Inductees

John Greco was Peterborough’s most visible, and energetic hotel manager for over two decades.  Always enthusiastic to give aspiring talent a place where they could hone their craft, John became known as the ‘Godfather of Live Music’ in Peterborough.  He readily made available his venues for numerous charitable causes and was instrumental in developing the very popular Hunter Street cafe district.

Gordon Roper (d. 2012) was a Professor of English Literature at Trinity College, University of Toronto from 1944-1969, and then at Trent University from 1969-1977. His family was rooted in Peterborough, and he was a major scholar of local writers such as Robertson Davies, Susannah Moodie and others. His family came to Peterborough in 1915 when his father joined the staff of the local YMCA. He enjoyed lifetime friendships with F. M. de la Fosse, local naturalist William A. Breyfogle (1905-1958), Margaret Laurence and Mr. Davies.

He received the Peter Robinson medal in 2000 for his contributions to Peterborough and to its literary history. Streets in Peterborough – Roper, Hawthorne and Melville – were named for his heroes. His students have included professors now at Trent University, and the former Governor-General Adrienne Clarkson.

Gordon Roper was a pioneer in bringing the writing of local authors, to life.

If Peterborough hasn’t already formally thanked CHNS-FM, it’s well past the time some form of appreciation is shown the Halifax radio station for giving a young Graham Hart a summer job.

In pursuit of an engineering degree at the time but bitten hard by the broadcasting bug, Graham left Dalhousie University after his third year and pursued radio full-time. A series of on-air positions in Nova Scotia followed before Graham moved to Ontario and worked at radio stations in Chatham, Hamilton and Niagara Falls before his acceptance, in 1973 of a job offer from CHEX Television in Peterborough. Hired as news anchor, Graham quickly became the face of CHEX. Before retiring in 2018, he had served as News Director, Assistant Television Program Director and executive vice-president of affiliated CHEX Radio.

As big an impact as Graham had on viewers’ daily lives via his news reports, and his hosting of specials, documentaries the long-running Campus Quiz  and Flashback programs, his work outside of the studio cemented his position as a community leader. Beyond volunteering his silky smooth delivery to the benefit of countless events and fundraisers as an emcee and guest speaker, Graham has worked tirelessly for a number of non-profit organizations. The Canadian Mental Health Association, the Peterborough Family Resource Centre, the Lakefield Animal Welfare Society, the Peterborough Festival of the Arts, the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough, the Peterborough Pathway of Fame, and the Ontario March of Dimes are but just a few of his many volunteer affiliations. And then there’s his work for Easter Seals that has seen him appear as a regular on the annual telethon broadcast for no fewer than 47 years.

As one would expect, Graham has been duly honoured by a variety of organizations. Named a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International and a Melvin Jones Fellow by the Lions Club International Foundation, Graham was the first recipient of the Gordon Holnbeck Community Service Award and, in 2014, the City of Peterborough presented him with its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

It’s an interesting human characteristic: a few strains of melody quickly releases a flood of memories; the good times we had in our youth. Part of such cherished memory belongs to musicians who gave form to melody.

One name that’s long been associated with musical good times in Peterborough area is Paul ‘Streak’ Konkle.

Paul was, to many a musical genius who could write arrangements as easily as other mere mortals could write down phone numbers. For several decades, he was one of the most respected guitar teachers in Peterborough, enabling countless young musicians to set sail on their own careers.

Yet, is is through his performing talents, that most will remember Paul Konkle. Solo or part of a small, or large ensemble, Paul charmed audiences with his musical ease and craftsmanship. He excelled as a valued member of many legendary bands, coming out of bygone eras in our history; working with names such as George Novotny, Hal MacFarland, Bobby Kinsman and Del Crary. It was a time when Saturday nights meant fun with friends and up-close live music. That’s where Paul shone.

Whether it’s dancing at The Aragon or relaxing at The Algonquin, musical memory and Paul ‘Streak Konkle was part of our lives.

While there are countless examples of people who have made Peterborough their home and quickly made a positive difference in the lives of others, few can hold a candle to the varied contributions made by Terry McLaren.

