Inductees

Passion for music and dedication to community is often a repeated combination with Pathway of Fame inductees.

Few better personify the combination than does Wally Parnell.

His music career started early, and became a lifelong commitment. Wally began playing in Salvation Army bands at age 16. In 1949, he joined the Peterborough Citizens Band, becoming conductor a year later. For over 60 years (24 as conductor), Wally was an integral member of the Peterborough Concert Band. Under his guidance, the Concert Band won five Senior Band titles in Band Competitions at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), and four Canadian Championships.

During his ‘spare’ time, Wally served as president of the Peterborough Federation of Musicians (19 years), and contributed to the local Big Band scene by playing with the likes of Del Crary, Bobby Kinsman and Hal MacFarlane.

To enrich the life and esteem of a community through music takes a large measure of talent, hard work and dedication.

In other words, it takes a Wally Parnell.

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.

Captain William H. Peryer was, without doubt, Peterborough’s most famous bandmaster.

Born in England, William Peryer came to Peterborough from Cleveland to assume the leadership of the Salvation Army Temple Band.  It was under his 40 year direction the Salvation Army Band toured Britain in 1914.  During the war, Peryer led the 59th Battalion Band overseas, gaining rank of Captain-Director of Music, and personal admiration from King George V.

Until his retirement in 1950, William Peryer served as musical director for several Peterborough brass bands, and played trumpet in the Grand Opera orchestra.  If you’re old enough to have enjoyed Sunday concerts in the park, featuring a wonderful mix of show tunes, hymns and military music, chances are those brass bands were under the direction of William Peryer.

The 15 years Sylvia Sutherland devoted to being Mayor of Peterborough will, in the main be considered her greatest legacy to the community.

Sylvia received a grounding in journalism, beginning at the Orillia Packet and Times and, later at the Toronto Telegram where she and Isabelle Bassett became good friends having joined the newsroom at the same time. Sutherland graduated from Ryerson with a diploma in Journalism in 1963, and from Trent University in 1973.

When Sylvia, and husband David Sutherland lived in Norwood in the late 1960’s, Sylvia ran for town council and was elected. David Sutherland was the founding President of Fleming College, to which Sylvia contributed much as well. Her engaging personality and people skills attributed to her hosting a very popular afternoon CHEX TV program.

In all this activity, Sylvia Sutherland developed a love for Peterborough and area – so much so, she considered it her “adopted” home. It was her energy and popularity that inspired her to successfully run for Mayor of Peterborough. Preserving the character of the City through the saviour of many of its landmark buildings from the wrecking ball, was just one of her visionary accomplishments. Sutherland  saved the historic Cox terrace on Rubidge Street, and helped preserve the Peterborough Armouries by attracting government monies for that cause.

During the “great flood” of 2004, Her Worship Mayor Sutherland showed stalwart leadership and executive skills of a person worthy of that position. And who will ever forget the resultant “Calendar Girls” fundraiser? Sylvia championed the Market Hall restoration, a proud symbol of our City. Hutchinson House on Brock Street stands as part testament to our historical past through her efforts.

Much of our City’s stature owes its existence to Sylvia Sutherland who saw, in its past, its future attractiveness.
​

A wise person once said, “God is in the details.” It’s often an overlooked fact of life: the ‘little things’ that can derail an ambitious project and the faithfulness to detail is often the key to its success.

Case in point can be found in the persona of Mary Stockdale.

The Kawartha region takes great pride in hosting the Ontario Open Fiddle & Step Dance Contest each June, in Bobcaygeon. The event has become one of the area’s largest tourist draws, attracting performers and visitors literally from all over the world.

For near 30 years, Mary Stockdale served as secretary for The Ontario Open. Many would argue, without Mary’s meticulous attention to detail, The Open couldn’t have gained its present stature. Mary made her home the event headquarters and centre for correspondence, inquiries and dissemination of information.

To those familiar with her dedication, Mary was The Ontario Open

Along the way, Mary was a lifelong member of the Bobcaygeon Horticultural Society, an active member of Trinity United Church, and a founding force behind the Bobcaygeon Meals On Wheels program.

An eye for detail and passion for people: two very important ingredients in the success of any community endeavour. One needs only to ask the friends of Mary Stockdale.

“’Tis not too late to build a better world…”

So said the iconic Canadian political leader, Tommy Douglas.

Linda and Alan Slavin are living examples of the truth of that statement.

The dynamic couple have been generations ahead of their time, working tirelessly to educate people in the community to make change for all in determinants of our health: physically, mentally and socially, and we are the better for their foresight.

