Inductees

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

If one were to list the awards and nominations that have been bestowed upon author Drew Hayden Taylor, one would best be advised to set aside a fair amount of time.

Each honour speaks to the acclaim Drew has wholly earned, starting in 1992 with the prestigious Chalmer’s Award for his play Toronto at Dreamer’s Rock to his receiving the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Award in 2012. Drew has well earned the acclaim that has come his way, having traveled the globe to speak to issues that reflect, celebrate and, yes, interfere in the lives of Canada’s First Nations people.

Truth be known, labeling the proud Ojibwa from Curve Lake first an author fails to speak to the creative tour de force Drew has been, and continues to be. Add theatre artistic director, playwright, journalist, lecturer, television scriptwriter, radio broadcaster and documentary director to the mix and you get a truer picture of the breadth of his boundless talent and passion.

Equally adept at writing fiction and non-fiction books as well as short stories and plays, Drew has penned 30-plus works. His first novel, The Night Wanderer: A Native Gothic Novel, was published in 2007; in 2010, Motorcycles and Sweetgrass saw him short-listed for the Governor General’s Award for Fiction. Most recently, Take Us To Your Chief And Other Stories – a collection of Native-themed science fiction stories – was published and, just this year, his new play Crees In The Caribbean came to fruition.

Despite the many roads down which his life journey has taken him, Drew has never forgotten his roots.

In 2011, his play Berlin Blues was staged at Millbrook’s 4th Line Theatre. In March, 2018 Cottagers and Indians, Drew’s play about people at odds over the harvesting of wild rice on Pigeon Lake, received rave reviews when it was produced at Toronto’s Tarragon Theatre. And in May of that year Drew hosted, and performed at the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund Benefit Concert staged at Peterborough’s Market Hall.

In the television realm, Drew has made equally significant contributions, including co-creating and writing for the comedy series Mixed Blessings. In 2007, ‘In A World Created By A Drunken God’ – a made-for-TV movie he penned based on his play of the same name, was nominated for three Gemini Awards. In 2011 and again the following year, Drew wrote the script for the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards.

Having served as writer-in-residence at the University of Michigan, the University of Western Ontario, Ryerson, Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Luneburg in Germany, Drew has made giving back a priority, sharing his insights and talent to the great benefit of young people.

• Photo courtesy of Clifford Skarstedt, The Peterborough Examiner

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

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

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

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

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

The hallmark of a true musician.

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

Buzz Thompson died in 2018.

Any mention of Peggy Lockwood’s name in the Peterborough regional arts community is greeted with awe and reverence, which is due to such a composite, dynamic personality.  Peggy Lockwood is a major contributor to the vibrant dramatic life of our community.  In fact, it could be stated she’s creativity personified.

Author, director, actor, drama teacher; she’s involved in most every facet of Peterborough’s artistic life.  The Peterborough Theatre Guild is a beneficiary of her varied talents. A winner of the Best Supporting Actress award, Peggy is even known to join as a participant of numerous chorus parts in musicals.

Peggy is also a published writer of children’s books, as well as a writer of religious plays.  Her cherished focus is to utilize her many talents to teach a better, more moralistic way of life – especially to youth.  This community is better for having her in our midst, and contributing her many talents within, and without.

Bravo, Peggy!

If all the stage is indeed a world, John Robinson has established himself as one of its leading citizens.

It was back in 1984 that John asked some friends “What do you actually do at Whispers Dinner Theatre?” Clearly he liked what he heard back as he has rarely left a theatre setting since.

As a volunteer with the St. James’ Players and the Peterborough Theatre Guild for more than 30 years, John has worked on more than 130 productions. In 1997, he joined the Peterborough Theatre Guild executive and served as technical director over the next 18 years, participating in workshops on lighting, pyrotechnics and theatre safety while sharing his invaluable knowledge with students at St. Peter and Thomas A. Stewart.

A recipient of awards from the Eastern Ontario Drama League, John was honoured in 2002 with the Peterborough Theatre Guild’s Outstanding Service Award and, just last year, with a Lifetime Membership. His work with the Peterborough Theatre Guild executive brought him a Community Betterment Award from the City of Peterborough in 2003 to go along with two other civic awards for his production team role on two productions. And in 2007, he received an Ontario Volunteer Service Award in recognition of more than 20 years of continuous service with the Peterborough Theatre Guild.