Arriving in Peterborough in 1995, Terry was appointed deputy chief of what was then the Peterborough-Lakefield Community Police Service before being named Chief of the department two years later. When he retired from that position in the summer of 2008, Terry had completed 37 years in policing – 24 of those years with the Niagara Police Service.

Terry’s service to his new community began in earnest when he became a member of the Kiwanis Club of Peterborough. Serving three terms as president of the service club, he also chaired a number of committees. Terry’s Kiwanis work brought forth a number of honours for him – Kiwanian of the Year in 2011, the Kiwanis Distinguished Service Award in 2012 and, in 2013, the Citizen of the Year Award from the Kiwanis Foundation of Canada and the Kiwanis Life Membership distinction.

If that was the extent of Terry’s service that would be impressive enough – but it’s just the tip of the proverbial iceberg, with his work on behalf of the YWCA and Ontario Special Olympics standing out. For the former, Terry was co-chair of the Week Without Violence Committee for seven years and served as a cabinet member for the Safe Haven Capital Campaign that led to the building of a new women’s shelter. For the former, he was host and co-Chair of the Ontario Special Olympics Spring Games in 1999 and was host of the Ontario Special Olympics Summer Games in 2004.

Earlier, in 1998 he volunteered for, and was a member of the Ontario Spring Games Committee.

Truth be known, there are few major community events that haven’t benefited from Terry’s involvement. In 1996, Terry was a member of the Memorial Cup Committee that oversaw the Canadian junior hockey championship tournament; he was a member of the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Strategic Planning Committee for four years; he volunteered with the Peterborough Festival of Trees; served as past-President of the Peterborough Family YMCA; and from 2008 to the present is a volunteer off-ice official with the Ontario Hockey League.

Terry’s community service has been duly recognized. Along with three Community Betterment citations from the City of Peterborough, he was a finalist for the United Way’s Scholfield Award of Distinction; was inducted into the Ontario Special Olympics Hall of Fame; and was invested as a Member of the Order of Merit of Canada of Police Forces in recognition of his community service and leadership.

• Photo Courtesy of Clifford Skarstedt, The Peterborough Examiner

Paul Ayotte was a technical writer for General Electric of Canada, 1964-2002, but is best known for his remarkable contributions to municipal government. He represented Ashburnham ward, 1978-85, 1987-2003. He served as mayor of Peterborough from 2006 to 2010. During these years he served frequently on committees for finance, public transportation, council procedures and affordable housing.

After the Ides of July flood in 2004, he chaired the Peterborough Area Flood Relief Committee, and while mayor established and energized the Mayor’s Action Committee on Poverty (Peterborough’s first since 1875). During 28 years in public office he has been a tireless advocate for fighting poverty, building affordable housing and finding ways to help the disadvantaged. He then accepted the challenge of chairing the Peterborough United Way campaign for 2012.

His family has been in the area for eight generations, and he admired the community’s ability to meet challenges and to support those in need. He challenged people to give a “gift of hope.”

His amazing public career has always been about finding ways to lead, ways to better the community one person at a time.

Paul Ayotte photo courtesy MyKawartha.com

Terry Finn, a native Peterboronian, was a music prodigy, studying piano and organ. By age 15, he played the organ at the Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains, and began teaching music with Tommy Barnes’ Continental Academy of Music. Later, he opened his own Finn’s House of Music, where he taught a wide range of musical skills; his students included upcoming stars such as Serena Ryder.

Terry, along with fellow Pathway of Fame inductees Barry Haggarty and Ken Deschamp, formed a band called ‘Parnell,’ which played across Ontario and the Maritimes. During this time the group also released three singles which garnered airtime on Canadian radio. He has played in at least a dozen other bands, recorded with several notable musicians, and performed at nearly every venue in the Peterborough area. His nominator believes his feeling is captured best in the song “Immortality:” “So this is who I am, and this is all I know.”

• Photo courtesy of Lance Anderson, Peterborough This Week / Metroland / MYKawartha

It’s a widely-held truth, in the music business, that really successful groups gather together not to gain fame and fortune, but for the pure pleasure of making music.