Linda and Alan Slavin not only “talk the talk,” but they walk the walk – whether it be promoting matters of social justice, or the environment, or climate change. Individually and together they have led, educated, inspired, challenged and serve the Peterborough and area community in so many ways. They have widened understanding of our interconnected world.

Both have undertaken different initiatives for greater community good in such fields as climate change and women’s equality. In so doing, they have attempted to make us all better citizens.

Ms. Janet Duke (Linda’s sister) summarizes Linda and Alan’s vision and leadership best with these words…

“Together, she and Al have lived their lives in complete harmony with their values. They are a strong, connected couple that has lived a purposeful, and intentional life.”

In the early part of this century, no one was more important to a community than a family doctor. Doctor Donald Munro met all medical requirements in the village of Warsaw and area, adding much more to the vitality of the community.

Dr. Munro opened his Warsaw practice in 1907. A time when house calls were the norm, he braved all kinds of weather to attend to more than 3,000 births over a 50 year period.

Reaching out to the heart of the community, Dr. Munro served as Church Elder, and Sunday School Superintendent at St. Andrew’s Church for over 25 years.

A self-taught violinist, he shared his love of music by teaching and conducting a local concert orchestra and, as an ardent political activist, he served as president of the East Peterborough Liberal Association.

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

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

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

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

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

Julie Johnston grew up in a small town in eastern Ontario, then went to the University of Toronto to study physio and occupational therapy. After university she and her husband, whom she met while in Toronto, worked for over a year at the Ontario Hospital School for physically and mentally handicapped children in Smith Falls. There followed four months in Europe, a move to Kingston, then Toronto and, finally settling in Peterborough where Julie raised four daughters.

Over the years, she published many short stories in several magazines, but not until an encouraging interview with a writer-in-residence at Trent University, did she begin work on a novel. The first draft of ‘Hero of Lesser Causes’ was completed in 1986. After many re-writes and several publishing delays, it was published to great acclaim in 1992, winning the Governor General’s Literary Award / Children’s Literature (for English text) that year. Julie Johnston’s second novel, Adam and Eve and Pinch-Me, was also honoured with the Governor General’s Literary Award, making her the first author to win the award for both her first, and second books.

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.

Robert John Ainsworth, real estate agent, chiefly based in Peterborough, Ontario, has been a successful playwright and member of the Playwright Guild of Canada. Since emigrating from Birmingham, England in 1980, he has collaborated in producing musicals and children’s plays, and has written plays such as Dirty Little Secrets, Autumn Leaves and The Mouse House. As well as being a director and actor with the Peterborough Theatre Guild, he has directed musicals for the St. James Players, for Trinity United Church. He has twice taken productions to the Eastern Ontario Drama League festivals, both times winning awards as best director. The Mouse House won as well for best Canadian play and best production. He has also won Awards of Merit from the Peterborough Real Estate Board and from the City of Peterborough for his contributions. His play The Mouse House won the award for best production in the Theatre Ontario all ontario festival in Sault Ste Marie. The play won 7 awards including best director for Robert.

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.

Del Crary’s life can be divided in two halves: first half as Peterborough’s most famous musician; second half as Peterborough’s most famous broadcaster. A talented saxophonist and arranger Del, at age 12, joined his first band. During World War II, Del worked with Canadian Army bands, entertaining troops overseas. On returning to Peterborough, he led his own band or played with such Peterborough stalwarts as Bobby Kinsman and Jimmy Duffus.

In 1947, Del joined CHEX Radio (now 100.5 FRESH FM), becoming the region’s most famous ‘morning man.’ He subsequently worked with CKPT (now ENERGY 99.7 FM), then with CKQM (now Country 105) until his death in 1978.

A 30 year broadcasting career made Del Crary a legend.

Actively involved in community service, especially the Easter Seals Campaign, Del was named Citizen of the Year. He would go on to help establish the Arts & Water Festival, the forerunner of today’s ‘MusicFEST’ held each summer in the park which now bears his name.

Sometimes it doesn’t take a lot to make a difference in someone’s life, to ease pain or dry tears.  Sometimes it’s as simple as a teddy bear in the arms of a distraught child.

