Inductees

Musicologists agree we can thank The Beatles for more than an exceptional body of music. A generation can thank them for opening the door for young people to form their own music groups with no formal musical training. Teenagers of the 1960’s and beyond created their own sound, and had loads of fun along the way.

Geoff Hewitson is a great example of that era. As lead singer for such wells of memory as The Continentals, The Jaguars and The Fabulous Fugitives, he’s considered a legend of the golden age of Peterborough Rock & Roll. What set Geoff apart was his eagerness to expand his creative horizons. His highly acclaimed and award-winning YOUR TV documentary ‘Peterborough’s Rock & Roll Roots’ revived wonderful memories of those who lived through the era and, maybe, just a small measure of envy among those born too late to enjoy the special good times.

Geoff also wrote a comic drama ‘Wild Oats,’ a highlight of Peterborough Theatre Guild’s 2003 season. Over the years, he’s performed in various capacities with almost every local theatre group, including a superb performance in 4th Line Theatre’s production of “Doctor Barnardo’s Children.”

Geoff Hewitson is a product of a time when music and performing were fun. Creativity was hands-on, and heartfelt. Performance in Peterborough is the richer because he’s carried the spirit, and never dropped the ball…

When one combines a passion for youth’s well-being with exceptional leadership skills, the inevitable result is an individual who makes his, or her mark in a very big way.

A proud, and long-serving member of the Peterborough Kiwanis Club, his service included co-chairing the Kiwanis Music Festival. And Donald Glenn Forde was certainly no stranger to stepping up to the benefit of his community. However, when he came out of retirement in 1982 to serve as Executive Director of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Peterborough, his service to others took on a whole new dimension.

Over the next seven years, Mr. Forde organized numerous fundraising events that helped eliminate a large mortgage eating into the organization’s annual budget. When he led the relocation of Big Brothers, Big Sisters from Simcoe Street to its current home on George Street, the move was accomplished without the need for a mortgage, resulting in fewer overhead costs. That freed up more dollars to help match a greater number of Peterborough youths, with adult role models.

Mr. Forde’s tireless efforts on behalf of young people impacted the sports arena as well. Besides volunteering his time as the inaugural president of the Peterborough Minor Hockey Council, he also gave many hours on behalf of the Peterborough Community Church Hockey League, in particular the Trinity United Church hockey program. From 1971 to 1974, Mr. Forde served as chair of the then-new Peterborough all-star minor hockey system – his involvement and contributions reflected in a display at the Healthy Planet Arena.

Throughout his adult life, Forde was an accomplished musician, playing trumpet, tuba, French horn and reed instruments. He was a member of The Bobby Kinsman Dance Band for more than four decades, as well as a member of The Hal MacFarlane Big Band and the Peterborough Civic Band.

Forde’s musical pursuits saw him play alongside the region’s big band luminaries including Del Crary, Paul Minicola and George Novotny while gracing the stages of equally legendary music venues such as Club Aragon, Brock Street Summer Gardens and The Pines in Bridgenorth. And for his executive duties with the local Federation of Musicians, Donald Glenn Forde was presented with an exclusive Lifetime Membership Gold Card.

We’ve all heard the old saying, “Necessity is the mother of invention,” and nowhere did these words ring with more truth than in 19th Century pioneer Ontario. Back then, solutions to problems had to be found or else you suffered the consequence. Through combinations of luck, patience, skill and determination, an Otonabee Township farmer, named David Fife, rescued one of five strands of wheat and essentially built a nation.

In the 1840’s, David Fife, a Scottish immigrant farming in the Lang-Keene area, realized a hardy strain of wheat, resistant to disease and frost, was a vital necessity. Noticing that one wheat-strand, grown from seeds sent from Scotland seemed hardier than others. David carefully separated and nurtured this strain. His effort became known as Red Fife Wheat and the fame of its durability spread to Western Canada. It’s argued that, without David’s invention, the Canadian Prairies wouldn’t have obtained a reputation as ‘the breadbasket of the world.’ Bountiful wheat harvests needed transportation to world markets, so Red Fife Wheat was a contributing factor in constructing the Canadian rail system which, by the way, would bind this disparate string of settlements into the Dominion of Canada.

It’s become a remarkable truth of history that, from one small, fragile strand of wheat, David Fife grew a nation.