That’s essentially how The Kountry Klassics became one of Peterborough’s most popular country groups. Back in the early 1990’s, a handful of musicians got together at one of their homes to jam and have fun playing old time country music. The sound produced was so good; they decided to ‘go public.’ Over an ensuing decade, the group underwent a few personnel changes until coming up with the mix they now have, in 1996.

With Don Stiver on steel, Paul Jones and Al Marshall on guitars, Jim Hobson on drums and Bonnie Irwin on vocals, the Kountry Klassics quickly made a name for themselves on the Peterborough music scene and have given selflessly of their time and talent in aid of numerous local causes.

Douglas Sadler was born in London, England in 1916. He served in the 7th Armoured Division (Desert Rats) during World War II and with the Queen’s Royal Regiment in Holland. He spent six months imprisoned in Oflag 79, Germany.

It was during the World War II that Sadler met his future wife, Joan, in England. They were married in 1942. After the War, he served as a Captain in the Army and one of his tours took him to Singapore in 1947. He came to Canada in 1950 to work on Governor-General Vincent Massey’s farm near Port Hope, Ontario and later worked for the Port Hope Evening Guide in advertising.

This was the beginning of his newspaper career which ultimately led him to the Peterborough Examiner and the City of Peterborough in 1953. Part of his work at the Examiner included writing his now famous outdoor column, “Come Quietly With Me,” which he has now written for more than 30 years. Douglas has written close to 1500 columns on every conceivable aspect of the environment.

Late in his life, Douglas decided to return to school. He attended the old Peterborough Teacher’s College, and upon graduation, began teaching with the Northumberland Board of Education. He later became the vice-principal of Warkworth School in 1969 and worked there for twelve years before taking a job as an outdoor education consultant.

He then moved to the Peterborough County Board of Education. When the outdoor education program was cancelled in 1975, Douglas continued teaching at the Bailieboro School. At about the same time, Douglas became a member of the Peterborough Field Naturalists. After two years, he joined the Ontario Federation of Field Naturalists were he was a member for sixteen years, two of which were spent as the Federation’s president. Douglas has won the Frank Kortright Award twice and is an honorary life member of the Peterborough Field Naturalists. He earned a degree in geography in 1978 from Trent University and, in 1988, he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from the same university.

In 1987 he authored the book “Reading Nature’s Clues.”

Mr. Sadler died in 2008.

It’s a telling comment in today’s news-gathering industry that reputation is built on seeking out the flashy, big-event stories while glossing over essential human elements inherent in every story. In his long, and varied journalism career, Don Grant never bypassed the true meaning of each story and how it affected his readers.

Starting out as cub reporter at the Peterborough Examiner, Don’s determination came to the attention of then-editor Robertson Davies who expanded his duties. During his Examiner years, he covered every possible kind of story and learned to excel at the new craft of photo journalism. His talents led him to a job with the Toronto Telegram and an enviable reputation as a tenacious, much respected reporter. After the Telegram folded, Don went to The Globe & Mail, where he rose to a weekend editor position and then assistant city editor. On the way, he always took time to help younger journalists learn their craft and responsibilities.

Throughout his career, Don Grant thrived at technical aspects of reporting, but, more importantly, he never minimized the humanity in each story. He developed a true, and abiding love for people about, and for whom he wrote. In today’s journalism, that’s indeed a rare and treasured quality.

Don Grant passed away in 2014. he was 85.

When German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche told us that without music, life would be a mistake, he foretold what drives Fred Huffman and makes him tick.

Since coming to Peterborough in 1950 to work as an apprentice at General Electric, Fred has made it his mission to bring the joy of music to the lives of as many people as he can. After a work colleague told him about the then-called Peterborough Citizens Band on the day he started at GE, Fred brought his clarinet to rehearsal the very next day, embarking on a musical journey with the Peterborough Concert Band that would last until the early 2000s and see him named a Charter Member of the organization.

Gifted not only with musical talent but also personality in spades, Fred became the face of the band. In 1958, he became its president and, two years later, took on the dual roles of secretary/treasurer and manager and held those positions for close to 40 years.

