Inductees

For over 40 years, he was a beloved figure on the Peterborough entertainment scene.

Fred Coupland loved making audiences happy as much as he loved making music, itself. Songwriter, bandleader and entertainer extraordinaire. However going beyond his stage work, Fred always enjoyed the talents of his fellow musicians and lent a helping hand to those aspiring to make music their life’s work. In that capacity, he served as president of Peterborough Chapter of the American Federation of Musicians.

True testament to the popularity of Fred Coupland’s musical entertainment mastery was 13 consecutive-year engagements at the Rock Haven Motor Hotel. When not performing professionally, he gave graciously of his time and talents at area seniors’ residences, hospitals and Five Counties Children’s Centre.

Fred Coupland was a consummate musician who took a genuine liking to people. That’s what made him a treasured part of Peterborough’s entertainment tradition.

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.

To the great benefit of Peterborough’s musical and sport communities, our inductee moved to the region in 1957 and never left – in so doing, making his home a better place for countless others.

Born and raised in Toronto, Jack Bardeau started work with Bell Canada in 1941 but joined the Royal Canadian Air Force the following year, helping develop the radar network on Canada’s west coast. Post-war, he returned to Bell and made his way to the Peterborough area, living first at a cottage on Pigeon Lake and then, at a home in the city’s north-end in a Veterans Land Act subdivision where he raised his family.

In the early 1960’s, Mr. Bardeau contributed his singing talent to the Liftlock City Chorus, staying with the barbershop-style ensemble for more than 10 years. When the need for a new conductor for the ladies’ chorus arose, Mr. Bardeau took on the challenge and directed the Peterborough Pipers of Harmony.

Jack Bardeau also became quite involved in sport, but not until his mid-50’s. He made up for lost time, however, playing in the Peterborough Recreational Oldtimers Hockey League as well as serving as its president. He organizing the annual Kinsmen Arena tournament for teams from across Ontario, earning tournament ‘Founding Father’ status from the league. In addition to his on-ice pursuits, Mr. Bardeau also played baseball for a number of years.

It was while he was with Bell Canada that Jack Bardeau was awarded the Community Chest Award for Outstanding Citizenship in 1961. He was also a long-serving member of the Telephone Pioneers, a North American organization that supported the needs of the disabled and, in particular, the hearing impaired. Mr. Bardeau served as president of the organization’s local chapter and, upon his retirement from Bell in 1984, he was presented with a Pioneer Life Membership.

When a stroke in 1995 brought an end to his athletic pursuits, Mr. Bardeau was asked, a few years later, to drop the puck at the annual hockey tournament he founded – a gesture that clearly showed the respect he had earned from his teammates.

Jack Bardeau passed on in 2001, but his war service has been immortalized alongside that of so many others on the Veterans Wall of Honour at Confederation Square. Also not forgotten, is his strong sense of community, anchored by his unselfish efforts to make Peterborough a better place, for so many.

Farmer, politician, visionary, and conservation advocate.  David Nelson McIntyre, of Otonabee Township, possesses all these vocations and attributes and because he does we’re the beneficiaries of his endeavours.  He’s actively involved in the establishment of Serpent Mounds Provincial Park, and very much the force behind Century Village (now known as Lang Century Village).  For his determination to preserve the past for the education and delight of future generations, we are very much in his debt.

When most people walk by old Peterborough buildings, they simply see old brick, wood and shingles. When Martha Kidd passes an old Peterborough building, she sees life and history. She sees the men who built the structure, the individuals and families who inhabited the building over decades, who worked and played, laughed and cried, lived and died there to mold Peterborough into what it is today.

Active in many phases of local history, Martha served as president of Peterborough Historical Society and vice-chair and research director with Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee.

A book she co-authored with Louis Taylor, (Historical Sketches of Peterborough,) and a myriad of newspaper articles and columns are a continuing source of fascination, bringing to life so many aspects of Peterborough history. Her writing also enriches any city walking tour.

Few have contributed more to our appreciation of local history and architectural heritage than Martha Ann Kidd.

Martha Ann Kidd passed away in 2012. Image credit: MyKawartha.com

Dignity, dedication, caring and good, old-fashioned hard work is characteristic of a life, well-lived.