Away from the bright stage lights, John has been no less dedicated and, as a result, no less busy. In 2005, he volunteered his time with Special Olympics Ontario for its Spring Games and again in 2018 for the school championships. For more than 20 years, he has worked behind the scenes to make the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay For Life a huge success in both Peterborough and Bowmanville, and is currently serving his seventh year as a member of the planning committee for the annual Ovarian Cancer Walk of Hope.

For many, of a certain age, we remember when heart disease translated to a death sentence. Medical science has made great strides in treating cardiovascular illnesses over the past 50 years, thanks in no small part to the work and dedication of pioneers like Dr. John Parker.

Having spent his formative years in Peterborough, John graduated as medical doctor in 1954. He went to Columbia University, New York, devoting himself to the relatively new field of cardiovascular medicine.

Returning to Canada in the 1960’s, John established one of the country’s first cardiac catheterization, and angiographic laboratories in Kingston. There, he helped streamline the use of heart-lung machines in cardiac surgery. He was instrumental in establishing a Division of Cardiology at Queens University and a research program in cardiovascular physiology and biochemistry. New inroads were made, under his guidance, in the use of nitroglycerin and other related drugs in treating cardiovascular disease.

He was adamant in his lobby effort with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons to initiate a sub-specialty in Cardiovascular Medicine. In that way, an ever-increasing number of surgeons and specialists have been trained in this new discipline.

Throughout his life, John Parker maintained an abiding love of family, the outdoors and, of course, hockey. His life represents ongoing contributions to medicine, science and family. John never lost sight of the fact that a scientist is also a human being. Because of the balance and dedication, the future of cardiac patients continues to look a lot brighter.

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

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

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

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

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

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

His, was a life devoted to the oral and aural tradition. If questions regarding sound arise, John K. Muir was the one to provide the definitive answer.

John Muir pursued a varied, and eclectic career as broadcaster, sound engineer, educator and administrator. John demonstrated proficiency in choral music, and is one of the few people in Peterborough to hold a certificate in campanology.

In the area of community service, John functioned in creative and administrative capacities with Artspace, The Kawartha Jazz Society, and Showplace Peterborough.

In the late ‘70’s, John was one of the founding directors of Trent Radio and, since 1994, served as its General Manager. Under his dedicated and energetic guidance, this student-sponsored radio facility became an influential and broad-based voice in the Peterborough community. His enduring legacy is tied to every program, every note of music, and every broadcast heard on what has evolved, truly, to a community radio station.

John Muir died in June, 2019 in his 63rd year.

It never ceases to amaze how great accomplishments arise from small beginnings.

Many years ago, when Belmont Townships single-room school experienced difficulty keeping a teacher for an entire school year, Don Clark decided to get involved. That led to almost 40 years of public service to the Peterborough area. Don’s first love has always been the betterment of educational opportunities for young people. For close to four decades, he served on various school boards, including two terms as Chair of Peterborough County Board of Education.

Not confining his volunteering solely to education, he’s been Gideon Bible Society member, board of governors member of Civic Hospital, Citizens’ Advisory Committee at Warkworth Institution, Crowe Valley Conservation Authority, Peterborough Housing Authority and Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Police Services Board. He served municipally as councilor, and reeve for Belmont-Methuen. Don has also been a volunteer driver for Canadian Cancer Society and Havelock Community Care.

In recognition of his incredible community involvement, Don was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for public service. For 40 years, if Don Clark had any spare time, you can be assured we were the beneficiaries of it.

To see a need and to act upon it; to do the good act not for self-reward but because it is the right thing to do, is an admirable attribute.

Dr. Jim and Anne McCallum – in their own quiet and unassuming way and through their Friends of Honduran Children (FOHC) organization which they founded here in Peterborough – provide free medical, dental, and educational care, as well as building homes and schools for needy children in that country.

Both Dr. Jim and Anne are extremely community-minded, and support other local non-profit organizations. Recently they were successful at initiating a committee to accept refugees through their church community. Anne volunteers at her church and with St. Vincent de Paul. She deservedly received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002.