Serving as a promoter of the band, he liaised on its behalf with numerous entities including the City of Peterborough, the Peterborough Festival of Lights (now Musicfest) and the Canadian Band Festival. Fred’s passion for the band, and his efforts in terms of its promotion, have been key to the continued success of the band which, at 162 years old, is one of the oldest continuously performing bands in Canada.

Fred’s musical acumen has also led him to other opportunities, including musical theatre and his performing with the St. James’ Players on a number of productions including The Sound of Music, Oklahoma and Annie Get Your Gun.

In addition, as a member of the Kawartha Carollers, Fred entertained Christmas shoppers at local malls and, for several years, sang with The Peterborough Singers. To this day, Fred still has a song in his heart that he shares unselfishly as a member of the Mark Street United Church choir.

The editorial cartoon is a truly unique art form requiring very special talent. Doug Landry demonstrated that special talent for over 50 years in the Peterborough area.

He sold his first cartoon to none other than Robertson Davies, then-editor of the Peterborough Examiner in 1950, and churned out a steady stream for area publications since that day. Doug estimated at one time he produced several thousand quick sketches at fairs and community events. In fact, special editions of his cartoons and caricatures are now becoming collector items.

Over the years, Doug branched out into commercial art and design, and landscape painting. However, it’s the quick sketches, caricatures and cartoons that remained his first love.

From the 1950’s to the 1990’s, if there was a theatre production or live performance in Peterborough, Mabel Smith would see it, and tell you about it. For 40 years, she served as theatre critic and performance reviewer for the  Peterborough Examiner, writing critiques that were enjoyed, and respected.

With a lifelong passion for live theatre, Mabel was a founding member of Peterborough Theatre Guild, toiling backstage for countless productions. Mabel Smith’s work as Guild archivist evolved into the acclaimed history, Peterborough Theatre Guild – The First Thirty Years.

From the outside looking in, it would seem the Guild Hall on Rogers Street in East City is the Peterborough Theatre Guild’s most valuable asset.

While its longtime ownership of the live theatre space has reaped a huge benefit for the guild, there’s something else equally vital at play within its historic walls – the combined theatrical experience of those who have unselfishly led by example, all while mentoring those who will brandish the torch for many years to come.

Countless directors, actors and behind-the-scenes production volunteers have greatly benefitted from the fact that Jerry Allen didn’t exit stage left long ago and, in fact, has remained very passionate about his craft.

A lifetime member of the guild, Allen, as both an actor and director, has habitually, and happily, guided and mentored countless people over the past 40 years-plus. As a past chair of both the guild board and the play selection committee, his leadership, and passion for all things theatre, has ensured the guild’s vitality as the hub of community theatre activity in Peterborough.

Actress Kate Suhr, who was cast by Allen for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and The Sound of Music, still marvels over “the passion Jerry pours into everything he does,” adding “His belief in me meant more than I can express.”

“Jerry was generous with his time, was endlessly patient, and was not just a director but a true mentor – supportive, encouraging and always ready to help me grow.”

Allen’s directorial debut came in 1983 when he brought Our Town to the stage; his most recent turn as director was for Outside Mullingar in February 2025. In between, Allen directed 13 guild productions, with The Beauty Queen of Leenane earning Best Play honors from the Eastern Ontario Drama League.

To each of these productions, Allen brought his vision for the set, all technical aspects and each character portrayal. As for his commitment, that has been fully evident in countless hours spent at The Guild Hall over the course of months prior to opening night.

And Jerry’s gift and passion has extended beyond the Peterborough Theatre Guild stage. In an effort to see more young people interested in live theatre, Jerry began the extra-curricular challenge of mounting a bi-annual Broadway musical at St. Peter’s Secondary School. That was in 1991, with the production moving to the Showplace stage 7 years later. The bi-annual tradition continues, to this day.

“It’s always a joy and a privilege to work with Jerry,” offers actor Luke Foster, adding “He knows how to create a show into an experience for everyone involved, so the audience can escape for a couple of hours and go where Jerry wants to take them.”

Need proof of that? Take in the Allen-directed Guild production of Where You Are this coming January. Yes, Allen is still at, and Peterborough’s community theatre footprint remains all the better for it.