Alta Whitfield demonstrated these qualities and more in whatever pursuit she followed.  With strong ties to family and church, Alta served as an educator in Peterborough area schools, and at Fleming College.  She thrived as a successful business person.

Her resume of community service includes tireless volunteer hours in the fields of education, health care and cultural history.  In many aspects of her life, Alta was a pioneer.  She’s the only woman, in over 170 years, to serve on North Monaghan Township Council and, later, as Reeve.  She’s also the first woman to chair the Peterborough Civic Hospital Board of Directors.

For her dedication to a long life of service, Alta was awarded a fellowship by Fleming College, and a nomination as the YWCA Woman of the Year.

Widely regarded as Peterborough’s pioneer Rock & Roll band, the The Sonics were the first to bridge the gap between the Big Band, and Rock & Roll eras by being the first Rock & Roll band to perform at Ontario dance pavilions.

The group was also the first Peterborough band of the Rock era to appear on American television.  Individual members went on to work with numerous other groups, setting the standard for the rich Peterborough music scene that followed.

Excerpted from Ed Arnold’s book, Peterborough’s First Rock and Rollers, Back When We Were Young

“Mike McCutcheon formed the first rock and roll band in Peterborough’s history when he was a Kenner student. He sang and played some guitar. A record company had suggested putting together a band if he hoped one day to have a recording contract.

“Mike, the son of a local doctor, was just a teenager and approached fellow Kenner student Verne Hope who played drums in the school’s band. He had no idea that the teenage Verne had a classical piano background and had been playing keyboards for years.

“Someone knew two guitarists at St. Peter’s, Tom Kingdom and Gerry Guyatt. Tom, a city teen and Gerry a farmer’s son knew another farmer’s son, Joe Delaney, from Douro who played a mean keyboard but couldn’t read a single note.

“It was quite a mixed bag of teen musicians gathering at Mike’s family west end home to rehearse for their first public appearance at Del Crary’s talent tent at the Peterborough Exhibition in the summer of 1960. Mike had been taking some science classes at Kenner and was studying sonic booms so he named the band The Sonics.

“Mike was hooked on the sounds of Bill Haley, Buddy Holly, and Elvis. That first gig at the Ex was so successful they got a few more invites to perform at dances and became the first rock and roll band at the Hastings Pavilion becoming its weekend house band. Their big competition was Fred Munro’s and Gary Hansler’s Count Victors.”

Barbara Monahan: teacher, singer and musician, notably spearheading the Peterborough Pop Ensemble.

Judy Lynn Heffernan served, for over sixteen years as the general manager of the Peterborough Community Futures Development Corporation. Community Futures provided access to capital, business consulting services and community economic development. Working with federal funding, Judy and others helped many organizations develop ideas and build upon initiatives. She helped small businesses and social enterprises maintain or create jobs and promote local prosperity. She gave solid advice to entrepreneurs, non-profit organizations and women seeking funding. She was active with the Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Canoe Museum, The Women’s Business Network, and other organizations. She was married to Roy Heffernan, and they had two daughters and four grandchildren.

• Photo by Christina Roberts Photography www.christinarobertsphotography.com

When Peterborough born-and-raised Doug Pearcy moved to Norwood with his wife Sandra in 1969 to begin work in the auto parts business, there was little, to no indication of what that would mean for the town east of Peterborough.

Over the 50 years since, Doug’s fingerprints have been all over many aspects of Norwood’s growth and development.

Mr. Pearcy sat on Peterborough County Council from 1992 to 2014, serving as Reeve of Asphodel-Norwood for six years and, in 1996, as County Warden. However, his contributions to his community have extended well beyond the political arena.

Doug has been a member of the Norwood Lions Club for 49 years, awarded a life membership by the service club for his outstanding service. In addition, for 39 years, Doug has been a member of Branch 300 of the Royal Canadian Legion and currently serves as Service Officer, helping veterans and their families secure benefits owed to them. And, having become a Mason in 1966, Doug has held a number of positions with that organization through his association with the Norwood Masonic Lodge.

With Mr. Pearcy serving as co-chair, Action 2000 saw the raising of $1.5 million towards the building of the Asphodel-Norwood Community Centre, which opened in 2003. When it was decided that a senior AAA hockey franchise would be an ideal tenant for the new arena, Doug was front-and center in that effort and, on most Sunday nights, sold 50-50 tickets at Vipers games, the proceeds of which supported a number of community projects.

