Stories

Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption #1886 *

Honouring all parishioners past and present

HISTORY OF THE PARISH

The cornerstone for the Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption was laid in June 1904, however, the faith community here dates back to 1886, under the name “St. Mary’s of the Lake” when the original location of the small framed church was on Main Street West.

During the 1800’s there was considerable missionary activity due to the establishment of the historic fur-trader route through the French River, Georgian Bay and the Lake Superior regions and a number of missionary chapels and outposts were founded.

The original territory was part of the Diocese of Peterborough but it was soon an obvious conclusion that the vast northern segment could no longer be adequately served because of the increase in population as well as the distances which had to be traveled. As a result, the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie was formally established by Pope Pius X on September 16, 1904 and Father David Joseph Scollard was appointed its first bishop.

During his time as pastor of St. Mary’s of the Lake, Fr. Scollard and the community set about to build a more permanent place of worship. The cornerstone of the new church was laid on June 19, 1904 and in the fall of 1905 St. Mary’s of the Lake” later to be renamed the “Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption” was completed and dedicated. It was blessed and dedicated on the last Sunday of Advent December 17, 1905.

The history of our parish is written in the hearts and recorded in memories of thousands of people who built our faith community. The life of the parish has been a life of prayer, outreach and celebration. Our history has been an expression of faith in a God who has called us together as his “visible sacrament”, the body of Christ, a people of the resurrection.

Our faith shall continue to live in the hearts and lives of the people in years yet to be recorded.

Bellaire, Don #200 *

Honoured by Diane Bellaire

Don Bellaire was born Oct. 23, 1951, in Mattawa, ON, to Arthur and Florence Bellaire. He was the youngest of ten children and very much enjoyed his family, friends and life in a small town. But from a very young age, Don had big dreams. His aspirations led him to the big city of Toronto. With his young wife Diane by his side, he moved to Toronto in 1971, and it was there that they raised their two children.

Don was not afraid of hard work. He saw it as an opportunity for self-education. Once in Toronto, he landed a job as a forklift truck technician for Lansing. This job led him to meet many people as he travelled the city, servicing forklift trucks at various companies. He enjoyed his job and the connections he made along the way. Through hard work and determination, he worked his way up within this heavy equipment company, which is known as Strongco Inc. today. He became a General Manager in the company sales department which led him to Montreal. There, he also oversaw the product support in the Atlantic Provinces.

Don also had other interests. He enjoyed his family and friends. He loved to entertain at home, cook great meals and listen to country music. Don and Diane were always known to throw a good party. Don always said “the more the merrier!” He was also a musician in his own rite. He played the guitar and sang. Hank Williams and George Jones tunes were among his favorites and known trade marks at a party. While Don loved to have lots of family and friends around him, he did not need them to enjoy himself. There were times when it was just he and Diane. He would put the music on, and they would dance in the middle of the living room floor and entertain themselves. He was outgoing and a lot of fun.

One of Don’s goals in life was to retire at age 55 and to move back to the North Bay area, which he did. But shortly after he retired, Don was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Because of his positive attitude, the will to live and the courage to beat this cancer, he lived a year longer than expected. He enjoyed his home on Callander Bay and the many friends and family members who filled it with happy times and good memories until his passing on May 29, 2010. He was a loving husband to Diane, father to Tracy and Jason, pappy to Aedan and Emily, brother and friend.

Don was a smart, resourceful man. He worked hard and played hard. He always said, “Whatever you are going to be in life, be the best.” He lived by that, and reminded his children to live by that each day. He was a good friend that way too, because he gave his best to all those around him. He could always be depended on when you needed a friend. Don offered support and words of comfort and encouragement, in good times and in bad.

Don will always be remembered for his bravery, persistence, determination and never giving up in life. He showed up in life. In turn, he inspired others to achieve, to know more and do more. He also taught us to take the time to enjoy life.

We cannot bring back the old days, when we were all together, but secret tears and loving thoughts will live with us forever.

Quirt, Delia #715 *

This leaf honours the memory of Delia Elizabeth Mary (Myre) Quirt and her loved husband, Mervin Walter Quirt. Anyone who spoke of Delia or Mervin always meant both, because they were one in each other.

Delia and Mervin’s lives together began after the war. They fell in love and were married July 2, 1947. Their love created three children, Gale, Glen (Kim) and Laura (Dan).

They thrived on love of family, sharing many warm moments with both sets of parents and sibling families. Every weekend, the families would get together for quality time, laughing, reminiscing, outdoor activities and quiet times.

Delia was born July 15, 1930, to Louis Xavier Myre and Mary Ann Delorme and was sister to Wilfred, Leo, Diane, Phillip, Donald and Yvette. She loved life and lived for her family. She rallied back time after time when all odds were against her to care, love and protect her daughter Gale. These two had a very special relationship, not only as mother and daughter, but as true friends who relied and depended on each other to the end. Delia was determined to live until she was certain that Gale would be well cared for and strong enough to carry on without her. Delia passed away on July 13, 2011, her mind sound and her body tired.

Mervin was born in 1922 to parents Wesley Walter Quirt and Phriel Lansloot (Brussells, Belgium) and was brother to Harold, Gloria (Russell) and Wayne. He, too, was a strong family man in every sense of the word and loved life to its fullest. He passed away January, 1999.

