Stories - Page 23 of 61 - Waterfront Pergola: North Bay

St. Jules, Sylvio #445 *

Honoured by Therese St. Jules & Family.

We could cry because you have gone
OR
We could rejoice because you have been such an important part of our lives.

We could be sad because you are not with us any more
OR
We could smile at the thought of all the love we have shared.

We could turn our back to life without you
OR
We could do like you would have wanted us to do and choose to live a full life.

Nous pourrions pleurer parce que tu es parti
OU
Nous pourrions nous réjouir parce que tu as fait partie de notre vie.

Nous pourrions nous attrister parce que tu n’es plus avec nous
OU
Nous pourrions sourire au souvenir de l’amour que nous avons partagé.

Nous pourrions tourner le dos à la vie sans toi
OU
Nous pourrions faire comme tu l’aurais voulu et choisir de vivre pleinement.

Ackroyd, Alan & Shelley #1117

Honoured by the Ackroyd Family.

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

Schollen, Mark #1985

Honoured by Community Waterfront Friends, Rod Johnston, Hariett Madigan, Michael Puccini, John D’Agostino, Allison Quinn, Carol Brisson.

Salidas, Michael & Elsie #2222

Honoured by Debby Bentley, Cathy Bertrand and David Salidas

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

Hirsh, Allan #134 *

Honoured by Joan Ferneyhough.

In 1976, Allan Hirsh moved from downtown Montreal into a log cabin South East of Powassan.

He had a Master’s Degree in Psychology, but that did not help him avoid ditching his Ford Econoline Van along the soft shoulders of the back country roads. He learned to carry a shovel and a small winch wherever he went. In the fall of 1977, Allan had completed building a two-story, square Ontario farm house. He did most of the work himself, but did have friends help him at various stages in the construction.

Allan Hirsh, M.A. Counselling Services came into existence in the spring of 1978. Allan was the first M.A. level practitioner to set up a full time private practice in North Bay and area. At the time, he was also one of a few to do so in all of Ontario. At first, he made house calls. One day in January, he walked a mile off the road in the bush to see a couple in need of marriage counselling. Upon arrival he knocked on the door and said “Allan Hirsh, Bush Psychotherapist.” Around the same time, Allan worked part time for Canadore College teaching both credit and non-credit courses. Eventually, he set up a professional office downtown where he saw clients for over 3 decades.

Allan helped raise three sons. Jesse is a free-lance technology commentator and president of Metaviews Media Management LTD. Joshua is a senior network infrastructure technical specialist. Jacob has a PhD in research psychology and has multiple publications. Allan’s parents have always been proud of their grandchildren despite having difficulty understanding what it was they did at work.

Allan’s father was a successful business man in Montreal and his mother was an artist. Allan did well in his business and also pursued his artistic side. Allan has been an avid cartoonist. His work has been published in several books, magazines and professional newsletters. During the warmer months, Allan could be seen on his bike going to yard sales. He sought out interesting antique artifacts that could be incorporated into his assembled found art sculptures. There have been several exhibitions over the years.

Allan has been a long term supporter of the YMCA. He has also supported the arts community in North Bay with enthusiasm and encouragement.

Falk, Hal & Family #120

Honoured by Josef, Carla, Katy and Kristina.

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

Fournier, Leo & Agnes #121 *

Leo and Agnes Fournier – “121 Duke Street East”
IF THIS HOUSE COULD TALK

In 1950 moving from Corbeil, a man, his wife and seven kids rented a small house. Feeling crowded, the man decides it was time to build his own home. Hence, with the help of family and friends, “121 DUKE STREET EAST’ was built; I had my start.
Dimensionally I was not a big house, but, as a home I was the best. Once they moved in, I remember how good it felt to feel the pitter-patter of little feet running on my joists and soon number eight to fourteen were on their way.

Quite a crowd at meal time, they didn’t have much but they were happy. I remember parties as Christmas and New Years with 40-50 people dancing and laughing all night. Man, my joists were sore in the morning; they even creaked a little.

The husband worked out of town a lot so it was up to the wife to make everything work. She did a great job of it too! The kids all did their share; well most of the time anyway. The smell of the woman’s cooking especially her seapie will always be embedded in my walls.

By the way, 121 DUKE STREET EAST, is still firmly standing today. I am still a loving home to the large family, plus the many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. Sixteen cedar trees were planted; two in the front representing the man and his wife, and fourteen alongside the driveway symbolizing the children.

So, you can see my load has gone up and down over the years. “Leo”, my creator, always said, “Build them right and they will last!” The lady of the house “Agnes” (92 years old), is doing a great job in keeping up with my maintenance. After all these years, I’m still the best!

In closing, the man and his wife were Leo and Agnes Fournier, with their seven boys and seven girls. Elise, Lucille, Ron, Reg, Claudette, Claire, Louise, Rene, Richard, Suzanne, Denise, Robert, Rolland and Raymond.