Stories

Retza, Margaret #1938 *

Honoured by Jack Retza.

Margaret Retza “Mugsie” was born on October 9th, 1938, in Timmins Ontario. As a
youngster she moved to Chapleau where she attended both Elementary and High
School. This is also where she learned to figure skate. In 1957, she met Jack Retza, the love her life and husband for 46 years. Jack and Mugsie spent many years in Ontario where Jack worked in the mines and Mugsie raised their two boys Riel and DJ.

Later in life, they all moved to Stewart, B.C.. Mugsie taught figure skating, shot moose, fished on the ocean, and according to her brother, Joe Longpre, she shot two ducks (in flight) in a row, while in a moving boat, with a .22!

Mugsie had an adventurous spirit; and spent a great deal of time on the ocean. She was incredibly organized; and had the knowledge and skill to operate a huge boat, bait hooks, run downriggers, cook fantastic fresh fish, prepare kids for bed, and put up with the stench of the kids who rubbed herring behind their ears all day because her husband said it was lucky.

Later, Jack and Mugsie lived and operated a large orchard in Oliver, B.C.. Relatives who visited quickly learned that the Retza philosophy of life didn’t only include play; you had to work hard too! Folks who showed up and started heading to the beautiful outdoor swimming pool would be intercepted with a sharp order to plant some trees…. “The tractors over there”. Anyone trying the passive aggressive route “I can’t do that”, would only be met with a level gaze (and Mugsie’s finger still pointing at the tractor) that said “Oh, you’ll figure it out”. Mugsie taught us all the meaning of “work-hard, then play hard”.

Jack and Mugsie moved to Campbell River, B.C. for a few years, enjoying the ocean life once again. Afterwards, they purchased a home on Cluculz Lake, B.C..
They embarked on a terrific amount of work to transform their beautiful home into the breathtaking place it is today. There are many people who still have recurring dreams that involve pouring bags of cement for concrete!

Margaret Retza was a vibrant person, full of life, energy, and most of all spice. She was an extremely hard worker. She was fearless and would take on any task knowing that hard work leads to success. If Mugsie said something was going to get done, then you could guarantee it would be. Mugsie was no-nonsense, and if you crossed her, you knew it. At the same time, she had a big heart, and a lot of compassion.

Mugsie taught many lessons in her life. She showed people the benefits of balancing hard work and good fun. She showed how a husband and wife can work as a team to accomplish great things. She raised a wonderful family, extended her love to foster children, and she shared her experience by raising and educating many others.

Blair, Rose #1974

ROSE MAY SIMPSON BLAIR was born in Winnipeg in 1934. Rose was the only daughter born to William Simpson Barron and Mabel Dorothy Phillips. She had two older half-brothers (Bill and Bob), two younger brothers (Alec and Jim) and, later on, a half-sister (Mary).  Rose May Simpson Barron met John Crawford Blair, an Irishman and brand new aviator in the Royal Air Force. They were married at the Registry Office in John’s hometown of Larne (Northern Ireland) before moving to Duxford, a military air station in England.  In 1958, the couple and their first child moved to Winnipeg where John joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and Rose raised their growing family. The family was posted to several air bases in the central and eastern parts of Canada.  The Blair family grew to four children over the next nine years and became enamoured with the game of hockey.  While living in Bagotville, Quebec, it was not unusual for the three Blair boys to each be playing on two or more teams in a hockey season.  Skates were often left on and laced up to expedite the movement of these young players from one rink to another for the next game or practice.  

In 1973, the family moved to North Bay and settled in the West Ferris area, known for its strong hockey program in an area known as South Zone.  The family’s enthusiasm for the game continued as the Blair family became an active part of the West Ferris Minor Hockey Association.  In her pathfinder way, Rose elected to coach and became a well-respected house league hockey coach.  Rose coached through the leagues as high in age as Midget-aged boys.  She took great pride in how her players developed both on the ice and as young citizens in North Bay. Rose completed what was then known as Level IV Coaching in Canada, and was one of just three women to achieve this level in those days.  Her love of the game and her desire to imprint the fundamentals of hockey on young players (boys and girls alike) resulted in the development of a program she called Hockey For Beginners.  Hockey for Beginners began at the West Ferris Arena and for the princely sum of $35 dollars, each child participated in on-ice sessions every Saturday morning all season long. The program was free for families that could not afford the fee.  Each boy and girl learned how to skate forwards and backwards, how to start and stop, how to turn and do crossovers.  All of these skill development lessons were created by Rose, written on small cue cards with schematic drill diagrams, then delivered by a group of teenaged hockey players (including her daughter) who all followed her regimented lesson plans.  To maximize the use of ice time, the ice surface was divided into three sections teaching different skills and drills; with players switching sections on the sound of Rose’s whistle. It was not unusual to count fifty young boys and girls working through the drills and participating in activities and relay races.  By the Christmas timeframe, pucks were introduced and young players could use their sticks for more than just support!  Hockey for Beginners grew in popularity and became a hockey staple in the city. The program quickly expanded to the Peter Palangio Arena (known as Doublerinks in the 1970s).  