Times were tough when they started out and Mervin and Delia wanted to secure a strong future for their family and to provide for them.

Mervin worked for the Ontario Northland Railway and then took a position with the Canadian Car Demurrage Bureau. He took this career change so that he could reach his objective of providing more for his family. This commitment took him on the road during the week, often returning late Friday night and travelling on Sundays. He always did what was best for the family and in so doing, Mervin denied himself of what he truly wanted – time with his wife and children. He remained with the Bureau until his retirement in 1978.

Delia began to work after their last child was born. She began by working in various grocery stores, then at Canadian Cantex where she discovered her love of sewing. From there she was employed by upholstery shops where recognition of her work and skills were well known. Eventually, Delia opened up her own upholstery shop in the basement of her home until she decided to retire.

Delia and Mervin were talented people and as the family was growing up they shared a love of gardening, camping, fishing, hunting, wine making, music and enjoyed many outdoor activities.

Mervin had several hobbies, a passion for wood working spending hours in his garage creating quality furniture and then ventured into a second passion – the love of boating. He built a 22 ft. cabin cruiser naming her “At Last” and then designed and constructed a beautiful sailboat. Delia and Mervin worked together as a team on these projects and spent many hours relaxing from the fruits of their labour.

Delia loved working with her hands. She had a natural talent which allowed her to excel in crafts such as embroidery, cruel, bunka (Japanese silk), knitting and crocheting. Another interest she enjoyed was the excitement of the casinos and bingo.

Their retirements opened up new adventures and they discovered a desire to travel. Mervin, Delia and Gale explored Canada coast to coast and then broadened their horizons and toured the United States. Delia and Mervin spent their last 10 years together wintering in Florida and Arizona. Gale will always treasure these travel adventures and memories.

While in Florida, Delia broadened her love of crafts by taking an art class where she found love for painting. She continued this passion for painting and other crafts for several years until her hands would no longer allow her to continue. Several of her paintings can be viewed in the homes of family and friends and in the hallways of the ONR Apartment Building where she and Gale resided before Delia passed.

When Mervin passed away, Delia filled hours by participating in classes to learn paper toule, another craft that she excelled in.

Mervin’s love of music was passed onto Gale and his love of wood working, hunting, fishing, and outdoors was passed to Glen.

Delia and Mervin’s love of gardening, fishing and the outdoors was passed onto Glen, Laura, grandchildren Dana (Sweetie) (husband Denis Boulanger), Derek and Steven and great grandchildren Matthew, Brittney, and Courttney Boulanger and Lena Mae Turgeon.

Delia and Mervin touched the hearts of many but none so much as their children who will always love and cherish the love, standards and gift of family that they so unselfishly gave to each of them.

We would like to express our gratitude to Dr. Rod Johnston and staff for allowing the Quirt family to share and pass on these memories of Mervin and Delia Quirt, our parents, friends and mentors.

J.O.Y. Band #401 *

Honoured by the J.O.Y. BAND members past and present

North Bay’s J.O.Y. Band (Just Older Youth) began in the fall of 2007 under the auspices of Calvin Presbyterian Church where Betty Farris (the group’s founder) was Director of Music. The fledgling, adult-oriented band had its first practice shortly after Thanksgiving with about a dozen members. Open to anyone who wanted to play a band instrument, interest was soon generated. Betty was finding that there were many adults who had always wanted to play an instrument – but, for some reason, had never been given the opportunity. Some were active in school music programs, but had not played for a long time. Many could not read music having had no formal musical training – but they all had a strong interest, commitment and a willingness to learn.

By offering individual help, extra practices and classes in basic music theory, more members were encouraged to join. The band played publicly the first time at the 2007 Christmas Sunday worship service at Calvin Church and the band had grown to over 25 musicians. Now, beginning its fifth season, the ensemble is a fully independent community band with more than 70 members. The band has included members aged 16 through 86 years young, all playing for the joy of music.

The J.O.Y. Band concept is patterned after the New Horizon Band program conceived by Dr. Roy Ernst, a professor at the Eastman School of Music. He believed that anybody, especially and older adult, can learn to play a musical instrument and he established the first New Horizons Band in 1991. North Bay’s band is counted among more than 100 similar programs (directed mostly by retired teachers) throughout the world.

The J.O.Y. Band has three main objectives: help people learn to play an instrument or help them improve existing playing skills; have fun making music with others; spread their joy of making music with others through playing outreach concerts in the community including local churches, seniors centres and at various fundraising events.

Betty Farris invited Neil Kennedy to share in the direction of the band in 2009. Both are retired high school music teachers. They each perform in the band when not conducting.

Band members supply their own instruments and attend two practices weekly, performing a balanced repertoire of varied difficulty. This includes show tunes, swing selections, marches, classical pieces, novelty numbers and formal concert arrangements. Attendance at these practices is never a problem because members are eager to learn and enjoy the social camaraderie and positive accomplishments they create playing together. As stated by one member, “it has opened a whole new world to me. I always leave the practices feeling great!”

When asked about the future of the band, Betty says: “We will keep on having fun making music and sharing it with others.”

If it is true that music is food for the soul, this band of music-makers will undoubtedly be happy feasting for many years to come.

Brennan, Bridget #89

Honoured by Joseph K Madden

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