Each honouree of the Pathway of Fame, Peterborough and District has made a distinct contribution to the area’s arts and humanities heritage. As outlined on our ‘Nominations’ page, the first step in the journey to becoming a Pathway honouree is the submission of a formal nomination by a member of the community, which is then scrutinized by a neutral Selections Committee.
It remains, truly a humbling experience for every individual to whom is bestowed the lasting tribute to their contributions, and recognition of their talent in becoming a Pathway of Fame honouree.
You can find individual Pathway of Fame honourees by doing a simple search of their name using the search bar in the upper-right sector of the page (just look for the magnifying glass). You can also glean a ready snapshot of all inductees in any given year, by clicking on the button that corresponds to the year in which you are interested.
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David Bierk
Visual Arts
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Dino and the Capris
Entertainment/Musical
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John M. Turner (1922-2013)
Samaritan -
Marie Callaghan
Media -
David Carley
Dramatic Arts -
Ada Lee
Entertainment/Musical -
Willie P. Bennett (d. 2008)
Entertainment/Musical -
Paul Wilson
Cultural Betterment
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Insp. D’Arcy Strickland
Cultural Betterment
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Just Plain Country & Don Tandy
Entertainment/Musical
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Cecil Banks
Samaritan
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Ronnie Hawkins (1935 – 2022)
Entertainment/Musical -
Michael Dumas
Visual Arts -
Margaret MacKelvie (1930 – 1999)
Cultural Betterment -
Johannus Boots
Visual Arts -
Garnet Graham & William ‘Bill’ Twist
Cultural Betterment
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Al Beavis
Samaritan
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Dr. Barclay McKone (1914 – 2006)
Cultural Betterment
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Barbara Monahan (1960 – 2019)
Entertainment/Musical -
Dawn Straka
Cultural/Community Betterment -
Jean Murray Cole
Literary -
Gary Dalliday
Media -
Robert Ough
Samaritan -
Lois Harte-Maxwell (d. 2016)
Cultural Betterment -
Justin & Mark Hiscox
Entertainment/Musical -
John Ambrose (Jack) Doris (d. 2023)
Community Builder -
Donald Glenn Forde
Cultural Betterment -
Ivy Sucee
Cultural Betterment -
Gordon Roper (1911-2012)
Literary
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Allan Harding
Samaritan
David Bierk
Visual Arts
Mr. Bierk was a noted artist, teacher and co-founder of ARTSPACE with poet Dennis Tourbin, serving as its Director from 1974 until at least 1981. At the time, ARTSPACE was hailed as one of Canada’s earliest artist-operated arts centers.
Mr. Bierk was involved in the community since 1970, taking a teaching position at Kenner Collegiate and Vocational Institute in 1972, and later taught at Fleming College.
Mr. Bierk passed away August 28th, 2002.
Dino and the Capris
Entertainment/Musical
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.
John M. Turner (1922-2013)
Samaritan
John Turner’s life was one of complete commitment to the betterment of his community and indeed, of the world in which he lived. His existence can be summed up thus: he was citizen, family man, volunteer, World War Two veteran, business person, public servant – all the while conducting himself as a caring, concerned and true gentleman.
He dedicated himself to public life in an attempt to make his community, his Province and thereby our world a better place in which to live. His giving of himself to community betterment groups was legion, leading to City Council and a lengthy term at Queen’s Park as Member of Provincial Parliament for the Peterborough riding from 1971 through 1987.
To meet John Turner, it took very little time to assess his sincerity, and his caring for your cause (if you were furthering one) no matter what your political stripe.
A poignant paragraph in the Pathway of Fame nomination so aptly captures the essence of the man:
“John’s motto in life was to respect our freedom, learn from our elders and give back to Peterborough, to Ontario and to Canada in the form of volunteering as a personal thank-you for all we enjoy. This is how he raised his family, this was how he communicated to friends and associates, this was how he lived his life.”
On March 31st, 2014 Jeff Leal, then the Peterborough MPP and Minister of Rural Affairs announced that 55 kilometres of Highway 115 from Peterborough to the 401 MacDonald-Cartier Freeway, would be dedicated as the ‘John M. Turner Memorial Highway’ in honour of Turner’s pubic service.
Turner was a member of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, and a member of the Peterborough Rotary Club.
Mr. Turner died in 2013.
Marie Callaghan
Media
Marie Callaghan was an outstanding television talk show host long before such programming became common fare. In fact, it is safe to say she was a television superstar prior the industry ever coining the phrase.