It is through their efforts, together with those of several hundred volunteers who fuel the immense undertaking to provide for the extremely poor children of Honduras. In a country which does not offer the social, medical and support system such as we are blessed, Dr. Jim and Anne McCallum and Friends of Honduran Children serve as a social net for the Honduran poor.

Dr. Jim harbours a personal dream, and fervent wish that one day they will grow a children’s village into a settlement to house 500 orphaned, and abandoned children.

It is absolutely inspiring that among the citizens of Peterborough, are people such as Dr. Jim and Anne McCallum who truly live, and understand the credo “we, are our brother’s keeper.” They give of themselves on a daily basis to the care, and welfare of others.

True Samaritans indeed – Dr. Jim and Anne McCallum.

• photo courtesy of KawarthaNOW

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

Connie Brummel Crook spent a great deal of her life proving, if you enjoy a good story, you needn’t go further than our own Canadian history.

For 30 years, Connie taught English in Peterborough and area schools. She launched one of Peterborough County’s first Reading Labs and tutoring program to assist younger students.

Upon retiring from teaching, she concentrated on a writing career; authoring a series of popular novels extolling Canadian history and heritage. Connie Brummel Crook is recognized by the International Reading Association for her creativity and faithfulness to historical accuracy.

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.

Doreen Landry, aged 90 upon her induction into the Pathway of Fame, was an active Peterboronian since her youth.

She volunteered at Peterborough’s hospital, now called the Peterborough Regional Health Centre, for 52 years. There, she was active in the hospital gift shop for 20 years, was president of the hospital auxiliary, and led the Baby Bootie Brigade, which provided booties for babies born in the hospital. Doreen was an active volunteer with St. John’s Anglican Church, the Progress Wives Club in the 1970’s and the Quota Club in the 1980’s and 1990’s. She balanced a working career, motherhood and outstanding work as a community volunteer, serving as a role model to her family, and others.

Doreen was pre-deceased by her husband Doug Landry, himself a Pathway of Fame inductee

June Whiteman was a mainstay of ‘live’ theatre in Peterborough since the 1950’s.

Beginning with the Knox Theatre group, June went on to become a founding member of the Peterborough Theatre Guild in the mid-sixties, serving on its first Board of Directors.

As a singer and actress, she appeared in dozens of roles, most notably that of Aunt Eller in the 1971 production of ‘Oklahoma’. In 1986, June turned her attention to directing with the Guild and continued to appear with the ‘Guild Overtones,’ often for charity.

June also found time to undertake movie, and television work outside of the city.

June Whiteman passed away in March, 2006.

From the 1930’s to the 1970’s, if you enjoyed live entertainment at one of Peterborough’s legendary ‘hot spots,’ chances are you were charmed by the multi-faceted talents of Ernie Victor.

Beginning his career with the Salvation Army Band at the ripe age of seven, Ernie wowed audiences with his ability to play a duet on two horns at the same time. As leader of his own group, a member of Graydon Sheldon’s Oldtimers, or as a soloist, Ernie delighted an entire generation with his musical virtuosity.

In the 1950’s he added magic to his repertoire, and subsequently became one of Peterborough’s most prolific booking agents. He brought countless big name entertainers to the Peterborough area and booked grandstand shows for the region’s major fairs and exhibitions. Achieving distinction as musician, conductor, arranger, vocalist, magician, comedian, and booking agent, he could well have been called the “Mr. Everything” of Peterborough entertainment.

For close to 30 years, Fred Anderson worked tirelessly to make Peterborough and the Kawarthas one of Canada’s most vibrant music and tourism centres.

In the early 1970’s, recognizing the immense drawing power of Little Lake, Fred was instrumental, along with Del Crary in establishing The Arts & Water Festival. By 1987, Fred began devoting time and energy to the creation of The Peterborough Summer Festival of Lights, which has since evolved into MusicFest. Under his guidance, The Festival of Lights became a unique event in Canada, featuring some of the top names in Canadian Music, and North America’s first synchronized illuminated boat show.

The Festival attracts over 100,000 visitors, from around the world to Del Crary Park, making the festival the number one tourist draw in the Kawarthas. For his efforts, Fred Anderson was previously honoured with awards such as Peterborough’s Citizen of the Year, and Tourism Ambassador of Ontario.

