era for Mattawa Lodge as they held their first meeting in North Bay at the North Bay Masonic Temple on 1st Ave. West where meetings continue to be held to this day.

During the summer of 2009, Mattawa Lodge celebrated its 125th year in existence. The celebration was attended by dignitaries from Grand Lodge and other lodges from the district.

Although Mattawa Lodge has moved to North Bay, it has not forgotten its deep roots in the Town of Mattawa. Besides contributions to the Masonic Foundation which funds educational programs and helps children who need hearing implants, the Lodge continues to provide bursaries to the students of the two high schools in Mattawa. Also with the assistance of volunteers from the Lodge membership, Mattawa Lodge sponsors two Masonic Child Identification Clinics in the Mattawa area. These clinics provide free child ID kits to parents to assist law enforcement agencies if a child go missing.

Similarly, like the Town of Mattawa, Mattawa Lodge has a long and interesting history over more than 125 years.

 

Moher, Father Peter #298 *

Honoured by St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church.

Father Peter Moher was born on February 15, 1954 in North Bay.  He was the second of four children, son of Rose and John Moher.  He attended elementary school at St. Hubert’s, St. Rita’s and Mother St. Bride.  He spent much time exploring, hiking and getting into mischief.  He would concoct schemes and practical jokes to drive his siblings crazy.  At a very young age, Fr. Peter began to take piano lessons.  He diligently practised before and after school and could easily pick up tunes from the radio and play them by ear.  He especially loved ‘The Beatles’ and was thrilled to see them guest star on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’.

Fr. Peter’s high school years were spent at Scollard Hall.  It would be hard to find a more faithful or loyal fan of all things ‘green and gold’!  Hockey and football games were never missed, particularly the ‘east/west’ tournament.  He also entertained patrons at ‘The Golden Dragon’ restaurant by playing dinner music on the piano.  It was during his high school years that he began to consider the priesthood as his calling.  After taking one year at Nipissing University, and completing his A.R.C.T certificate in piano, he headed to Resurrection College at the University of Waterloo.  After his ordination, he became the pastor of a number of churches in this diocese.  Some of these included Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, Elliot Lake and Manitouwage.

During his adult life, Fr. Peter would continue to share his musical abilities.  For a number of years, he was part of a group of singing priests known as ‘The Hidden Talents’. He loved to entertain with his jokes, puns and flying fingers.  In his spare time, he liked nothing better than to ‘hit the road’ with the C.D. player as his trusty companion, and multiple stops at Tim Horton’s or McDonald’s.

Although he enjoyed all of his assignments, he was happiest in his hometown of North Bay, or being near enough to visit on his day off.  For the past 12 years, he has happily been the pastor of St. Peter’s parish.  During this time, he took great pride in watching the waterfront being developed, and loved to walk through the park and ‘show it off’ to visitors and relatives.  As of September, 2012, Fr. Peter will be transferred to Sudbury.  It seemed only fitting that his parishioners would decide to honour him with a leaf on the pergola.

Father Peter could be described as an ‘ordinary person who has been extraordinary’.  He is a sincere and faith—gilled pastor who cares deeply for each person in his parish.  He can be as serious or light hearted as the occasion allows.  He delivers inspiring sermons to young and old, plays the piano before Masses, and his singing voice is a beautiful expression of prayer.  Father Peter will be greatly missed, but we wish him the best of luck in the future and hope he visits often and strolls under the pergola.

 

McMurchy, Karin May Olson #1882 *

Honored by Beth, Roy, Ian, Derek, and Megan Lubetkin with love and heartfelt thanks for all she has done for our family.

Karin McMurchy was born in 1928 in Keewatin, ON, the eldest of three daughters of Andrew Olger Eugene Olson and Agnes May Stewart Olson. As a teenager, and every summer until she was married, Karin worked in her father’s grocery store. A very good student, Karin decided to become a teacher. Upon graduating from high school in 1946, she made the long train trip east to attend North Bay Normal School.

It was in North Bay that she met her future husband, Don McMurchy, shortly before he entered medical school. After Normal School, Karin taught grades two and three in Callander, Ontario for two years where she also volunteered as a Brownie leader. She left Callander to attend Queen’s University for one year to receive her advanced teaching credentials. She subsequently moved to Ottawa where she taught grade one. Don and Karin were married in 1951, and Karin continued teaching in Ottawa while Don finished medical school. The young couple next moved to Winnipeg for a year where Karin taught at River Heights School and Don interned at Deer Lodge, a military hospital. They then settled in Wingham, ON where Don joined a medical practice. Karin stayed home with their son Donald and daughter Beth and volunteered as a CGIT leader. In 1959 they returned to North Bay where their daughter Susan was born and where Don became a much respected member of the medical community.