Marie devoted 5 days a week for more than 21 years to her half hour Marie Callaghan Show. Beginning in 1954 until she retired in 1976, it is estimated the talented lady interviewed an estimated 20,000 or more guests.
Her schooling as a fully-graduated physiotherapist was never put to use, as quite by accident she was offered employment at CHEX TV. From that moment on, Marie balanced a home life comprising husband Jack, and their children Dennis and Lynn, with producing and starring in her own daily TV show.
Nowadays she would be a pioneer in the then-fledgling television industry. That possibly could be one of the reasons she was privileged to “call her own shots” so to speak, and run her program without executive interference. The Marie Callaghan Show was programmed almost autonomously from the rest of the station – so much so that she was in the enviable position of having no restrictions as to what she could, or could not do.
Marie possessed an innate sense of what would work and what would not, and she exercised that intuitive gift to its fullest. Marie Callaghan’s popularity grew with each passing program, and made her show a staple in East Central Ontario. When she finally volunteered to “throw in the towel” so she could enjoy more family time, she held the Canadian TV record for the greatest number of years of broadcasting at any one television station in all of Canada.
Marie gave of herself to a good many community causes. She certainly possessed the common touch, a humble quality which endeared her to all who came in contact with her. She was a lady who never placed herself above another, and was keenly interested in the lives of others while insisting to one, and all just to be known as Marie.
It was those characteristics she bequeathed to her family, friends, community and TV Industry. Attributes for which she will always be remembered, and revered.
David Carley
Dramatic Arts
When David Carley puts pen to paper, there’s a pretty good chance the words that result will take on new life in the form of a play, be it produced for stage, radio or television.
With more than 450 productions having sprung from his storytelling acumen, Mr. Carley has won, or been nominated for, a number of honours including The Governor General’s Award (Writing With Our Feet, finalist), The Arthur Miller Award from the University of Michigan, the New York International Radio Festival Award, and several Dora Mavor Moore Awards. In 2012, for his significant and sustained contributions to theatre in Ontario, Mr. Carley took home the Maggie Bassett Award.
Born and raised in Peterborough, Dave Carley wrote Susanna! for the Peterborough Theatre Guild in 1979 while a student at the University of Toronto. His musical spoof based on the life of Susanna Moodie marked the beginning of a writing career spanning the next 40 years. In 1985, Mr. Carley’s play Hedges, staged by the Guild, represented Canada at an international theatre festival in Japan. He has also written plays staged by Peterborough-based New Stages Theatre.
Beginning in 1990, Carley was the radio drama script editor for CBC and continues to write for the Corporation. He was script editor for the Wendy Lill drama series Backbencher, and wrote three second-season episodes.
More recently, Dave Carley wrote Canadian Rajah based on the life of Esca Brooke Daykin, the eldest son of Charles Brooke, the second White Rajah of Sarawak. It premiered in January 2019 at Toronto’s Campbell House. Prior, Mr. Carley’s work about the death penalty, Twelve Hours, premiered in March 2014 at the Garden Theatre in Columbus, Ohio and, in 2016 his stage adaptation of Al Purdy’s novel A Splinter In The Heart was premiered by the Festival Players of Prince Edward County.
An active member of numerous organizations, including the Playwrights Guild of Canada and Amnesty International, Dave Carley founded Friends of Freddy, an association formed for the appreciation of the Freddy the Pig series of books by Walter Brooks. He’s also the founding editor of the Playwright Guild of Canada’s magazine CanPlay, and serves as chair of the dance and opera divisions for the Dora Mavor Moore Awards.
Ada Lee
Entertainment/Musical
- Photo courtesy of The Peterborough Examiner
Willie P. Bennett (d. 2008)
Entertainment/Musical
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
Paul Wilson
Cultural Betterment
To become acquainted with Paul Wilson is to know an individual who never stops promoting, supporting and contributing to the betterment of his community in so many ways.
Paul’s cheerful and outgoing manner makes him one of the best ambassadors the Peterborough area has ever had.
His position as the first Athletic Director at Trent University was characterized by his “sports for all” philosophy resulting in a special tribute wall in the University’s Athletic Building.
But it is in recognition of Paul Wilson’s selfless involvement in the Peterborough community which is being hailed by the Pathway of Fame.
Paul’s decade of service on City Council was marked by a civility combined with a constructive sense of humour to the workings of Council. His contribution to the well-being of Peterborough citizens is legendary. Paul Wilson left an admirable legacy of achievement to many areas of the City. He is also a skillful, bright emcee who, over many years devoted his time to countless events for non-profit organizations.