Fred Anderson died February 20th, 2006.

Randy Read’s involvement in theatre began in 1975, while a student at Trent University.  He worked with Peterborough Theatre Guild, Kawartha Summer Theatre, Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre, Manitoba Theatre for Young People, and the Canadian Stage Company.

While continuing his work in Toronto, Mr. Read has maintained his to the Peterborough area.  With a world of experience, in 1997 and assisted by backers and new developments such as Showplace, Randy Read founded Peterborough’s New Stages Theatre Company, a local professional company “bringing compelling stories to life on stage.”  New Stages presented works and readings at Showplace and Market Hall Theatre.  In 2010, he played the role of Champlain for Little Lake Cemetery Pageant.

As Artistic Director of New Stages he works to give area residents a rare opportunity to see many of Canada’s top actors and singers perform on stage at Showplace and Market Hall.  Whenever possible, Mr. Read mixes local actors in productions with seasoned professionals.  He’s been a director with the Theatre Guild, and has served as a judge for several events.

Randy Read continues to contribute time and energy to help amateur groups and young thespians.  Peterborough is lucky to have a theatre professional promoting the arts in our city.

What possible connection does a cemetery in San Rafael, California have to Peterborough? Well, Mount Tamalpais Cemetery is the final resting place of Dr. Jessie Birnie, the first woman to practice medicine in the city.

Born to Caroline and John Birnie, Dr. Birnie was in Peterborough in 1901, having graduated from the University of Toronto. It wasn’t until seven years after her arrival that she was granted hospital privileges.

Initially, Dr. Birnie lived on Water Street with American-born Frances Mary Best, the widow of well-known merchant James Best. When she passed in 1915, Dr. Birnie moved to a residence located at the current location of the Peterborough police station.

When Quaker Oats was rocked by a massive explosion in 1916 and consumed by flames, Dr. Birnie, in one account, “was barking like a Sergeant Major” while assisting fire wardens with the plant’s evacuation. The account goes on to note, in fairness to Dr. Birnie, the roar of the flames necessitated her “barking” to be heard.

A few years earlier, Dr. Birnie opened her home to eight ladies where, in her living room, they began a tradition of meeting regularly to discuss, research and debate the works of William Shakespeare. Thus the Women’s Shakespeare Club was formed.

In 1931, with her sister Caroline, Dr. Birnie crossed into the United States at Detroit on their way to see their brother John in California. There Dr. Birnie passed in 1935, just a few months after her sister died.

• Photo courtesy of the Birnie Family

Arnold (Arn) ALLEN has served the Scouting Movement for over a half century.  His dedication is unparalleled and has been a large part of the backbone of Kawartha Waterways Area (formerly Peterborough District).  Arn’s wife, Lenore ALLEN, has also given over a half century to Scouting, and continues to render further dedications.  This Scouter has taken every challenge presented to her, with an attitude and fortitude of “let’s get moving, there’s work to be done.”  Arnold and Lenore ALLEN truly deserve the title “Mr.&.Mrs. Scouting” because they personify the scout law spirit.

There’s a reason any reference to Maureen Harris- Lowe is generously sprinkled with the term ‘mentor.’
As director of the Peterborough Children’s Chorus for the past 20 years, Maureen has served as a wonderful role model for countless youths and young adults, helping each to grow not only as a vocalist but also as a confident performer whose professionalism and good manners represent Peterborough and area exceedingly well.
Under Maureen’s direction, the Peterborough Children’s Chorus has won numerous awards while traveling to competitions across North America and beyond. Striving to give her charges new experiences that will create lifelong memories – the chorus’ recent backing of iconic rock band Foreigner during its recent Peterborough concert is one example – Maureen sets a high standard for the choral group but does so in a fun way that leaves all feeling good.

“She is quick to give him a smile, a hug and make him feel like he is the most special one in the room,” says a parent of a young chorus member.

A graduate of the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Musical Arts, Maureen is a superb vocalist who sings with the Peterborough Pop Ensemble as well as performs at numerous local events and gatherings. Her passion for music is abundantly clear in all she undertakes and that passion has been, and remains, infectious much to the benefit of all who cross her path.

