Stories

Kerr, David #1260

Honoured by Jean M. Kerr-Penny.

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

Everitt, Ed & Cheryl & Family #1101 *

Ed and Cheryl Everitt (nee Parisien) began their life’s journey together in 1974. Both originated from Ontario Northland Railway fathers with long standing family ties to North Bay. They were blessed with two sons, Travis and Riley (Annette) and three granddaughters, Tamika, Nyomie and Mya.

Hearth, home and family are very important to the Everitts. Supporting this worthwhile endeavour, where future generations can grow and play, reinforces their values and support of community.

To our Grandchildren:
May our grandchildren remember the laughter, joy and family gatherings with pride, and remember – we’ll be by your side.
Walk among the leaves with a smile on your face.
Listen to the wind and look up at a star.
Close your eyes – we won’t be far.

Love Gramma and Poppa

Robinson, Harriet #1717

Honoured by Keith Robinson

Thank you for purchasing a Leaf of Inspiration for your Mother and for supporting your Waterfront Park project.  Story to follow.

Nadeau, Richard Leonard #79 *

Honoured by David Nadeau and John Nadeau

Our father,

Richard Nadeau will forever be remembered as a man of action.

His life began on the move; born June 1,1931 in Flint, Michigan while his parents were there vacationing. Raised from the wilderness of the Matachewan ‘Head of Lakes’, he was the eldest boy of his 6 siblings.

An accomplished athlete in his youth, he played for the junior hockey Barrie Flyers and was a star for the 1948-49 Northern Ontario Hockey Junior B Champion Kapuskasing Lions. His playing days abruptly ended when his father David fell seriously ill, and he took charge of the family grocery store on the Circle. He proposed to our mother Jean after knowing her for only 2 weeks. They were soon married in Immaculate Conception Church on the very frosty morning of January 4,1954; 6 children were born of their loving union in the next 9 years.

His entrepreneurial acumen expanded that single grocery store into the first shopping center in the North, Kapuskasing’s Model City Mall.

With Trident Real Estate Ltd, he developed the construction of many homes, subdivisions, apartment buildings and commercial properties.

A tragic hunting accident ended his active life on November 22, 1978.

His treasure was his family, and their development remains as his proudest accomplishments. He leaves behind many fond memories of his incomparable energy and perseverance, boundless enthusiasm and an unparalleled zeal for living. We all miss you Dad.

Love

David Nadeau, eldest son

 

In several ways, my father, Richard Nadeau, was the type of person we all want to become.

Dad’s “joie de vivre”, contagious enthusiasm and rational approach to problems come to mind as some of the important character traits that we all aspire to develop.

His intrinsic friendly demeanor allowed him to strike up a meaningful conversation with anyone.

He also always took the time to stop what he was doing in order to give you his undivided attention when speaking to you.

I am forever grateful to Dad for introducing me to the great outdoors and I often think of him during times of solitude when fishing or hunting. We have so many fond family memories at Audrey Lake.

Perhaps Dad’s most unique quality was his ability to make his loved ones feel special on a regular basis. This is what I remember him the most for.

It is not surprising that we all look up to him and remember him with such great admiration.

In the end, the memories of my father continue to inspire me to become a better person.

Love

John Nadeau, youngest son

Omond Memorial United Church #319 *

Honoured by Past, Present & Future Members of Omond Memorial United Church

A Brief History

Omond Memorial United Church can trace its beginning to a small group of people holding worship services in the O’Brien Street Public School in 1947. Two years later the official board decided to build a church.

Under the guidance of the Reverend M.N. Omond, of St. Andrew’s United Church, funds were raised and the sod turning for the new church building took place on June 25, 1950. On Christmas Sunday 1950 services took place in the completed Dudley Street Church. Dedication of the building occurred the following September 1951.
Due to a steady increase in attendance throughout the 1950’s and early 1960’s, a fact finding committee was established in 1961 to advise the congregation on the wisdom of a new church building. Rev. Gerald Paul, incumbent minister, offered this motto, “In Widdifield we have the people. Let us build a church to house them.” A year later, the congregation approved plans for a new church designed by architect, Gerard Cox to seat 300 people at the estimated cost of $100,000. Worship services took place in the newly constructed church located on McKenzie Avenue – Christmas 1963 and the building was dedicated to the Glory of God, May 10, 1064.
Known in North Bay as the “church on the by-pass” Omond church has offered Christ’s ministry to the surrounding community in countless ways. The congregation has articulated its vision for ministry in its mission statement:
“As followers of Jesus Christ, the mission of Omond Memorial United Church is to be a Beacon of Hope reaching out to all people through involvement, ministry and fellowship.”

Frezell, Larry & Nadine #1275 *

Honoured by:John and Geraldine Coyne and family
and Terry and Sheila Frezell and family

Mom and Dad are long time North Bay residents. They were each born in 1920. As of this writing in August 2011 they are both still alive, in relatively good health and are enjoying life at the Empire Living Centre.

Mom was born and raised in Kingston, Ontario where as a young lady she was a civilian employed by the army during World War II. Dad, although born in Buffalo to Canadian parents, moved home with them to North Bay when he was a baby, and lived on Gorman Street throughout his youth and the greater part of married life.

Mom and Dad met in Kingston, Ontario when Dad, as an enlisted man in the Canadian army was assigned to duty there. They married in 1945 and returned to North Bay at the conclusion of the war. For a short while they had an apartment downtown North Bay but early on purchased a home back on Gorman Street at # 1275 on the waterfront, remaining there until many years after retirement. Thus their love of the natural beauty of Northern Ontario, Lake Nipissing, and of the North Bay waterfront.

Dad joined the Ontario Northland Railway and worked in the administration area in numerous positions until after 39 years he retired in 1975 as Budget Supervisor. Mom was an active homemaker and wonderful mother to her son Terry – born April 1947 – and daughter Geraldine (Gerry) born July 1956.

Mom and Dad have always been active in community and church activities. Dad has served as a North Bay Alderman, and both he and Mom were active in the scouting and guiding areas at St. John’s Anglican Church. Dad has also served as treasurer for the North Bay branch of the Canadian Cancer Society. They are both founding members of Christ Church Anglican. They remain as active members of the Royal Canadian Legion where Dad has been honoured with a Life Membership.

Karen & Phil #86

Karen Kyrzakos and Phil Geden dated once nearly fifty years ago, and now we have re-united. It’s just as good as it was then, and we are going to make it last another fifty years – together, this time.