Paul’s volunteer work with Cogeco Television (now Your TV, and well over 50 broadcasts a year) is well-known and respected for the fairness and common sense he contributes to the programs in which he is involved. David Feely, as of 2016 the Manager Programming and Community Relations unreservedly states, “(Your TV) is grateful to Paul for his dedication to the organization.”
His wife Gillian’s (Inducted 2003) immersion in Peterborough theatre has seen Paul become a great supporter as well. Paul, himself has brightened the stage in plays and revues, from time to time.
In so many areas of volunteer service Paul’s readiness to give of himself to the betterment of his community is an example to be emulated and admired.
Insp. D’Arcy Strickland
Cultural Betterment
The Northwest Mounted Police was formed in 1873 as a federal police force to maintain law and order in remote areas of Canada where provincial and municipal policing wasn’t sufficient. The Mounties were essential in maintaining Canadian boundaries and, in turn, protecting Canadian culture and identity.
Two local residents played significant roles in the evolution of Canada’s national police force.
Inspector D’Arcy Strickland of The Northwest Mounted Police helped define the Canadian frontier in the Yukon Gold Rush of 1897-1898 and later served as Adjutant to the Fifth Mounted Rifles during the Boer War.
Corporal George Hendren was the only Canadian selected to serve as bodyguard to British Commander Lord Roberts in the Boer War. He also became a ‘charter’ member of The Royal Northwest Mounted Police when it was established in 1904.
Just Plain Country & Don Tandy
Entertainment/Musical
Live music, at its best, should be welcomed like an old and trusted friend who’s come to visit, to share a time of fun and relaxation. If a little good can be done along the way, so much the better. That seems to be the spirit that follows Don Tandy & Just Plain Country wherever they go in the Kawarthas.
Formed in 1986 ostensibly to play at a wedding, the group quickly jelled into a first-rate Country group. The musicians gained a loyal following, delighting audiences at venues small, and large. In fact their performance schedules read like a road map of Central Ontario. With a strong sense of ‘people’ in their audiences, Don Tandy & Just Plain Country give generously of their time, and talent to raise funds for such worthy causes as the Peterborough Food Bank, PRHC, the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Trent Radio and the Heart Catheter Fund. They’ve worked especially hard in support of spinal cord research.
What makes Don Tandy & Just Plain Country so unique is obviously their high-quality musicianship but, equally important to each group member, every audience is a collection of old friends whose acquaintance is to be renewed, or new friends they have yet to meet…
Cecil Banks
Samaritan
Longtime member of Warsaw & District Lions Club, Cecil gave freely of his time and talent to raise funds for a number of local causes. He was instrumental in constructing the band shell at Warsaw Lions Park and organizing a series of charitable concerts performed there. Believed to be the last steam-powered sawmill operator in Ontario, Cecil volunteered his expertise to help establish a viable lumber industry on the Island of Dominica.
Ronnie Hawkins (1935 – 2022)
Entertainment/Musical
Michael Dumas
Visual Arts
It’s an intrinsic part of Canadian psyche to acknowledge the impact of landscape on our lives; how we think and interact with others. In a manner reminiscent of The Group of Seven, proximity to the majesty of Algonquin Park played no small part in shaping the artistic vision of Michael Dumas.
Michael’s creations are prized by collectors, both public and private, across Canada and around the world. His vision, according to critics, finds a unique balance between a broad expanse of nature and the minute details of life. It is indeed rare when an artist’s paintings are praised by both art collectors for their scope and technique, and by scientists for scientific accuracy.
Not afraid to place the artistic process within the confines of the written word, Michael has written extensively about art as well as environmental issues that touch his heart. A remarkable portion of his work has gone to aid numerous worthwhile causes, especially in the area of conservation. In fact, he was the first artist ever to win the Ontario Conservation Award.
In the age-old conundrum, asking whether art imitates life or life imitates art, Michael takes a more personal view.
To Michael Dumas, art is life.
Margaret MacKelvie (1930 – 1999)
Cultural Betterment
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.
Johannus Boots
Visual Arts
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.