Wayne Pritchard first came to the attention of Peterborough audiences as a talented bass player who performed with a number of local Country music groups, and was always willing to give of his time and talent in aid of worthy causes.  Wayne’s love of music, and of people led him to take an active role in the music business.  He toiled, for many years as promoter, and as a participant with organizations such as the Peterborough Musicians’ Union, and the Peterborough Exhibition Board.

With his vast knowledge of music and music people, Wayne Pritchard co-created the nationally-syndicated radio show ‘Canadian Top Ten’.  The program is credited with doing much to nurture the development of Canadian Country Music talent.

To use a modern expression – Man! Is there a lot to be said in telling factual stories surrounding Ted Higgins!

For example, Ted left school at 15 to work with his father in the hardwood flooring business, which prospers to this day.

However, it’s his contribution to Canada’s national sport, the game of lacrosse, that endears Ted Higgins to this community.

In his youth, he was a player; he was on a team that won Minto Cup. While he was coach and executive member of the Junior A lacrosse club, the Junior Lakers won four Minto Cups. He made Peterborough Lakers Major Series Lacrosse Club into a major force, with a winning team and a strong fan base.

During Ted Higgins’ presidency, the Peterborough Lakers Major Series Lacrosse Club won four Mann Cups. He’s nurtured respect of players, growth of community spirit, and gained personal dedication in bringing it all about, many times, at great cost to himself. Proof positive Ted Higgins’ determination has bettered the entire community in many ways, more than once.

• Photo courtesy Metroland / MYKawartha

On the off chance that Brian MacDonald is accused of committing a crime in a Peterborough theatre or choral music setting, he would be well advised to get a good lawyer – his fingerprints are everywhere.

For more than 20 years, community theatre has provided the backdrop for Brian’s remarkable and varied creative talents as an actor and director with a number of companies, the Peterborough Theatre Guild and St. James’ Players among them.

Brian’s portrayal of Feste in the guild’s production of Twelfth Night earned him the 2009 Outstanding Male Performance award from the Eastern Ontario Drama League.

But Brian hasn’t stopped there. A singer and instrumentalist of note, he has served as musical director for a number of stage productions, as well as choral work with not one but three Peterborough churches. Brian also sang with The Peterborough Singers and Ada Lee’s celebrated gospel choir.

In addition, Brian has made a point of volunteering his time and talents to the benefit of young people as vocal director for high school and Trent University productions. Yet another artistic realm for Brian is dance and choreography, beneficiaries of his guidance and expertise including the Academy of Dance and the St. James’ Players, for whom he choreographed three shows.

Away from the stage, Brian’s advocacy for the Peterborough arts community as a place of inclusion, diversity and education led to his co-founding of Arts For Awareness, for which he currently serves as chairperson. The theatre collective, which is dedicated to the production of high quality art in various forms, raises awareness of social issues via partnerships with local agencies such as the Canadian Mental Health Association, Hospice Peterborough and the Peterborough AIDS Resource Network. In 2014, Arts For Awareness was recognized as a Mental Health Champion.

On the administrative side, Brian is a past president of the Peterborough Theatre Guild, and has served as board secretary for the St. James’ Players and Performing Arts Bancroft.

For Gene Canning, it seems art is more than intriguingly executed images on canvas. Indeed, he skillfully nurtures the dormant creativity within each student almost as an extension of himself. His ability to do so, has enhanced Gene’s artistic acceptance as an artist worldwide.

One of his paintings currently hangs in the Rideau Hall exhibit among Canada’s permanent art collection.
Expanding his compulsion to share the appreciation of art utilizing modern communicative tools, Gene Canning created and hosted ‘Journeys of an Artist,’ a weekly national PBS Network television program that aired from 2003 through 2008.

Sharing his talent on a more individual level, he teaches art at a Children’s Summer Camp, a senior’s group as well as an advanced plain art course each fall.

Mr. Canning has been especially supportive of those with special needs, assisting them to develop their artistic abilities. So great has been his influence, and his teaching skills, that a good many of his students have gone on to enjoy a tremendous measure of success in the world of art.

Gene Canning’s artistic accomplishments have earned him global recognition which has made his career the subject of TV documentaries, high profile interviews and studies. He is, at present engaged in an art project retracing the trails of Tom Thompson to commemorate the famous Canadian’s Centenary (1917).