Throughout her many decades in North Bay, Karin has focused her talents on raising her three children, working part-time in Don’s medical practice, and doing community work for such organizations as the Esperanza Club, the Medical Wives Association, the North Bay and Area Museum, and St. Andrew’s United Church. Most notably, Karin has been a long-time member of the North Bay and District Canadian Club, serving in many capacities locally, regionally and nationally. In addition to being Vice-President, President, Past-President, Speakers Convener and Archivist of the North Bay club, Karin was a Regional Director of the National Association and on the National Executive. Karin and her good friend Jessie Banks spent 23 years working together planning, organizing and leading countless Canadian Club trips throughout Canada and the US.

Although she suffered the unexpected and devastating loss of her beloved husband in 1984, Karin has maintained a very busy life volunteering, travelling, and spending time with her children, their spouses, and her nine grandchildren in Canada and the US. She is a life-long learner, accomplished photographer, and skilled computer user who combines these latter two talents to create beautiful cards for her family and friends, as well as for sale as fundraisers for local non-profit organizations.

She is currently a member of Living Fit, continues to enjoy travelling, and stays active with her many friends. Karin also volunteers at the Heritage Railway and Carousel Company where her now-grown grandchildren never tire of visiting to take a ride with their much loved Grandma Murch. Karin is truly an inspiration and a role-model for our family.

Madigan, Lee #1970 *

Lee was born in 1946, here in North Bay. He began his career with the Ontario Provincial Police in 1969 and married Hariett in 1970. He had a distinguished career with the OPP for 37 years, most of those years in North Bay. He received several commendations and served his community with dedication and pride. He has three children and 7 grandchildren. He loved his career but his first love has always been his family. He is dedicated to his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. I couldn’t leave out his other loves; namely, hunting, steam bath, and hockey.

What has Lee meant to me? He has been the rock in my life, my home-base, and my safety net. He makes me laugh with his Irish/policeman sense of humour and he laughs at himself a lot. He has a keen instinct for problem-solving which made him a great policeman and makes him a wonderful father and husband. And he can get to the source of a problem and offer a solution with very few words. He is a kind, gentle, and caring person and he will always be the love of my life.

Hariett

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I started to appreciate my dad’s wisdom as I became a man and began to understand the sacrifices he made for us when I became a father. Our time together at the rink is priceless and I’m lucky to be so close to my father.

Love, Sean

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Dad or Captain Vex!
Dad taught me many things. To be independent, to solve my problems on my own, and the most valuable lesson is to be kind to people. Family always come first and make sure you have a good group of friends you can count on. Dad sacrificed a lot for us just so that we could go to our gymnastics lessons, hockey practices or any other sport we were in. He used to ride his bike to work in the middle of winter just so that mom would have a car to pick us up! I have many fond memories of hanging out on Trout Lake when we were kids. I can always count on Dad to be sitting on the deck at the cottage relaxing looking out on the lake. His calm spirit is what I look for when I come home.

With Love, Christian

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My father is the embodiment of selflessness, love, dedication, and wit, and he has the impressive ability to stay true to these characteristics in the various facets of his life. His devotion to his fellow brothers and sisters in the police service, and to the community alike, was no more obvious to me then when I had the pleasure of attending a ceremony to mark his 35th year as an OPP. His love for my mother has been palpable and strong over 41 years of marriage. But it is in his role as father to me over the last 35 years that I truly understand his enduring characteristics. My father is selfless – always putting his family’s needs ahead of his own. He would willingly work overtime hours to ensure that his children were afforded all the opportunities they desired. My father unconditionally loves. He exemplified this love not only when we have succeeded in life, but also (and most especially) when we failed or faltered. He loves by providing encouragement when we have needed to overcome adversity. He is a protector. As a young child (and especially as a teenager!), I did not always understand the rules he imposed. It is only now, after having my own children that I understand that my father was determined to strike the difficult balance between unconditional love and fierce protection. My father’s wit is true to his Irish roots – he is not one to shy away from an opportunity to get in a humorous ‘jab’ and he can always lighten the mood with a good joke or story! Simply stated, my father is extraordinary – a man of true integrity. The powerful and loving relationship that I have had with him has had a profound impact on the person I have become today.

With love, gratitude, and admiration, Sheri.