Currently president of Hospice Norwood Incorporated, Doug is leading the effort to see that project become a reality. There’s no question his 14-year stint as chair of the Committee of Management for Fairhaven has served him well in that effort. Doug still sits on that committee as a member.

When Doug was presented with a community recognition award on July 1, 2016, there was no doubt his significant service to Norwood spoke precisely to why the late J.J. Stewart, created the award.

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.

While many have been, and still are champions of the preservation and celebration of local heritage and history, few have displayed the level of passion and sheer tenacity that Mary Laverty brought to bear over some three decades.

Starting in the early 1980s, Mary clearly recognized the need to preserve all forms of local heritage, including researching and presenting the history and architecture of buildings. She volunteered her time for restoration efforts, was involved with the naming and cataloging of Roy Studio Images, assisted in the writing and development of public policy on heritage issues, and rewrote the bylaws of the Peterborough Historical Society to bring them in line with 21st century thinking and practices. In short, Mary saw the pressing need for cultural preservation, rolled up her sleeves and made it happen.

Mary’s work with Roy Studio Images led to her researching for her book Upper Stoney Lake: Gem of the Kawarthas. Later, with her husband Doug, she researched and wrote Up The Burleigh Road: Beyond The Boulders. For her writing prowess and the breadth of her research, she received the 2011 Award of Merit from the Ontario Heritage Trust.

Among the many who worked with Mary on a number of committees and projects was inaugural Trent University president Dr. Tom Symons. Just recently, he remembered Mary for “standing out amongst those who have cherished and cared for the distinctive heritage of this old Ontario town.”

During her five terms as president of the Peterborough Historical Society, Mary sewed heritage dresses for volunteers to wear and managed the historical preservation of the museum. In addition, she organized the High School History Awards and the annual Heritage Awards presentation. Mary also spoke on heritage issues before numerous groups as well as promoted and organized active community participation in local heritage activities, most notably via the annual Doors Open Peterborough initiative.

Before her passing in July 2014, Mary amassed a number of awards and honours. In 1985, her championing of the educational and historical significance of PCVS brought her an Award of Merit as Educator of the Year; in 2007, and again in 2009, the City of Peterborough presented her with its Cultural Betterment Award; and 2011 brought her the Award of Merit from Heritage Ontario. Mary also won the George A. Cox Heritage Award.

It’s no small wonder that Trent Valley Archives director Elwood Jones praised Mary as the backbone of the Peterborough Historical Society, her husband Doug noting “When Mary got involved in a cause, she really believed in it.” Mary’s many contributions continue to form the foundation of historical understanding and preservation in Peterborough.

Born in nearby Castleton, Gertrude Cox came to Peterborough in 1924 to teach art and paint. She studied art extensively and, from 1950 to 1971 was in charge of the Arts and Crafts Program in Peterborough City, and County Elementary Schools. During the same time, she taught art in the Teacher Training Program for the Ontario Department of Education.

Besides being a superb teacher, Gertrude was also a significant artist in her own right. She experimented with various media, but is best known for her watercolours. Her works, first displayed at YMCA in 1939, delighted gallery viewers across Canada. In 1945, she was a founding member of the Peterborough Group of Painters.

Today, Gertrude Cox’s watercolours can be enjoyed at the Art Gallery of Peterborough.

There are few individual in Peterborough’s sphere of endeavour who proved, more emphatically, the power of language to enlighten, amuse, provoke and, when necessary, enrage than did Bruce Knapp. His frequent calls to local radio, and community television talk shows, his unending flow of letters to the editor, and his appearances before City Council spoke of a man willing to take a stand to defend points of view that often may not be in vogue.

As an ardent monarchist, Bruce spearheaded a campaign to force Canada Post to commemorate the Queen Mother’s hundredth birthday. His humanitarian efforts in disaster relief in Canada and around the world were legendary.

For his efforts, he was awarded the Caring Canadian medal by the Governor General of Canada.

For Al Poolman, creating works of art was a lifelong source of pleasure, and expression.  Beginning as fashion designer for such companies as Eaton’s, Simpsons and The Bay, Al went on to working as a set designer for CHEX-TV until he decided to pursue his love of art, full time.