Novelist James Michener once said, “If it isn’t written down, it doesn’t exist.” Nowhere is it truer than in pursuit of local history. So much local history depends on the oral tradition of memory and storytelling. As older generations fade away, so too does history. The fascinating history of Smith Township will take much longer to fade, because of the dedication of Bernice Harris.

For over 25 years, Bernice worked to preserve what hadn’t necessarily been written down. Bernice was a founder of the Smith Ennismore Historical Society, and the Smith Ennismore Heritage Centre. Her research skills and meticulous eye to historical detail provided literary fodder for such illuminating and immensely readable publications as ‘At The Edge of the Shield: The History of Smith Township,’ ‘The Collected Poems of William Telford,’ ‘Bridgenorth, The Centre of the Universe’ and ‘Adam Scott, Master Millwright.’

Local history is part of who we are and will live on because it’s been written down. For that, we owe a continuing debt of gratitude to Bernice Harris.

There are not enough improv phrases to conjure up the immense contribution Dan Fewings has made to this community. No doubt, he has helped bridge the gap between the Trent University, and Peterborough communites through his varied activities, and as a consequence made Peterborough a more welcoming place to live.

Dan Fewings’ vocation as music teacher at PCVS and Crestwood High Schools enabled him to note, encourage and help promising talent. He became mentor to such exceptional people as Jimmy Bowskill. Dan single-handedly expanded the Peterborough Folk Scene, hosting and performing 5 years of Tuesday nights (count ’em ,256 in all) at Red Dog Ray McGregor’s (Inducted 1999) Hunter Street West Tavern stage in the early 1990’s.

It can be said of Dan Fewings that his comedic talents boarder on genius, making him sought after by numerous groups as performer, emcee and comic.

His presence in ‘Bowskills and Fewings,’ ‘The Three Martinis,’ ‘Slim Pickets’ and ‘The Union Cards,’ also with son Josh in ‘Fewings and Son,’ and then on occasion with the Citiots Improv Group, has resulted in the stuff legendary stories in equal parts colourful,and simply great.

It would be safe to say that those with whom he has graced the stage: Linda Kash (Inducted 2015), Sean Cullen, Serena Ryder (Inducted 2016) and Rick Mercer to name but a few, will concede that the billing could be just as meaningful the other way around!

It is estimated Dan has volunteered over 1000 hours of music, clowning around or emcee to numerous functions. His wit, energy, promotion of others and love of people combine to bestow Dan Fewings, an Honouree of the Peterborough and District Pathway of Fame.

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.

When it comes to the immeasurable level of giving, and support that John and Paul Downs have provided the local community, the challenge lies in finding an organization or cause that hasn’t benefitted from their kindness.

Raised in Toronto, John graduated from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. He started his career in marketing, first with Northern Telecom and then GTE Automatic Electric.

Paul, meanwhile, obtained his teaching certificate from Lakeshore Teachers College in Toronto and then his BA from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo. For 15 years, he taught elementary school, eventually serving as a vice-principal and principal while attaining his Master of Education degree in educational administration from the University of Toronto.

In 1979, following the passing of his father Ed, John became the general manager of Durham Telephones Limited and Docon Telephone Supplies Limited before negotiating the purchase of Otonabee Municipal Telephone Systems in 1983. Close to 15 years later, John and Paul purchased cable TV assets from Shaw and the telecommunications conglomerate Nexicom was born.

Before the brothers sold Nexicom in 2017, some 1,000 people worked at the company’s offices in Millbrook, Peterborough, Lakefield and Lindsay while annual revenues went through the roof, climbing to an impressive $34.1 million in 2016.

While their business success and acumen is admirable on its own, it’s the Downs brothers’ incomparable giving spirit that sets them apart. In 2017 alone, benefactors of their philanthropy included the New Canadians’ Centre, the Peterborough Humane Society, Hospice Peterborough, the Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival, 4th Line Theatre, YMCA Peterborough, Special Olympics and Peterborough Musicfest, to name but a few. Since taking over the family business all those years ago, it’s estimated that John and Paul have donated more than $1 million to area charities and not-for-profits.

In addition, both have sat on numerous boards – 4th Line Theatre and Fleming College among the many organizations that have benefited from their involvement, and input.