Some might question why a person would devote so much time and effort for others, even to the extent of spending money out of his own pocket. The answer to the question, was Al Beavis.

His, was a lifelong quest to assist people and organizations, giving him great pleasure knowing he made a difference; in fact, a big difference.

And, what a difference! In the area of personally attracting over $200,000 toward assisting various causes that he supported from Five Counties Children’s Centre to Art Space. Al even put his portly physic to work, investing in a red suit and appropriate white beard to raise funds for a number of charities.

Al Beavis epitomized a community fundraising Santa by combining his altruistic character and creativity, resulting in helping all those in need.

Mr. Beavis passed away on March 15th, 2009

They called him ‘Mr. Soul!’ – and it could be argued the title not only reflected his lifelong admiration for James Brown, but also the guiding spirit that infused all of Brian ‘Buzz’ Thompson’s music.

‘Brian’ may have been on his birth certificate. But he was known to everyone, as ‘Buzz.’

There seems a proven path taken by those who’ve become part of Peterborough’s legendary Rock & Roll history. As a teen, Buzz joined a throng of unforgettable local groups, memory-evoking names such as The Gemtones, BJ & The Interns, Gary & The Goodtimes and Max Mouse & The Gorillas.

Then, in true Peterborough Rock & Roll fashion, Buzz did ‘post-graduate’ work as part of Ronnie Hawkins’ Hawks. Testament to Ronnie’s appreciation of Buzz’s artistry is the fact Buzz performed with The Hawks longer than any other musician. He also shared the stage with a remarkable array of talent, among them Kris Kristofferson, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins.

Buzz’s solo albums reflect his infectious energy and enthusiasm while demonstrating a sensitivity and romantic spirit that stops even the most casual listener in his, or her tracks. For over 40 years, Buzz was a valued part of the Peterborough music scene. He made us get up and dance and sit down and check our souls.

The hallmark of a true musician.

The Peterborough Examiner’s Centennial Edition listed Buzz Thompson as one of the ‘Performing Arts Top 100 of the Past 100 Years.’ At age 14, he was quoted as saying, “to entertain gives me the chance to let myself go,” and where his music has gone is straight to our hearts.

Buzz Thompson died in 2018.

For many, music is a pleasant form of entertainment – a way of sharing with others and, for those of a creative bent, the means to express ideas and emotions in a clever, compelling manner. For Carol Wakeford, music is all of that, but also a way to touch people and be in tune with the rhythms and melodies of life itself.

For Carol Wakeford music, like breathing, is essential to human life.

Carol plays guitar and sings and – like breathing – writing songs and poems comes naturally to her. Over the years, she’s created thousands of compositions. More than six hundred of them have been registered with SOCAN, the international song publishing organization. More than 20 have been recorded by various artists in both Canada and Nashville.

However, it’s in sharing music that Carol truly shines. She’s a driving force behind ‘Kawartha Friends,’ a group of amateurs in the best sense of the word, and musicians who gather weekly in the Norwood area to share music, stretch writing talents and convey musical thought and emotion.

For Carol Wakeford, music could never be considered a one-dimensional experience. It’s a means of expression, entertainment, craftsmanship and, most importantly a way of reaching out and connecting with others.

And, connecting with one’s inner self.

There’s an old Celtic saying; the greatest sin is the unlived life. This individual’s life is a true mosaic of experiences, events, relationships and dedications to his belief. It could never be said Father Bernard Heffernan is guilty of an unlived life.

An ordained priest since the early ‘60’s, this son-of-Douro worked as labourer, plumber, truck driver and RCAF flight lieutenant. His parishes existed in quintessential small-town Ontario, but often his congregation was the world.

Father Heffernan was an innovator in the use of mass media to spread his message of faith. He penned, and produced the widely-distributed TV series ‘The Church’ as well as numerous radio programs and series.  Among the shows he hosted and produced was ‘Gospel Gold,’ airing Sunday evenings at 6pm on CKQM ‘Country 105’ radio in 1987. A similar program aired on 910 CKLY Radio in Lindsay. He crafted an influential, and well-received book called ‘The Future Vision of the Christian Mass Media Mission.’

