Stories

Schutz, Gerd #145

Honoured by Rod Johnston.

Thank you for honouring Gerd Schutz with a Leaf of Inpsiration. Story to follow.

Smith, Dick #143

Honoured by Rod Johnston.

Thank you for honouring Dick Smith with a Leaf of Inspiration. Story to follow.

Huard, Armand #142

Honoured by Rod Johnston.

Thank you for honouring Armand Huard with a Leaf of Inspiration. Story to follow.

Smyth, Sandra #141 *

Honoured by Rod Johnston

Expose of Sandra Smyth

Sandra was born and raised in Montreal; then in her 20s, she moved to Toronto and had an exciting career in theatre. A few years later, she moved north to Calvin Township, where she purchased Willow Farms and started a business called Fat Salad Enterprise. The farm started out with two horses and transitioned over the years to become a sheep farm with a flock of over 150.

Sandra maintained the farm of sheep for over 30 years, while being very active in local politics and charities in the North Bay area. During this time she also studied to achieve her Bachelor of Arts degree from Nipissing University and graduated with the rank of Distinction. She was the chairperson of the board of the Ecology Centre and aided in the whole project, from start to completion. Sandy was active on many other boards including FedNor., N.E.C.O., Forestry Committee and Agriculture.

She was a cancer survivor since 2002, and remained active socially and politically, until she lost her battle with cancer in the spring of 2011.

Her smile was always warm and welcoming to everyone she encountered daily. She is missed every day, and her legacy will continue long after her departure.

Taylor, William Ewart Gladstone (Glad) # 185 *

Honoured by Eileen M. Taylor.

Born in Chicago, Illinois in 1917 of Canadian parents, Glad was brought up and educated in the Mimico area. He was the eldest of four boys. Always sports minded, he played hockey and lacrosse and spent his summer holidays as a caddy at local golf courses.

His interest in surveying was sparked by his father, Glad Senior, who was engaged in location and engineering surveys of electrical transmission lines throughout Ontario since the inception of Ontario Hydro until his retirement in 1960.
Glad Junior volunteered for the R.C.A.F. in 1941 and served during World War II as a navigator attached to R.A.F. Ferry Command, making numerous trans-ocean flights across the Atlantic to Britain, down into North Africa and across to India.
After completion of service in the R.C.A.F. in 1945, Glad returned and was employed at Ontario Hydro in the land survey section of the old Property Department headed by Harry Williams, O.L.S., to whom he was later articled in 1949. He received his commission as an Ontario Land Surveyor in 1953 and continued with Ontario Hydro until 1956, when he joined Neil Simpson in North Bay to form the partnership of Simpson and Taylor, Ontario Land Surveyors.

While employed on the “tunnel development” on the Mississauga River in 1947, he met and married the former Eileen Driver of Thessalon. The union was blessed with three sons and a daughter. Glad was a devoted family man and justifiably proud of his children, now all well respected citizens who reflect the many admirable qualities of both parents.

His death came suddenly as the result of a motor accident on December 14, 1981.
Glad, Eileen, Jim, Gerry, Judy and Doug all called North Bay home for many years. The children all attended local elementary schools and high schools and worked in the community as well. North Bay has been a great city to grow up in.

Beaulieu, Henry & Cecile #1930 *

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.

 

Robinson, Catherine Mary #1922

Honoured by the Robinson Family.

Thank you for honouring Catherine Robinson with a Leaf of Inspiration and for supporting your Community Waterfront Park project. Story to follow.