It can be stated with considerable pride, that Gene Canning’s artistic pursuits will continue to spotlight the Peterborough area as his home and workplace for many years to come.

• Photo courtesy of Mike Lacey, Metroland

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.

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

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

The richness of cultural life in Peterborough and the Kawarthas is due, in no small part, to the contribution of First Nations people who live, and create here.

A lifelong resident of Curve Lake, Norman Knott’s artistry, whether in acrylics, oil or watercolours, gained him a reputation around the world. Drawing on a closeness to nature and his Ojibway heritage, Norman developed a powerful and unique style of painting by interweaving contemporary realism with traditional Ojibway symbolism.

The works of Norman Knott can be enjoyed in galleries across North America and Europe, and grace private collections of notables ranging from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, to Pierre Elliott Trudeau and Johnny Cash.

The fact that Peterborough has been, and remains, a relatively safe city to live, work and play can’t be denied. For those who believe that status is simply a matter of good luck, Don Parnell reminds us that rolling up one’s sleeves and getting the job done plays a very important role in our collective well-being.

A proud auxiliary member of the Peterborough Police Service for close to 15 years, Don has volunteered an average of 320 hours annually for a variety of supplemental law enforcement tasks, the past nine years as a lead team member of the service’s Home Guard doing, among other things, inspections of break-ins and incidences of domestic violence as well as assisting with missing person searches, door-to-door canvassing and traffic control.

As a full-time member of the Pedal For Hope support team, Don has gifted his time to the annual police-led fundraiser for pediatric cancer research and support dollars. A Commanding Officer’s Certificate of Appreciation awarded him by the RCMP is a testament to his dedication to Pedal For Hope and its mission. In addition, over the past nine years, Don has assisted in a big way with the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, both locally and in other Ontario jurisdictions where he has assisted other police services with the staging of their special events.

A Kenner Hall of Honour inductee – a distinction he shares with his wife Lesley – Don has been a member of the board for the Kenner Foundation since 2009, serving as its chair for past six years. As such he has been very involved in the organization of fundraising events for the foundation.

Since 1989, Don has played a major role in the staging of the annual Victoria Day fireworks presentation over Little Lake as the lead pyrotechnician, has served as coach and trainer for numerous local hockey and soccer teams, and has been involved with the Food For Kids program.

A recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for Community Betterment, Don has received two City of Peterborough Civic Awards for his long service.

Many perform music but few live the experience 24-7.

As a lifelong entertainer, Earl Wilfong’s love of performing, anywhere and everywhere, is unparalleled. Where there’s an audience, there’s a will to do what he does and do it very well.

Born and raised in Peterborough, Wilfong’s passion for music was kindled at age 8 in church choir settings. A year later, he added the drums and guitar to his musical arsenal, forming his first band at age 11 before honing his talents through high school when, at age 17, he came away a winner from the Canadian Jazz Stage Band Festival, earning all-star drummer status in the process.

Wilfong subsequently took his talent across Canada and the United States, as well as overseas to Germany and The Netherlands. Comfortable with most any music genre, he has performed with Jack Bailey, Joe Henderson, Lisle, Highway and Blindstone Bridge, to name but a few. If that’s not impressive enough, he has shared stages with The Kentucky Headhunters, Rosanne Cash, The Good Brothers, Valdy, Burton Cummings and the late Jeff Healey.

Despite a busy performance schedule, one undeniable truth has remained a constant – Wilfong has never forgotten where he comes from. That has not only brought him numerous collaborations with local musicians such as Danny Bronson, Barry Haggarty and Cyril Rawson, but also benefitted numerous local organizations and charities. Simply put, Wilfong has rarely, if ever, said ‘No’ to gifting his talents to the benefit of this cause or that.

The list of benefactors of Wilfong’s charitable ways is long and varied: the United Way, the Children’s Aid Society, Activity Haven, the Canadian Cancer Society, The Festival of Trees, the Peterborough Regional Health Centre and the Peterborough arts community…the list goes on and on. The homeless, the hungry and the disenfranchised among us have had their plight eased as a result of Wilfong’s unwavering commitment to their wellbeing.

Just as he soaked up music at a young age, many a young aspiring musician has benefitted from Wilfong’s willingness to mentor them. For a number of years, he has taught music lessons, no doubt passing on the most important lesson of all in the process – love the music and the rest will fall into place.