This leaf recognizes the contribution to the game of hockey made by Rose Blair in North Bay.  John and Rose Blair were well known in hockey circles of 1970s through 1980s and were deeply involved on boards and as convenors for activities such as the annual West Ferris Atom Tournament, the Golden Puck Tournament and later recognized for their contribution to hockey as winners of the Judge Harold (Harry) Reynolds Award. Rose and John Blair’s picture can still be seen in the Sports Hall of Fame at Memorial Gardens.  This leaf is proudly placed by her children – Butch, Bruce, Glenn and Kathleen Blair.

Rawlings, Jill Ann #1824 *

Honoured by the Lisk family.

My sister was many things to many people.  She was a daughter to my parents, Barry and Teresa-Jo Rawlings, a sister to myself, Diane Newton and Joan Rawlings, a mother to her son, Terry Seguin and a wife to Chuck Seguin and then, Kenny Wilson.  Throughout her life, many were left with a valued friend.

Jill was the third of four girls in our family.  I am the eldest, and being 5 years older than Jill, meant that I was in high school when she was in grade school, so we were involved in different circles at that time in our lives.  The next thing I knew, she got married and moved out west.
When she moved back, we began to get to know each other as adults. We were the only siblings living here at the time, and I was happy to have her back.

As a child, she was a day-dreamer, often not hearing us when we spoke to her because she was lost in a dream. She was very social, but always preferred to blend into the crowd. Being the center of attention was not the place for her.  So, surprise parties were out of the question.

She loved to run, play badminton and basketball, but she excelled at volleyball. This game was her passion. She played in high school and went on to play in open and ladies leagues, throughout the city. She even dragged me to the Waterfront to play in Beach Volleyball Tournaments. We had a blast!  The Waterfront was one of her favourite places. We spent many hours there, sitting at the beach, walking our dogs, enjoying the ducks, talking, laughing and giggling, and thoroughly enjoying ourselves.  It is fitting that she will be remembered on the Pergola there.

Jill lived most of her life in North Bay.  A lot of our time was spent at the ballpark, watching her son Terry.  She enjoyed watching him excel at sports, introducing him to volleyball as soon as he could hold the ball.  It was something, to watch her hit the ball to him and have him bump it back to her perfectly, at four years old.  We watched him play many games as part of the Varsity teams at St.Joseph’s/Scollard Hall and Nipissing University. She was very proud of his skill and talent.  He resembled her and I still see that today.

My sister was a very private and sensitive person, with an inept ability to read people’s emotions.  We would enter a room and she would eventually know who was upset and needed someone to listen. These people would migrate to my sister and end up sharing their situations with her.  Being kind and empathetic, she would always listen.  It was challenging for her to keep her distance, emotionally, but she thought someone had to listen.

An amazing sense of humour, got her through many of life’s ups and downs.  We would spend an afternoon together and laugh, incessantly, at life’s situations and crazy TV shows we had watched.  She would imitate Scotty from Star Trek and we would roar.

During the second half of her life, she decided she liked to fish, enjoying the peace and tranquility that was involved with the sport.  At the cottage in Bracebridge, she would spend hours on the dock casting, rarely catching a fish.  Mostly, she caught weeds and it was my job to take the weeds off, so she could cast again.  She caught her limit in weeds!

The way she cared for animals was a shining example of the compassion she showed in her life.  She would take me to the Humane Society and we would walk the dogs from the shelter.  She felt they needed to get out,  for a change of scenery and then, would want to take them all home.
Whether it was a chipmunk at the campground, the birds in the trees in her yard or the deer in the field next to her home, she enjoyed them all.  I’ll never forget when she told me she had purchased a dog, at the 400 Market in Barrie.  When I finally saw Spike, he was a little ball of white fur with
a very prominent under-bite. Then she said to me, ’“Don’t you love his beautiful smile!”’.  Really?  He was the runt of the litter and the last puppy in the box.  Jill had a soft spot for the underdog and could not leave him there all alone. That pretty much sums up the way my sister lived
her life.

In the last year of her life, she fought a brave battle, with dignity and courage.  She passed away, from Melanoma, on April 25, 2009.

Jill did not design tall buildings or run a huge corporation, but in her own private way, she lived her life with love and compassion for all living things.  If I live my life with half the integrity she had, I’ll consider it a success.  Not a day goes by that I don’t think of her.  Until we meet again – my sister, my friend.

Dale Rawlings-Lisk.

Takacs, Kathryn #211

Honoured by Morguard Investments Ltd. (Northgate Square).

Thankyou for puchasing a leaf in honour of Kathryn and for supporting our future Waterfront Park.  Story to follow.

Studholme, Robert #1925 *

Honoured by Eileen B Studholme and Family.

Robert D. Studholme
Born 1925 in North Bay

There are people who have a gift for taking an idea, jumping hurdles, breaking down road blocks and rolling up their sleeves to turn that idea into reality. Robert “Bob” Studholme is one such man. His “get it done” attitude has ensured the preservation of several of North Bay’s historic landmarks for the enjoyment of North Bay’s residents and thousands of visitors to our city.