A number of commendations and awards have come their way, including honours from the Peterborough Business Advisory Centre, Peterborough Economic Development, the Township of Cavan Monaghan, and the bestowing of top business excellence awards in Peterborough and Lindsay. Just this past May, the County of Peterborough honoured John and Paul with its Business Leadership/Entrepreneurial Innovation Award.

In telecommunications industry circles, both John and Paul have been major players. The Ontario Telecommunications Association made John a lifetime member in 1999. Paul is a past-president of the Independent Telecommunications Providers Association and the Canadian Independent Telephone Association. And, in 2009, John and Paul received Career Service Awards from the Telecommunications Hall of Fame for their contributions to the telecom industry.

• Photo courtesy of Clifford Skarstedt, The Peterborough Examiner

For many of us jaded by today’s world, terms like ‘sleight of hand,’ ‘trickery,’ and ‘pulling a rabbit from a hat,’ smacks of something dishonest and unethical. But for those who remain children at heart, such terms conjure up the wonders of magic.

Wayne McLeish spent a lifetime reaching out to the child, in all of us.

As Abaca The Magician, and Peanut Butter The Magical Clown, Wayne delighted and dazzled countless audiences with feats of prestidigitation, a sense of fun and a warm, winning personality. Over the years, he’s given freely of his time and talents in aid of numerous worthy causes: VON’s Teddy Bear Festival, The Peterborough & District Head Injury Association, Five Counties Children’s Centre, and Telecare Distress Centre, to name but a few.

Wayne McLeish is one of those rare individuals for whom the phrase ‘dirty tricks’ refers to not shampooing his rabbit before performance. He’s also one of those rare individuals for whom the best magic is that which comes from the heart.

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

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

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

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

Peterborough born, country music singer/songwriter, Colleen Peterson had one of the purest voices ever recorded in Canadian history.  She was a two time Juno winner, and her songs were featured constantly on country radio in Canada.

CBC supported her career as well.

During Colleen’s colorful career she recorded three albums with Capitol Records Canada. Sadly, these recordings are no longer available as the albums are no longer a part pf Capitol’s active catalogue.  Many of these songs can be found on Colleen’s My Space page, and this is the only known site to archive these great songs.

She also recorded her own CD in the early 1990’s called “What Comes Around Goes Around,” but here again this work is no longer available.  Peterson released one album for the indie company, Bookshop.

Colleen also recorded three albums as a part of Quartette during the early 1990’s and remain available through the Quartette website.

The final recording of Colleen’s work, “Postcards From California,”  was released posthumously in 2004 and is available through CD Baby.

Colleen Peterson is buried at Little Lake Cemetery.

David W. Fisher has been an organizer since his teen years when he ran a neighborhood racing car fan club, the Eliminators Car Club. He later organized Couriers for Christ, in which young people helped run weekend crusades. He ran a local bookstore and helped start the Kawartha Church Slo-Pitch League. He founded the Epistle Sports Ministries, a charitable organization which over thirty years or so provided chaplaincy services to the Toronto Blue Jays, the Peterborough Petes and other sports organizations.

In 2003, ‘Fish’ went to Slovak Republic to teach children how to play baseball. In 2009, with his wife Carol, he founded the Kawartha Komets Special Needs Hockey Program, which now has three teams providing opportunities for over fifty players. His counseling energies are channeled through Friends Peterborough. He is a Paul Harris Fellow, a the highest honour bestowed by the International Rotary Club. His lifetime of experiences has depended upon his organizational skills, confidence and willingness to help others.

A true gentleman in the traditional sense, David Fisher is a selfless and humble epostle of the Lord.

Longtime proprietor of The Red Dog Tavern, Ray McGregor was a significant contributor to the Peterborough area, both in supporting and encouraging young Canadian musical talent – and in his humanitarian efforts to make life better in the community.

Over the years, under Ray’s guidance the Red Dog afforded a great many aspiring local musicians with their first opportunity for professional employment. Established entertainers such as Prairie Oyster gained their first public exposure, thanks to Red Dog Ray.

Ray frequently utilized the Red Dog facilities to raise thousands of dollars for worthy causes, most notably Cancer Research. On countless occasions, especially at Christmas, Red Dog Ray prepared meals to feed the homeless and forgotten. For his heartfelt generosity, the City of Peterborough presented Ray McGregor with the Award of Merit in 1991.