Whether interviewing celebrities such as Garth Brooks, spending time listening to prisoners in local jails, or seniors in nursing homes, he always held fast to the belief that each person is valued in God’s eyes. Regardless of his many accomplishments in mass media, for Father Bernard Heffernan, faith is passed on one soul at a time. As well, it can be said, one note at a time. Ahead of most of the major Peterborough Petes or Lakers Lacrosse games, ‘Father Hef’ would often be seen outside the entrance of The Peterborough Memorial Center, playing his fiddle and spreading the Good Word.

And especially, on St. Patrick’s Day.

Father Heffernan went to be with the Lord in 2016, at age 81.

This Pathway inductee possesses one of the most familiar faces in Canadian broadcasting. His career offers proof that to be a trusted and recognized presence in broadcast news for close to 40 years, means he has continuously done the right things well.

Wally Macht began his broadcasting career in Saskatchewan in 1959, soon becoming Western Canada reporter for the CTV Network. In 1968, he moved to Toronto as national reporter and backup anchor to Harvey Kirck. Wally served as CTV’s weekend news anchor for 11 years and, in 1977 was elevated to news anchor for Canada AM.

In 1988, Wally looked north and landed in Peterborough as news anchor and Vice President of Information at CHEX Radio and Television, overseeing major updates in news-gathering, tech and presentation – including overseeing  the installation of a state-of-the-art newsroom.

Now, an integral part of the Peterborough community, he utilizes his broadcast skills to assist several local projects, most notably the Heart Catheter Fund, and the Trent Valley Archives.

As journalist, he demonstrates an uncanny news sense and capacity for hard work; as news executive, he demonstrates the rarest of talents; the ability to motivate, without intimidation.

More than a generation of Peterborough young people learned music under the tutelage of Tommy Barnes. As proprietor of the Continental Academy of Music, Tommy taught music for over 25 years.

Widely recognized as one of Canadian Music’s finest dobro and steel players, Tommy enjoyed a career as a much sought-after session player and band member. Playing with such locally-acclaimed groups as Wildwind and The Teddy Bear Band, Tommy Barnes gave generously of his considerable talents to further many charitable organizations and fundraisers.

David and Patricia Morton have been dynamic philanthropists, whose generosity has had an incredible impact on all of Peterborough County.

David Morton was President and CEO for Quaker Oats Company, while Dr. Patricia Morton taught history at Trent University, and is now Professor Emeritus. Both have served on significant committees affecting the welfare of our citizens.

David was Chair of the Board of Governors of Trent University, the Board of Frontier College, Chair of the Five Counties Children’s Centre, the Fleming College Board, the Greater Peterborough Economic Development Corporation, the Festival of Lights, and the original campaign for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre. He was Peterborough’s Volunteer of the Year in 2002, and received an honourary doctorate from Trent University.

Patricia, a respected and published historian, has served on the Board of the Morton Community Health Centre in Lakefield. The Morton Family Trail, on the east bank of Trent University was named for them. Since 2012, David and Patricia Morton have been the leading donors for the Lakefield Literary Festival. They were major donors for the First People’s House of Learning at Trent University’s Gzowski College, and have funded several outstanding scholarships and bursaries for the University. They donated $100,000 to the building of the Sport and Wellness Centre at Trent University.

Most significantly, they donated $500,000 to the Lakefield Primary Health Centre, since renamed the Morton Community Health Centre. They also gave support to the Trent Valley Archives for its J. J. Duffus Project, and to the publishing of the history of the Quaker Oats fire of 1916.

No words can adequately capture the depth of David and Patricia Morton’s support for the communities of Peterborough, Lakefield, Trent University and the County of Peterborough – or their incalculable influence in making so many community projects feasible.

• photo courtesy KawarthaNOW

Without question, the greatest waste is a waste of human life and when that life belongs to a child, the waste is all the more poignant. In 19th Century England when the Industrial Revolution was taking its greatest toll, Dr. Thomas Barnardo was one of those rare human beings who didn’t simply lament the waste of human life, but did something about it.