He created over 2,000 paintings which grace private, and corporate collections around the world.  Locally, Al Poolman was a generous supporter of charitable causes through donations of his works of art.

An amazing life-accomplishment for an artist both self-taught, and colour-blind!

Each generation wishes to define its youthful existence through a definitive expression, thereby leaving its imprint on the modern evolutionary process.

So it was, the explosive 1960’s gave birth to a dedicated and talented group of young musicians, initially named “The Capris” and subsequently “Dino and the Capris.” It became one of the most popular groups to entertain three generations of Peterborough and area audiences. Whether rock and roll, or country and western, the group’s music was the sound of the 1960’s for this area.

From its formation, throughout its active playing years, the intent was to entertain as many young people as possible while improving on their musical talents. Its members, through the period spanning 1963 through 1986, included lead singer Paul (Dino) DeNoble, Garry Warriner, Ron (Hub) DeNoble, John Barnes, and Dave Coones.

One needs only to talk to anyone about those years to determine the impact of Dino and the Capris. Sheer love of music fuelled the musicians who played in the group over that time. Each participant usually spent whatever he earned to purchase more equipment to enhance their ability to produce the best sound possible.

The late Paul (Dino) DeNoble (deceased 1992) led the most popular Peterborough dance band of its era. People remain grateful for memories of the always-energetic group of musicians, namely Dino and the Capris.

To make your community a better place doesn’t always necessitate major and widely publicized feats. Sometimes it’s the little things, done with love and compassion. Helping neighbours means the most. With modesty and an extremely large heart, Pearl Goodall was a consummate good neighbour, and friend.

Known for her involvement, for many years, including that of her brother Bill and husband Stan involved with the Commercial Hotel in Lakefield, Pearl loved baking and sharing the bounty of her efforts with family, friends and strangers. She’s an active participant in the Lakefield Fair and, for 18 years, helped organize the Lakefield Santa Claus Parade. Pearl volunteered tirelessly with the Canadian Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation, and Red Cross. Pearl Goodall was recognized by the Ontario Community Care Program for having logged the most hours as a volunteer driver in the entire province of Ontario.

To be fondly remembered for unselfish dedication to your community, for your love, compassion, spirit and good humour is the surest indication of a life, well-lived.

You hear the expression: ‘You can dress him up but you can’t take him anywhere.’ Well, Howard Berry dressed others for decades, with skill and talent that took him everywhere.

With a knack for, and love of fashion from a young age – his father gifted him a manual sewing machine at age five – Howard could never remember a time when he wasn’t creating with fabric and experimenting with varied colour combinations.

Shortly after graduating in 1959 from a private design school in Toronto, Howard opened his own design shop in the big city. A number of different jobs in a variety of fields followed – but Howard’s love of fashion design never waned. Arriving in the Peterborough area in 1977, Howard landed a men’s wear retail job with Eaton’s, which took him back to Toronto. When he returned to Peterborough, he opened Howard Berry Designs in Charlotte Mews.

It was in 1980 that Howard’s long and fruitful association with the Peterborough Theatre Guild began with his design and creation of costumes for ‘A Doll’s House.’ Since that time, he was a constant fixture at the Rogers Street theatre. ‘The Mikado,’ ‘Le Cage Aux Follies’ and ‘Cats’ are just a few of the Peterborough Theatre Guild productions that soared thanks to his abundant talent for design.

However, Mr. Berry was no one-trick pony. In addition to costume design, he donated his time and abilities as a theatre set designer, director, production designer and painter for dozens of plays, musicals and special performances – greatly contributing to not only Peterborough Theatre Guild productions, but also to presentations at Showplace Peterborough.

Recognition has duly come Howard’s way. In 1990, the Eastern Ontario Drama League awarded him for set design followed, in 2008, with an award for Best Visual Presentation and, in 2009 an award for costume design. That same year, Theatre Ontario also recognized Howard’s work with an award for costume design. Finally, in 2015 and along with the cast and crew of ‘Twelfth Night,’ Howard accepted a Cultural Betterment Award from the City of Peterborough.

In 2017, at The Mount Community Centre, ‘Passion For Colour: A Design Retrospective’ saw Howard’s work put on public display – a show that featured many of his most spectacular theatre costumes, as well as his original paintings.