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

George Novotny Sr’s short life is a prominent example that it is not how long you live, but what you accomplish while living it. Fleeing an oppressive regime in his native Czech Republic brought George Sr., his wife Sylvia and George Jr. to Peterborough in 1952. They brought with them nothing but the tremendous desire to succeed, and a tireless work ethic.

However, George Sr. did have some attributes that would help him, and his family to quickly settle in. He was fluent in seven languages, and was an accomplished pianist, accordionist, arranger and orchestrator. These abilities soon found favour with such area musical stalwarts as Bobby Kinsman, Del Crary, Buzz Buzzell, Paul “Streak” Konkle, Hugo Tapp and others.

George Novotny Sr. also had another ace up his sleeve. He had an innate ability to readily identify, and name any musical note immediately, which is commonly referred to as perfect pitch.

Bobby Kinsman was the first to utilize our inductee’s  wide-ranging musical talents. It was not long before George Sr. formed his own orchestra and began performing regularly at the Rock Haven Motor Hotel and, in the summer months at Viamede summer resort. CHEX Radio hosted his shows “Musician’s Corner” and “88 Keys,” and CHEX TV programmed a seasonal show “Music By George.”

The Novotny Orchestra played high school proms and he also presented music clinics on the history of music and piano stylings at Lakefield College School. He was also Church Organist, and Choir Director at St. John the Baptist Church.

Shock waves reverberated through the entire area when he passed at the age of 37 on November 3rd, 1961 after taking ill during a performance the night before at the Rock Haven. The relatively short period of time he contributed to the musical life of this area remains deeply imbedded in the hearts, and minds of all who were fortunate enough to have been entertained by him, or come in contact, in some way, with one of the greatest talents to ever grace this community.

Cal Coons – writer, director and producer for network television, has worked in the Canadian film and television industry since the 1980’s. He is perhaps best known as the executive producer since 2011 for ‘The Listener,’ for CTV and FOX and since 2009 for ‘Murdoch Mysteries,’ the popular CITY-TV series now a top draw for CBC. Both shows are in current production, and he has written episodes for both series.

From 2001-2004, he wrote many episodes for Global’s ‘Blue Murder.’ He has written episodes for several other television series including ‘Remedy’ and ‘Republic of Doyle.’

Coons attended Buckhorn Public School, Lakefield District Secondary School, Niagara College and the Canadian Film Institute.

Cal is also the guitarist for the Peterborough music group ‘Pop Machine.’ He is on the Wall of Fame of the Lakefield high school, and has been nominated more than 25 times for the Gemini award.

Sandford Fleming’s time in Peterborough wasn’t long but one can’t but imagine that such a time would have a significant impact on forming the man who would become one of Canada’s most creative, and independent thinkers.

Armed with only primary school education, Fleming came to live with his cousin Doctor John Hutchison in 1845, and would soon draw the first Peterborough map. While in Peterborough he met, and married the sheriff’s daughter, Jean Hall. Consequently he had reason to revisit Peterborough on several occasions during his lifetime.

Sandford Fleming’s accomplishments were indeed impressive. He served as Chief Engineer for constructing the CPR. He’s also credited with adopting International Standard Time, the theory developed from his papers on ‘time reckoning’, some of which were composed in Peterborough. Sir Sandford Fleming also designed the first Canadian Postage stamp, ‘The Beaver,’ issued in 1851.

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.

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.

With a significant international artistic career in her wake, since relocating to Peterborough Linda Kash has lent her considerable talents to the many, and varied entertainment and theatrical aspects of this community.

Previous to her local involvement, she boasts an impressive resume which includes Second City appearances, and a number of plays for the Canadian stage. A busy actor, Linda has appeared on everything from Seinfeld, Best of Show, Waiting for Guffman and more recently, the series Fargo. Movies include Cinderella Man, and the made-for-TV movie ‘Titanic’ produced in commemoration with the 100th anniversary of the Titanic sinking, and cast as the ‘Unsinkable Molly Brown.’

If there were any doubt about her pedigree of performance, it should be noted that Linda and her four siblings were born to beloved Canadian operatic contralto Maureen Forrester, and Toronto-based violinist and conductor Eugene Kash.

However, in all likelihood her best-known role was her portrayal of the Philadelphia Creme Cheese Angel on television that took on iconic status for years.