Garnet Graham & William ‘Bill’ Twist
Cultural Betterment
Two individuals, dedicated to one historic cause…
Both gentlemen founded the restoration committee for Christ Church in Lakefield. Their efforts saved the church as a viable heritage building in Lakefield village. Christ Church is the product of Colonel Sam Strickland (brother of Catharine Parr Traill and Susanna Moodie) and his fundraising in England. Christ Church, as the first church in the County (excluding the Town of Peterborough) is believed to have been built without a mortgage. In any event, Bill Twist and Garnet Graham saw preserving the church a a priority of utmost importance, not just to the village but to the entire county – and they took up the challenge to make it so. The foresight and endeavour to, not only, save Christ Church, but to see it morph into a genuine Village Museum remains an ongoing gift to the country in which we live.
Al Beavis
Samaritan
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
Dr. Barclay McKone (1914 – 2006)
Cultural Betterment
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.
Barbara Monahan (1960 – 2019)
Entertainment/Musical
Barbara Monahan: teacher, singer and musician, notably spearheading the Peterborough Pop Ensemble.
Dawn Straka
Cultural/Community Betterment
Not unlike most Pathway of Fame inductees, both past and those being honoured today, giving back to the community has been, and remains an integral part of Dawn Straka’s DNA.
A longtime Rotarian, much of Dawn’s good work has been accomplished via the service club that she served as District Governor in 2010-11. That said, Dawn’s insatiable desire to make her home a better place for others has seen her commit to a number of projects and organizations outside of the Rotary realm, including her serving as chair of the annual Peterborough United Way campaign in 2005 as well as chairing the hospital Board.
Beyond that, the list is long and impressive.
Dawn helped lay out the glass for the stained glass window at Westdale United Church. She folds boxes for Salvation Army Christmas hampers and serves meals at the One Roof Community Centre, as well as shipping hand- knitted baby cloths, hats and mitts to communities in the Far North, as well as Afghanistan. And Dawn was a member of a support team bringing a Syrian family to Canada. Now settled and doing well, the family has been able to sponsor a set of parents to join them here in Peterborough.
Dawn’s immense giving spirit has extended well beyond Peterborough’s borders as well. Having traveled internationally with both Rotary and Jamaican Self Help, she has put her nursing skills to use in Jamaica, distributed wheel chairs in Central America, immunized children against polio in India and helped rebuild schools in Haiti. As her nominator notes Dawn never stops and Peterborough, as well as several other communities around the globe, are better for her generosity, compassion and work ethis.
To that end, Dawn Straka simply asks what needs to be done, then rolls up her sleeves…
Jean Murray Cole
Literary
By looking back we can, most times, see the direction our future is taking. Such is a gift few can claim to share as has Jean Murray Cole with her enthralling compositions.
Our community is certainly richer for her penning nine books, including three Peterborough township histories, plus a host of papers that fill her dossier to date. Jean Murray Cole is an acknowledged expert on the Strickland family; Samuel Strickland, Catherine Parr Traill, Susanna Moodie, and their siblings who remained in England. The Stricklands mean much to the area because they wrote and recorded their experiences in its raw, evolving youthful years.
Jean Murray Cole holds an honours degree from Trent University, the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship, and the F.H. Dobbin award for her book, ‘Sir Sandford Fleming: His Early Diaries.’ Many of her manuscripts and research papers have been donated to Trent University Archives.
Gary Dalliday
Media
Gary Dalliday became an institution in the area’s sporting fraternity during his 34 year career as Sports Director of CHEX TV and Radio.
Gary traded his job at General Electric in the mid 1970’s for the demanding, and somewhat tenuous sports executive post. It was a life-changing decision he never regretted making.
Dalliday was an athlete in his own right, playing Junior B hockey, a handful of games for Scotty Bowman’s Peterborough Petes as well as starring for years In the City softball league.
Gary Dalliday has made sports his life – and along with it, devoting what little spare time he had available to emceeing and hosting hundreds of charity events. In fact, the amount of work he devoted to charities became about as demanding as his job.
He deservedly was inducted into the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame in 2001 as a builder and athlete.
If one attempted to list a number of the colourful sports personalities who have dotted the Peterborough landscape and contributed to the local scene – among them, Scotty Bowman, Johnny Danko, Bob Gainey, Red Sullivan ,Chris Pronger, Dick Trotter, Bill Bennett, Roger Neilson – the name of Gary Dalliday is ranked right up there with them.
Besides the 34 years he was ‘Mr. Hockey’ on CHEX TV and Radio, he and his youngest son, Peter comprised a revered broadcast duo calling Peterborough Petes games on radio for 16 years. Son Peter did the play-by-play and Dad, Gary was the analyst.