Mr. Berry passed away March 3rd, 2022 at the age of 84.

• Photo courtesy of Clifford Skarstedt, The Peterborough Examiner

If you look at Pathway of Fame nomination form, the criterion for Community Samaritan category reads, “one who is ready and generous in helping others.” Una and Alan Golding were a pair who readily and generously helped others. As a couple, as well as individually, they were also proof that what is important isn’t the magnitude of the act, it’s the magnitude of the heart behind them.

Una, and her late husband Alan were both veterans of World War II and, for years, were involved, energetic members of The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 52: Una as Branch secretary and Alan as youth education representative. Alan was also active with Smith Township Historical Society and Una, the chief organizer of the immensely popular Seniors Picnic every June at Del Crary Park.

Both were involved in organizing numerous seniors’ luncheons and events. For nearly two decades, they volunteered with Meals On Wheels and gave generously of their time and energy with Peterborough Community Care.

In their unselfish and caring way, Una and Alan Golding have made Peterborough area a better place in which to live. Now a widow, Una continues that proud tradition.

Alan Golding passed in 2019.

Question: Have you ever been lonely; have you ever been blue?
Answer: (to question posed by song) Alan and Shirley Horner have, for the most of their lives, provided an antidote.

They’ve been volunteers with Telecare since its inception in 1977. The local organization, one of 16 in Canada at the time, boasted as of 2011 some 90 volunteers from all walks of life. This practical 24/7 caring association listens to some 15,000 calls a year from the four county regions. Volunteers and callers are anonymous to each other. Well-trained volunteers provide time, talent and energy to keep the lines open and listen to callers sharing joys, or sorrows affecting their world.

The Horners attend to duties explicit in the Telecare operation. Although Alan and Shirley have retired from the phone lines, they remain active administrators for this valuable service. Shirley Horner was one of the original Telecare members in Peterborough.

It’s safe to say this needed community service would be less effective, without the Horners.

Alan Charles Horner died in 2017.

• photo courtesy of Lance Anderson, Peterborough This Week / MyKAWARTHA

Is there still a place in this world for a renaissance man? There is, and to the immense benefit of Peterborough and the Kawarthas, a renaissance man in every respect has made this place his home.

David Goyette most certainly brings all the characteristics of a renaissance man to the table. He’s highly educated, cultured in the arts and he has charisma in spades. And yes, he’s an intelligent man who is good at many different things, accomplishing much with an ease that belies his boundless energy.

Since moving to the region 13 years ago David has gifted his leadership to several initiatives, as well as contributed financially in a big way to a number of projects and campaigns, including a $50,000 donation made in March 2020 in support of the David Goyette and Victoria Pearce Arts and Wellness Initiative that provides funding for arts-related projects undertaken by United Way member agencies. His philanthropy has also included support of the Showplace Performance Centre in the form of a 10-year funding commitment for the purchase of a state-of-the-art theatrical lighting console. In 2018, Showplace named its stage in his honour.

As a board chair, David’s guidance steered a clear path for the downtown performance venue and, in 2019-20, his term as Chair of the Peterborough and District United Way campaign saw an invigorating vibrancy injected into the annual appeal. As a board member, David has rolled up his sleeves to the benefit of the Canadian Canoe Museum, the Artisan Centre of Peterborough, and the Lakefield Jazz, Art and Craft Festival. David most recently chaired a very successful campaign for the Camp Kawartha Health Centre.

With an eye firmly focused on the nurturing of the local arts scene, David is not one to sit on the sidelines, bringing his talents as an artist and musician to the fore. A songwriter and guitarist, he has three CDs of original music to his credit and, as an abstract expressionist painter, he has mounted no fewer than 20 shows of his work with many of his pieces having found a home in private collections. The former Peterborough Examiner weekly columnist has also authored four books, the sale proceeds from two of his books benefitting Our Space and the Purple Onion Festival.

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.

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.

For close to 40 years, Barb and her husband, Allen served as foster parents for the Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Aid Society.  She was also actively involved with the Foster Parent Association of Ontario, working extensively to balance the rights of foster parents and the rights of foster children.  For many years, she hosted the ‘Good & Country’ show on Trent Radio and is one of the founding members of the Peterborough Pathway of Fame.