It is for her vitality and creativity while contributing to such projects such as the Festival of Trees, appearances in New Stages productions, improv nights at the Gordon Best Theatre, directing Beau Dixon’s “Beneath Springhill: the Maurice Ruddick Story” for black history month, and host for countless charitable events to assist with fundraising in the community which has earned the respect and admiration of Peterborough audiences.

As director of the Peterborough Academy of Performing Arts (PAPA) as well as the mentoring of people of all ages with an interest in dramatic arts, have combined to place Linda front and centre in the theatrical life of the community.

Linda Kash certainly raises the bar for all theatrical artists in Peterborough and district. And it is for her genuine caring and willingness to share her tremendous talent, that she is welcomed into the Pathway of Fame.

The Order of Canada was established to pay tribute to Canadians who exemplify the highest qualities of citizenship and whose contributions enrich the lives of their contemporaries. It’s also a perfect description of the life of Dennis Sweeting.

A highly decorated war hero, Dennis pursued careers as actor, writer and theatre administrator before coming to Lindsay. It’s here he became the driving force and catalyst in the successful enterprises of Kawartha Summer Theatre, and revitalization of Academy Theatre.

Displaying those high qualities of citizenship, Dennis also served in several political and community capacities, most notably Reeve of Lindsay and Warden of Victoria County.

A man of considerable warmth and commitment, his contributions to cultural life in his community and that of Canada led to his being named to the Order of Canada. Few better personify the criteria of that Order than does Dennis Sweeting.

Most fortunately for Peterborough, finding ways to make a positive change in people’s lives is nothing new for Donald (Don) Watkins.

A pharmacist by trade, Don is a longtime Rotarian, having served with the Rotary Clubs of Tillsonburg, and Peterborough Kawartha. It was with the service club that Don’s leadership qualities became evident as he rose to serve as Rotary District Governor in 1991.

In the Peterborough community at large, Don is active with Community Care and Hospice Peterborough as well as serving meals at the One Roof Community Centre. In addition, he remains a steadfast supporter for new Canadians through Trent University’s International Student Program – helping with the little things that make a huge difference such as buying a first pair of winter mittens, navigating the public transit system, and job coaching.
Along with working closely with a Kurdish family who emigrated to the safety of Peterborough, Don – together with his wife Sharon, have hosted exchange students, welcomed visiting business people from around the world, and offered their home to ‘Beds WithOut Breakfast,’ a group connecting people in need of a free roof over their head while a family member is in hospital.

For any information regarding Rotary, Don has been and remains, the go-to person. However, his biggest contribution to the community through the service club is his annual Adventure In Understanding canoe trip, a six-night, five-day paddling and portage experience that brings First Nations and non-indigenous youth together as they canoe from Ecology Park to Curve Lake First Nation. A lingering vision of Don’s for several years, the program continues to grow and has served as a template for other Rotary clubs considering a similar project.

What defines uniqueness and quality of a city or community? A first impression, most lasting, is often the sense of community and physical design. A city is, first and foremost, buildings whose purpose is to facilitate comfort, function and creativity to those who inhabit it. If architecture and humanity enjoy a happy marriage, it follows that community will be a vital and proud experience.

Over the past 40 years, much of Peterborough’s physical beauty and appeal is the product of the mind of William Lett.

Bill’s introduction to Peterborough came in 1960’s when invited to work with Ron Thom on Trent University’s master plan. He soon added his architectural artistry to the design of Champlain, Lady Eaton and Peter Robinson Colleges. Since establishing his own practice, Bill has given form to numerous Peterborough homes, businesses and public buildings. Remarkable examples of his work include Showplace Peterborough, Royal and Princess Gardens, Fairhaven and Otonabee River Trail Boathouse, just to skim the surface.

To create a setting in which community members can thrive, dream, hope and aspire, the fluidity of movement and design should meld into an appealing and functional physical reality. For that unique melding, the city of Peterborough owes an immense debt of gratitude to the creative vision of William Lett.

When our inductee first arrived in Peterborough from Timmins in 1960, there was little, if any, indication of the remarkable impact Sean Eyre would have on both the City, and the residents of Peterborough and area.

More than sixty years on, he remains fondly remembered as ‘Sunshine Sean’ – an endearing reference to his career as a CHEX broadcaster and on-air personality, first on television and then on radio where his ‘Wired Woodshed’ country music show, featuring sidekick Elwood Cranston (newsman George Franks), was a fan favourite, habitually topping the radio ratings. For many years, they were arguably the biggest thing in town.