Gary Dalliday retired from CHEX TV in 2009 but his caring demeanour, dedication to the sports fraternity and his tireless efforts supporting countless worthwhile causes will forever place him in high regard of the grateful community he served so well.
It should be noted that his son, Peter Dalliday, continues in his Dad’s footsteps and upholds the Dalliday family’s quiet legacy of service above self, as well as calling hockey and lacrosse for Your TV and the Halifax Thunderbirds, as well as co-hosting morning radio in Peterborough on 100.5 FRESH FM.
Gary Dalliday died in August, 2018 following a long, and courageous battle with cancer.
- Photo courtesy of Clifford Skarstedt, The Peterborough Examiner
Robert Ough
Samaritan
A faithful champion of the Canadian Armed Forces and veterans long after his 1970 retirement from the Royal Canadian Air Force as a Captain, Robert Ough has never stopped serving.
With decades of volunteer service in Peterborough and area – he moved here in 1982 with his wife Margaret – Robert has maintained a leading presence with the Air Force Association, the Royal Canadian Legion, the Royal Canadian Military Institute and the Peterborough United Services Institute. Local events held annually to honour veterans have benefited greatly from his involvement.
After leaving the Armed Forces, Robert spent 47 years in the helicopter industry, earning a life membership in the Helicopter Association of Canada. Still, as successful as he was in business, he never forgot his Military roots.
As a member of the 428 Peterborough Wing Air Force Association, Robert was one of those responsible for the restoration of the 1950 F-86 Sabre jet at Riverside Park in Peterborough. In June 2009, fully restored, the jet was returned to the park – a consecrated memorial to the memory of all airmen from the Peterborough district. While that was a much publicized effort, it is Robert’s unheralded efforts on the part of veterans that sets him apart as he regularly visits with them, advocates on their behalf and drives them to and from events.
Robert’s service extends well beyond the military realm, a prime example being his work with a 12 Step Program as well as his extensive service and contributions as a Mason for more than 50 years.
In 2012, Robert was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal for his dedicated service to his peers, his community and Canada as a whole.
Lois Harte-Maxwell (d. 2016)
Cultural Betterment
Lois Harte-Maxwell was proof that with hard work and dedication, the only insurmountable impediments in life are not physical, but that of the human spirit.
Despite her own difficulties with physical mobility, Lois tirelessly supported and, in some cases, was a pioneer in creating community awareness in Peterborough for those with any form of disability. She served several terms on City Council and sat on a number of committees dealing with accessibility issues for those with disabilities. More than any other individual, Lois Harte-Maxwell was instrumental in making City Hall physically accessible to all citizens of Peterborough.
Lois Harte-Maxwell died in 2016, in her 80th year.
Justin & Mark Hiscox
Entertainment/Musical
Justin and Mark Hiscox herald a first in the Pathway of Fame; the first occasion that siblings have become Honourees. The Hiscox Brothers are held with such esteem, so appreciated, and so musically talented that what follows are accolades and comments submitted from a number of supporting letters of nomination.
“Music flows from Justin’s fingers and music is his life.”…. “He is currently the Music Director and musician for St. James Players, 4th Line Theatre, Peterborough Theatre Guild as well as the Anne Shirley Theatre Company at Trent University.” “Mark is a very talented musician, conductor, singer, actor and theatre director – has been at 4th Line Theatre for 17 consecutive seasons.”
From notes in reference to Justin and Mark’s involvement in the Peterborough New Horizon music program… “They know, instinctively, how to make their students feel good about our contributions to our music.”
Support regarding Justin and Mark’s participation in the Peterborough Theatre Guild… “(I) have seen wonderful growth in the skills and confidence of both men… their musical direction and creativity has pushed the musical productions of these theatre groups to a new level of amateur theatre production.” “They have enriched the culture of Peterborough, and this City and the community is blessed to have them.”
Music leaders at St. James United Church since 2011: “They can play any genre of music – on many Sundays, Justin has our Church “rocking” with his piano music. Mark leads our choir with passion and humour and provides us with lots of laughter.”
John Ambrose (Jack) Doris (d. 2023)
Community Builder
There’s political service…and then there’s Jack Doris.
First elected as a separate school board trustee in 1966, Jack Doris sought a Peterborough city council seat the following year, won election, and ultimately served Peterborough residents for 45 years – the longest serving council member in the city’s history. That incredible run was comprised of 39 years representing Monaghan Ward residents and another six years as mayor from 1991 through 1997.