Appalled by the number of homeless children scavenging an existence on city streets, Thomas began feeding them, then came up with an idea of starting up homes for destitute and unwanted children. In these homes, the children could receive proper food, warm clothing and training in useful trades, thereby allowing them a chance to build a life for themselves as adults. Dr. Barnardo’s good works came to the attention of Peterborough’s George Cox. Cox offered Barnardo the choice of two city properties. Barnardo saw this as an opportunity to help children escape the degradation they suffered in England and find gainful employment in a young country; itself hungry for those who were willing to work. Thus the home called Hazelbrae was born.

From 1884 to 1922, Dr. Barnardo was instrumental in bringing 10,000 young people to Peterborough to find better, more meaningful lives. Another 20,000 Barnardo children found equally suitable homes elsewhere in Canada.

Today the legacy of Barnardo Children and their descendants can be seen in the city, the country and families they’ve built. The legacy of Thomas Barnardo remains as meaningful today as it did then; what one person can accomplish when they have the courage to get involved.

Modern communications can often be a mysterious blend of words, ideas and technical hardware. John Gilbert Jones began his life as a television technician and HAM radio enthusiast. That was the ‘medium’ side of the ‘message.’ The ‘message’ side would come later.

Composing stories and a passion for narrative started as a youthful and personal pastime. Then in the 1960’s, John decided to pursue his dream of becoming a storyteller. Honing his craft as he went, John produced his acclaimed ‘Swamp Cedar Stories.’ He also undertook a daunting, but fulfilling project: updating and revising Hillier Williamson’s acclaimed history of Omemee. The book was originally published in 1968. John’s update was a popular success, rekindling enthusiasm for local history. The book became a turning point in helping to revitalize Omemee and District Historical Society.

John’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed. For his work, he was awarded a Certificate of Achievement by the Ontario Heritage Foundation.

An integral aspect of communication and writing, is to assist other aspiring and established communicators. To that end, John was an energetic influence on the Kawartha Lakes Writers Association as well as writing groups in Keene and Peterborough. He was also an ardent supporter of the Historical Society’s annual Book Fair.

For a natural storyteller, the life of each human being, and of each community, represent stories that ache to be told, and shared. The Kawartha region was lucky to possess such a passionate storyteller, as John Gilbert Jones.

Mr. Jones died in 2015, at the age of 81.

A fixture on Peterborough’s Country Music scene, George McIlmoyle delighted audiences for more than 40 years. With his ‘Good and Country’ band, he performed on radio, television, in clubs and at gatherings throughout the Peterborough area.

Always willing to lend a hand to those in need, George was an avid and appreciated performer who contributed to countless local causes. George McIlmoyle personified the best in the tradition of giving to others through music.

When charged with being the face, and the voice for an organization, the pressure to deliver can, and often is equal parts overwhelming, stressful and daunting.

During his 27 years as Executive Director of the Five Counties Children’s Centre Foundation, if Dave Adams felt any pressure to deliver results, he never showed it. Quite the contrary, as he proudly heralded the centre’s mission of helping children and adolescents with physical, communication and developmental needs, strengthen their abilities.

Mr. Adams’ own daughter was in the pipeline to receive support and care from Five Counties, when Dave applied for the Executive Director’s position in 1991. He not only got the job, but over the ensuing years worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the centre’s work, and the need for funding to ensure that work continued.

In his role, Dave Adams spoke to numerous community groups, often outside of working hours – and he organized very successful fundraisers, including the annual door-to-door campaign which relied upon an army of volunteers to raise thousands of dollars.

When the Peterborough Festival of Trees ended its lengthy run, Mr. Adams, saw an opportunity and retooled the event as a Five Counties fundraiser dubbed Winterfest. He also coordinated an ambitious fundraising campaign with the goal of raising $5 million over five years.

Our inductee’s unabashed support of his community extended well beyond the Dutton Road centre, as he volunteered with Junior Achievement, the Canadian Mental Health Association, and the United Way of Peterborough and District.