Eyre would leave CHEX in 1976 to form Eyreline Productions with Franks – but the urge to return to the airwaves proved pervasive, and wouldn’t be denied – first with 910 CKLY in Lindsay in 1992, followed by a stop at CKQM Country 105 in Peterborough. More recently, Mr. Eyre has been heard regularly on Trent Radio on various programs.

For the longest time, and to this day if there was a microphone in the room, the mellifluous voice of Sean Eyre flowed through it in some fashion. He served as Master of Ceremonies at the Peterborough Memorial Centre for concerts by everyone from Liberace, to Harry Belafonte. Building upon his desire to promote artists, he founded, along with Brian Edwards the  Peterborough-based Rocklands Entertainment agency. It remains one of North America’s top promoters of talent, with a diverse roster having included Stompin’ Tom Connors, Rita MacNeil and Charley Pride. Via his record label ‘Panther Records,’ several local artists were gifted with continent-wide exposure.

Away from the studio, Sean Eyre has given much of his time and organizational talents. The Showplace Performance Centre, its lobby now bearing Eyre’s name, is but one recipient of his community service. So too has Family Counselling Services, the Masonic Lodge and the Kawartha Shrine Club – all having greatly benefitted from his involvement. In 1998, and in tandem with a group of like-minded community boosters, he helped found the Peterborough Pathway of Fame, having served as its chair for all but three years.

Proving the apple never falls far from the tree – his father was mayor of Timmins and was elected MP – Sean Eyre served a term with Peterborough City Council. The late Jack Doris, in his capacity as mayor, named Eyre Peterborough’s official town crier. As with all his pursuits, Eyre gave his heart, body and soul to the position, his familiar voice heralding events across the city and region.

Once driven by a dream to become an actor, Eyre too, realized that ambition, starting the Peterborough Players which later merged with others to form the Peterborough Theatre Guild. And yes, he performed on stage with the Guild, winning Best Actor honours at the Eastern Ontario Drama Festival.

Many Peterboronians may not be capable of correctly spelling his last name, but it is certain there are not many citizens who have not heard of him. Also affectionately known as ‘Johnny O’, he is well-regarded for his commitment to music and for the generosity he has shown sharing his time and talent.

John Oosterbroek’s life and musical journey are one, and the same. From the time, at 8 years of age, when his father taught him clarinet, his passion for playing and sharing his talent spread from his native Utrecht, Netherlands to Europe, the Middle East and North America. His teaching at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School and Lindsay’s LCVI High School endeared him to generations of aspiring musicians.

It is his involvement as Conductor of the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra (PSO) and Peterborough Concert Band, as well as his status as a lifetime member of the Kiwanis Music Festival, that shine as his crowning achievements. So too, are the many, many people who have benefited from dutiful teaching courtesy of John and his wife in one of the two New Horizon Band organizations in this area.

A serious accident while performing only slowed him for a while, but with his recovery came his renewed dedication to giving of himself. A recipient of an Ontario government Volunteer Service Award for his work with the PSO, John Oosterbroek has touched so many hearts and brought forth their love of music.

With great pride and humility, The Pathway of Fame welcomes Johnny O to join its group of distinguished Honourees.

Mr. Oosterbroek passed away in June, 2019.

By way of her chosen profession and her volunteer pursuits, Helen Weichel committed herself long ago to making life better for countless others.

Upon graduating from St. Mary’s School of Nursing, Helen came to St. Joseph’s Hospital in 1960 before moving to what was then Civic Hospital, where she worked in many departments. Before retiring from Civic, she held a number of positions, including supervisor, and was very involved in the nurses’ association. Helen was the first recipient of the James McNabb Award, which recognized the community volunteer efforts of hospital staff.

As the leader of Cub Pack 17 based at St. Alban’s Church, Helen never missed an opportunity to involve her young charges in major events. When the Prime Minister, or Royalty visited, Peterborough Cub Pack 17 was front and centre. When medals were handed out at the Summer Games, Cub Pack 17 was involved. When Hugh Faulkner became Secretary of State, Helen brought Cub Pack 17 to Ottawa for a tour of the Parliament buildings, given personally by Faulkner. Long after her sons Greg and Tom moved on from Cub Pack 17, Helen stayed on, providing its members with unique opportunities while dedicating herself to their growth and development as good citizens.