Born and raised in Keene, young Jack found himself in Peterborough at age 13 when opportunities in the city triggered a family move. A superb athlete, he excelled at hockey and softball, his prowess as a left-handed pitcher earning him the lifelong nickname of ‘Lefty.’ Entering the workforce at a young age, he worked 40 years for General Electric, initially as a fitter/welder before retiring in 1990 from his position as shop operations department manager.
Doris met his beloved Sheila (Grady) in 1950 on a blind date at Club Aragon where they danced the night away to the Bobby Kinsmen Orchestra. They married the following year, embarking on a remarkable 72-year life journey together that ultimately blessed them with six daughters, 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Long before the lure of politics grabbed hold, in 1953 Doris, along with others, explored the co-operative housing concept. Those involved worked their respective jobs by day, studied the building trades at night and subsequently built each other’s homes. By July 1956, no fewer than 41 families had moved into their new homes located in what became known as The Greenhill Subdivision.
Upon his retirement from politics in 2014, Jack’s outstanding service to the city and its residents saw him awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the key to the City of Peterborough, the Mayor’s Civic Award, and Homegrown Homes’ Lifetime Achievement Award for Community Betterment.
Having displayed, through his words and actions, the highest standards of integrity, Jack Doris – upon his passing this past March at age 92, was widely, and fondly remembered for his compassion for the less fortunate and those in need. Whatever one’s station in life, Jack Doris had your back, listening and responding with genuine interest and empathy, offering encouragement and hope for better days ahead.
His greeting was always thus, with an outstretch hand and a smile: “Hello, I’m Jack Doris. How can I help?”
Jack Doris died March 4th, 2023 in his 93rd year.
Donald Glenn Forde
Cultural Betterment
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.
Ivy Sucee
Cultural Betterment
Ivy Sucee has fought zealously to keep alive the story of the Barnardo Home Children, the child emigrants of whom 9,000 came through Peterborough between 1883 and 1923. She has helped countless people gain access to Barnardo records in England and learn fresh details about the history of their ancestor who was a home child.
Her own father was a Barnardo home child and since 1995, she searched for information about Barnardos, which still operates in the United Kingdom handling adoptions and after care, but not emigration.
Her efforts have had some impact. A 1999 plaque summarizing the history of Hazelbrae, the Barnardo home and distribution centre, stands on a lawn near George Street. A dramatic monument listing the names of all who came through Peterborough stands on Barnardo Avenue on the lawn of Queen Alexandra school. To create that list was a major undertaking, for which Ivy Sucee recruited researchers and historians.
The Hazelbrae Barnardo Monument was unveiled on the inaugural Ontario British Home Child Day, September 28, 2011.
Ivy was a 25 year volunteer with the Peterborough Exhibition and helped produce their 1995 history of the fair.
She received several honours, including a city Lifetime Achievement Award and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Gordon Roper (1911-2012)
Literary
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.
Allan Harding
Samaritan
Allan Harding’s fundraising ventures have placed him well above others – literally.
On a March weekend over the course of 16 years, Allan took to the roof of the Canadian Tire store, initially at the former George Street location and then at the store off Lansdowne Street. His ‘Al On The Roof’ fundraiser not only brought the Easter Seals Society close to $150,000 but also greatly raised awareness of the organization’s mandate and many associated programs.
Crediting his father Art with instilling in him a strong desire to help others, Allan has a self-professed soft spot for children in need. When one youngster had an urgent need for a wheelchair accessible van, Allan spent 48 hours on a boat in extremely cold weather, joined by the boy’s father. ‘Al In The Boat,’ as it was coined, raised $1,400.
Going back much earlier, in 1987, Allan perched himself on the roof of the former Red Oak Inn in downtown Peterborough, bringing in money for the emergency department at the then Peterborough Civic Hospital. In addition, his feet firmly planted on the ground, Allan has raised money for Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart initiative that ensures children have equal access to sports and physical activity.
Unselfish in the extreme, Allan has always been quick to give credit to others who have supported his efforts. In October 2011, when Relly On The Roof – initially a fundraiser for the United Way – debuted atop The Brick, a very surprised Paul Rellinger was visited by Allan who made the climb and took the time to offer his warm support, offering the novice survival tips in the process.
In 2012, Allan returned to the roof of Canadian Tire one more time, again to the benefit of Easter Seals, but that was the last time as the physical strain of his rooftop sojourn had proven difficult. Other awards that have come his way, include Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellowship Award for exceptional community service, and Easter Seals’ Spirit of Giving Award.