Mr. Adams was also heavily involved in sledge hockey for youths with special needs, and gifted his time to Special Olympics as well as the Ontario Association of Children’s Rehabilitation Services. Active in sport in his own right he skied, played hockey, baseball and golf, and even won a medal for speed skating. For a number of years Mr. Adams awoke many days at 6 a.m. to flood a neighbourhood ice rink before heading off to work.

Retired in 2018, David Adams sadly passed away three years later – but his influence and legacy is seen to this day in the continuing world-class care and support provided daily to children and their families from across the Peterborough region, and beyond.

During his short life, Chris MacGee made profound contributions to the Peterborough arts community, both in administration, and as a remarkable creative artist in his own right. Chris worked at Artspace and as curator of the MacKenzie Gallery at Trent University, for five years. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Art Gallery of Peterborough.

Despite his administrative duties, Chris still found time to pursue his true passion: creating art. On display in Peterborough and across Canada, Chris MacGee’s work exhibits a superb craftsmanship and clarity of vision, making his interpretive style distinctive and forceful.

To be a true community Samaritan, it seems necessary to do two things: robustly speak out regarding important causes, and provide quiet comfort and assistance to distressed individuals, without fanfare. These two qualities were personified with grace, and dignity in the Reverend Floyd Howlett.

Reverend Howlett began his life of commitment protesting the treatment of Japanese Canadians during World War II. That led to work as a United Church missionary in Japan.

Returning to Canada, he became passionately involved with the Peterborough branch of Project Ploughshares, campaigning for world peace and disarmament. Floyd and his wife, Sheila were selfless supporters of the New Canadians Centre, even opening their home to needy refugee families. Floyd shared his dedication and energy with the Social Planning Council of Peterborough, Kairos and Natwin program, which twins Peterborough with the northern Ontario reserve of Mishkegogamang.

The life of Reverend Floyd Howlett is proof that, although the distance between words and actions may be great, the journey is well worth the travel…

Reverend Howlett passed away the year following his induction, in 2003.

Margaret MacKelvie, teacher and community activist, was a woman with a deep, and abiding love for the magic of ‘living history.’

No one was more involved in the creation of Lang Pioneer Village.

Before Lang opened in 1967, Margaret supervised Village construction, including arranging for several buildings to be transported to the site. Over the years, she arranged ‘special days’ at Lang, as well as creating publications with a focus on Lang.

As evidence of her true devotion, Margaret served as volunteer curator from 1967 to 1995.

For her efforts, Margaret MacKelvie was awarded the Canada Commemorative Medal, an Outstanding Achievement Award from the Ontario Museum Association, and an honourary doctorate from Trent University.

In the music business, the promoter is the individual who makes the show or concert happen. Through quiet determination, integrity and ingenuity, Peterborough’s Brian Edwards has become one of Canada’s most respected, and admired promoters.

While still a student at Kenner Collegiate, Brian began promoting shows, dances and contests. He quickly became the youngest person ever, at 17 years of age, to be granted a North American professional booking license.

It wouldn’t be long before Edwards’ brand of personal trust, dependability and integrity made Brian the exclusive Canadian agent for legendary Kitty Wells and Wilf Carter, and led to strong working relationships with stars such as George Jones, Roger Whittaker and Anne Murray. Today, Brian provides exclusive management for superstars Tommy Hunter, Frank Mills, and before his death the late Stompin’ Tom Connors.

Stubbornly continuing to be based out of his Peterborough home base, Brian Edwards quietly gained a worldwide reputation and has made an indelible mark on Canadian Country Music.

Johannus Boots is one of those rare and fortunate individuals who is able to combine career, with creative passion.

Formally trained as a commercial artist, Johannus spent a number of years using his artistic creativity to produce what was necessary to pay the bills. Working to the specifications and desires of others taught him much about the art business, laying a foundation for his dream of self-publishing, and self-distributing.

Since setting out on his own, Johannus has drawn upon the natural beauty of the Haliburton Highlands to create his distinctive artistic expression. His lithograph and giclee editions gained him a significant, and ever-growing reputation; a reputation due, in no small measure to his extensive use of the internet to display his works to patrons, worldwide.

Passion for his art and determination to be an individual has made Johannus Boots a truly unique artist.