You need only look at the CF100 and the ACT “Gateway to the North” arch in Lee Park to see what can be done when perseverance, determination and commitment come together. As a volunteer, Bob coordinated the restoration of these land marks in 2006.

Bob’s dedication to preserving history and remembering others was equally evident at the Cenotaph on First Ave. at Ferguson St. In 1997, he became Chairman of “Project Flanders” to restore the Cenotaph. He raised $700,000 through donations, grants and persuasiveness from individuals and businesses in North Bay and surrounding areas. The Memorial Wall was dedicated in Nov. 2000. Over the next 10 years, Bob raised additional funds for the new benches, flood lighting, sprinkler systems, sidewalks etc. He restored the WW1 monument which was renamed Vimy Wall.

Bob had a knack for engaging politicians, civil servants and business leaders to accomplish what naysayers often thought impossible. Perhaps it was a trait he’d earned as a Warrant Officer in the Second World War, having flown in a Lancaster Bomber as a Mid-Upper Gunner. At the age of 17 he joined the RCAF and was sent overseas in 1943. For the next two years he served with the 419 Squadron at Middleton St. George, England. Sixty-six years later, Bob made arrangements to bring the Lancaster Bomber to North Bay where it was viewed by more than 2,000 people.

After the war, Bob worked at his parents’ tourist camp on Lake Chebogomog, Crystal Falls and later he began a 40 year career at Cochrane Dunlop Hardware. Never one to sit still, Bob played hockey, coached and managed teams and was inducted into the West Nipissing Sports Hall of Fame. In 1968 he played second on the Rudy Steski curling team when they won the Legion National Curling Championship. Bob was voted on the Canadian All Star Team and the Steski team was inducted into the North Bay Hall of Fame.

Recognition for his talents went beyond the sports world. In Nov 2006 Bob was presented the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for “a significant contribution to Canada, to their community and fellow Canadians”. In 2007 his “exemplary contribution by generously giving of himself and so both benefitting veterans and making manifest the principle that Canada’s obligation to all who have served in the cause of Peace and Freedom must not be forgotten” earned him a Commendation from the then Minister of Veterans Affairs, Hon. Greg Thompson.

For over 50 years Bob has been a member of the ACT, Legion Branch 23, Canadian Owners & Pilots Association, a life member of the 406 Wing RCAF, Past President of the North Bay Granite Club and a campaign volunteer for the North Bay and District Hospital Foundation.

Bob’s wife Eileen (Burke) whom he married in 1952, their sons Chris (Helene) and Don (Helene), and grandchildren Eric and Julie have purchased this Leaf of Inspiration for Bob, proud to honour him for his dedication to our community and his many years of volunteering.

Madigan, Joseph Neil #1969 *

Honoured by his children, Cathy, John and Michael Madigan.

A Dad is respected because he gives his children leadership.
A Dad is appreciated because he gives his children care.
A Dad is valued because he gives his children time.
A Dad is loved because he gives his children the one thing
they treasure most – himself.

Joseph Neil Madigan was born at home on Third Avenue in North Bay, on December 13, 1937 to parents, John Joseph Madigan and Margaret Madigan (nee Hicks). As a young boy he regularly loved visiting his relatives in the Ottawa Valley area and helping as a summer farm hand.

In the 1950’s, he attended Scollard Hall in North Bay. He played school sports such as hockey, track and field and Junior Bears’ football. After graduation he worked as land surveyor for the Ontario Government, a job which incorporated his lifelong appreciation for the outdoors.

On January 12, 1963 he married his long time hometown sweetheart, Noreen Ellen Mackenzie. Neil and Noreen had three children: Cathy, John and Michael and were blessed with five grandchildren: Ryan, Lauren, Alisondra, Alana and Ysabella.

In late 1963 a long standing Irish family tradition of dedication to public service caused Neil to seek out a profession as a police officer. On November 18, 1963 he took the Oath of Service as police officer with the Ontario Provincial Police Force. The O.P.P led Neil back to the North Bay Detachment where he was told his first posting would be in Parry Sound. Neil began policing in Parry Sound in early December 1963 where he developed a love of Georgian Bay, the wind-swept pines and the warmth of the people, which caused him to serve and protect the people there for the next 31 years. On November 30, 1994, he retired. In April 1995, a large O.P.P. gathering took place attended by family, friends, co-workers, provincial and local politicians.

His two passions in life (besides his family) are hunting and watching the Toronto Maple Leafs. Autumn is his favourite time of year as he embraces the fall colours and the long trip into Northern Ontario with his brother Lee. He loves the fall with the moose/deer hunt coinciding with the Maple Leafs still being considered in contention, this is an enjoyable time of the year for Neil!

Neil has always made time for his family and friends. The summer and autumn evening bonfires at the Madigan Family country home in Parry Sound blaze long into the starry sky as do the fisherman’s campfire tales much to the delight of the grandchildren. His ties and love of North Bay stay constant to this day.