With a passion for fostering recreational opportunities, Helen became involved with the Peterborough Recreational Association in 1970. She would play an instrumental role in the merging of the Peterborough Parks, and Recreation departments. In addition, Helen served with the Ontario Municipal Recreation Association, sitting as its chair for a period.

Helen’s guiding belief that recreational opportunities are essential for people of all ages saw her advocate relentlessly on behalf of the middle-aged, and seniors. In addition, she pushed for equality in terms of the allocation of sport facilities and resources, providing girls and women with the same opportunities to participate, as did boys and men.

An extension of that was Helen’s long tenure with ParticiPaction Peterborough, an organization dedicated to raising the level of personal fitness in Peterborough and the surrounding area. Helen was a member of the organization’s Sources and Resources Committee, charged with securing access to existing facilities, including schools, for fitness-related events. The committee also established a speakers’ bureau, produced brochures, and promoted existing and new fitness activities in local schools, including Trent University and Fleming College.

In 1977, the City of Peterborough recognized Helen’s unmatched efforts in the promotion of fitness and recreation, bestowing upon her its Award of Merit.

For a true devotee, art is an integral element of life. It’s as essential to existence as food or oxygen. There’s no moment when an artist stops being an artist.

For much of his life, Richard Hayman has been consumed by his art.

As a respected artist and educator, Richard touched the lives of many in the community. In art, creating and teaching are part of the same thing. He first gained prominence teaching art at Lakefield College School. He went on to establish the Art School of Peterborough, There he expanded the artistic horizons of literally thousands of students by developing courses in pottery, etching, watercolours, as well as oils and portraiture. His personal creations adorn numerous collections, both public and private. Over the years, his commissioned portraits of Trent University’s presidents added a human flavour to the history of Peterborough’s remarkable university.

There’s no doubt, art is a talent. However, for Richard Hayman art is also a gift to be shared, and nurtured. It’s a reciprocal relationship. His accomplishments prove that by sharing art, you heighten and hone your own artistry.

The Kawarthas have been the beneficiary of that relationship.

It’s true that in life, there are ‘do-gooders,’ and there are those who do good. Ray Peters certainly falls within the latter.

He didn’t pursue the limelight in helping the poor and less fortunate. It’s because he assisted so many due to his passion to assure that justice is served, he earned the gratitude of many. Ray Peters saw to it those experiencing difficulty were assisted, and received any benefits the system had to offer. Mr. Peters became a sought-after, and revered personality – so much so, he became legendary in the community. He dedicated most of his time to making sure those in need of assistance, received it.

His tireless efforts on behalf of those less fortunate, earned respect from his superiors, and reverence from his subordinates.

The life of a pioneer in Peterborough County during 19th Century was one marked by hard work, long days and constant uncertainty. To temper the harshness of that life with a soft touch of poetry took a remarkable human being.

‘Remarkable’ is an apt word to describe William Telford Sr.

Born of humble origins in Scotland, Will Telford came to the Peterborough area in 1850 and toiled as a farmer, and stonemason. To this day, many homes still stand as testament to his stonemason craftsmanship. In the best Scottish tradition of Robbie Burns, Will found time to pursue his love of poetry, finding inspiration in his ancestry and the beauty of the world around him. His many poems led him to be dubbed ‘the Bard of the St. Andrew’s Society’ and the ‘the poet laureate of Peterborough with the gentle brogue and lilt.’ The volume of Will’s poems, found in print, attest to his stature as one of the most prolific and widely read poets ever to live in the Peterborough area.

William Telford Sr. was an artist in both stone and poetry, and it’s indeed poetic and fitting that both his stonework and his written words have endured.

If you’ve any doubt that one individual can make a difference in the betterment of the human condition, look no further than the life of Dr. Barclay McKone.

A trusted, tireless family physician, Dr. McKone set his sights on the treatment, and prevention of tuberculosis. Over the years, he helped pioneer programs to rehabilitate tuberculosis patients, particularly with the Department of Veterans Affairs and First Nation bands in Northern Canada. He was instrumental in establishing a vaccine program to help eradicate tuberculosis in Ontario.

With an abiding commitment to cultural and the medical well-being of his community, Barclay McKone served with the Kiwanis Club, the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce and late in life gained attention for his remarkable, handcrafted models of Peterborough’s historical buildings.