One of Canadian Music’s most poignant and admired singer/songwriters, ‘Willie P’ penned songs that would become award-winning classics for artists such as Prairie Oyster, David Wiffen, Blackie & The Rodeo Kings, Vince Gill and Pure Prairie League.  He was a fixture at folk clubs and festivals across Canada for more than 40 years and a valued member of Peterborough’s music scene.

Willie P. died on February 15th, 2008 at his home in Peterborough suddenly, of a heart attack. He was 56.

• Photo By Donna Hopper

Beau Dixon is a well-known and respected musician, actor, producer, director and playwright whose multiple talents seem to drive him to seek out newer, and more challenging heights. No matter his own achievements, Beau Dixon demonstrates a common touch which collaborates to bringing out the best in the performance of many up-and-coming area artists, regardless of age.

As a singer, he’s bigger than life; as a songwriter his handiwork attracts the attention of industry, and listener alike. His ballad, ‘Your Love Will Carry Me,’ has been particularly popular. Some of his best songs appear on his CD, ‘From Here to East City.’

As an actor he’s honed his craft well; he’s been a mainstay in several productions with 4th Line Theatre and, also, with St. James Players. He contributes energy, and attention to detail towards every role he performs. His local professional recording studio, The Sound Kitchen, has helped local artists. He also teaches vocal, guitar, bass, piano and drums. He’s a true young professional possessing an unpretentious and engaging personality; a talent of wide-ranging ability.

A sensitivity and perspective usually reserved for greatness. Sums up Beau Dixon to a tee!

• Photo credited to David Leyes

Performing as a family troupe, it only took Leahy a mere 20 years to become an overnight sensation in Pop Music.

Growing up on a farm near Lakefield, the group (presently made up of five brothers and four sisters) learned their unique blend of Celtic, Folk and Pop Music (with more than a dash of step-dancing) from their parents.  Frank Leahy led a fiddle band for 25 years, and Julie Leahy was a champion step-dancer.  Their home didn’t have television, so the children learned to entertain each other with music and dancing.

That early grounding would prove invaluable.  ‘Leahy’ won two Juno Awards in 1998, as ‘Best New Group’ and ‘Instrumental Group’ of the year.  The Juno Award onslaught would continue in 1999.  From humble family beginnings, Leahy became one of the most in-demand acts in the world of Popular Music.

• Photo courtesy Anita Peeples

In Canada, we’re undergoing a dramatic and revolutionary change in primary care delivery of medicine. Is it for the better? Many would argue it isn’t. Others argue it’s the way of the future based on the realities we face in today’s society. What’s certain, is that there are generations to come who’ll not know what it is to have a family doctor.

That’s why the people of Apsley treasure a friend named Wag Reyes.

Dr. W.E. Reyes has been the family doctor in Apsley area for many years; long enough to know thousands of patients and family members on a first-name basis. Dr. Reyes’ career stands as a symbol of a uniquely personal approach to primary care. His practice covers a large area of Central Ontario because he ignored quotas and ratios, and rarely turned down new patients. He’s been one of a rare breed who calls patients directly. and believes in follow up. Wag represents something we’re losing in today’s medicine – namely, a primary care provider who follows patients throughout their lives. One wonders too, about the continued existence of many small Ontario communities without a consistent primary care provider.

Wag Reyes is a committed family man and community member. His service combines science, technology, hands-on experience, a personal touch and an unflinching sense of personal morality. Our inductee remains the essence of what many believe medicine should still be.

It’s possible to live in a community without really being part of it. With his unselfish devotion of time, energy, commitment and caring, Gerry O’Connor was very much a part of this community. For 12 years he served on Peterborough City council, however his love for Peterborough didn’t stop there.

He was instrumental in developing Del Crary Park, and the creation of Peterborough’s three major shopping malls. He enjoyed local sports, and served in several capacities with Peterborough Minor Hockey and Minor Lacrosse Associations.

It was, however his enthusiastic support of Snofest, Peterborough’s annual winter carnival, for which he will be most fondly remembered. Serving as Snofest’s chairperson for 23 years, he embodied a spirit that made Snofest the success it remains today. ‘Mr. Snofest’ helped to make winter a brighter, and warmer time for all.