To Judy Gibson, that simple teddy bear was a symbol of love, comfort and hope.  To that end, Judy Gibson earned her title as ‘Peterborough’s Teddy Bear Lady,’ and remained the driving force behind the Peterborough Teddies organization.  Along with other dedicated volunteer members of Peterborough Teddies, Judy distributed teddy bears to local hospitals, nursing homes, funeral homes, Cameron House shelters and Crossroads, as well as organizations such as the Alzheimer Society and Five Counties’ Children’s Centre.  Thanks to Peterborough Teddies, Peterborough police cars and ambulances now come fully equipped with teddy bears.

As of 2001, the Peterborough Teddies had distributed over 20,000 bears; that’s over 20,000 people of all ages who received the gift of love, reassurance and a warm friend to hug in times of need.

Eveline Foster is one of those rare and wonderful musicians who warmly combined her love of music with her love of family and community.

For near 60 years, Eveline charmed the Peterborough people as both performer and teacher. She taught piano and violin to such future luminaries as Del Crary, Ernie Victor and Stan McBride Sr.. As musician, she played at silent movies, numerous minstrel shows, the Peterborough Symphony, the YWCA and, on Saturday nights, the Sergeant’s Mess at the Armouries. A humble woman, she poured her heart into her music. Eveline once said she never did solo work because that would mean facing the audience. “They should be just enjoying the music,” she said, “not seeing me.”

In recognition of her dedication to music and community, a trophy in her name is awarded each year at the Kiwanis Music Festival. To those who knew her or felt her influence, Eveline Foster represents the best in our musical tradition: a love of people and the making of music for the pure joy of it.

Dick Beck was well-known in Peterborough for his day job, as engineer at Canadian General Electric, and for his work with the Peterborough Utilities Commission. But if truth be known, his true passion, was connected to  theatre.

For over 30 years, Dick was an active member of PTG, serving in many capacities. He directed six full-length plays and one children’s play. He penned music and lyrics for about a dozen children’s plays which have been performed in many parts of Canada as well as here at home, at the Guild.

As well, Dick logged time undertaking set design, set construction, production and stage management. In an administrative capacity, he served on the Executive and Board of the Guild as President, Treasurer and Chairman.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

• photo courtesy KawarthaNOW

An individual who helped thousands of youngsters, spent a lifetime developing award-winning teams, was on duty at 6:30 in the morning until late at night, and who refused as much as a penny in remuneration.

Such was Peterborough’s Pansy Forbes.

Pansy was a pioneer of synchronized swimming, as sport, in Ontario and in Canada; an involvement encompassing more than 30 years.

Early in her career, she included basic figures and patterns in her instruction, concluding with a display of synchronized swimming. A Peterborough club was formed with Pansy as coach. Her accomplishments included many Canadian and International titles, exhibiting the sport at the 1954 British Empire Games and representing Canada at the 1955 Pan Am Games in Mexico City.

Pansy Forbes received numerous awards, one of which was being named to the Aquatic Hall of Fame in Winnipeg.

Pansy Forbes is in the Peterborough Sports Hall of Fame.

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.

Since 1986, Mike Barker has been the founding director of Folk Under the Clock, a concert series that presents folk/roots music in Peterborough. Barker has brought some remarkable talents to Peterborough from around the world – Dougie MacLean (Scotland), Arlo Guthrie (U.S), Eric Bogle (Australia), Danu (Ireland) and legendary Canadian Bruce Cockburn. As well as bringing over 100 music acts to Peterborough stages, Barker has also been a Juror for the Canadian Juno Awards and a longstanding Juror for the Canadian Folk Music Awards. Mike Barker has brought a welcome diversity to the local music scene and has successfully promoted Peterborough as THE place to play in Southern Ontario.

Mike Barker photo courtesy Clifford Skarstedt, Peterborough Examiner

In a city where post-secondary education is an exemplary pillar of the community both past and present, David Sutherland stands out as a true architect of that legacy.

Arriving in Peterborough in 1967 to assume the founding president role of what was then known as Sir Sandford Fleming College, David ensured the community college was exactly that with its offering of daytime and evening courses, the establishment of campuses in Lindsay, Haliburton and Cobourg, and the fostering of relationships with local employers via college advisory committees.

More uniquely, David’s relationship with Trent University founding president Tom Symons laid the groundwork for what was a mutually beneficial education-based partnership that remains intact to this day in a number of ways, including the joint nursing program. To show their commitment to that relationship, both David and Tom served on each other’s board of governors.

Retirement in 1981 did little if anything to slow David down. With local lawyer and parole board member Alex Edmison, he helped establish Edmison House, a halfway house for parolees, many of whom were given work at the city’s recycling plant. It didn’t hurt matters that David’s wife Sylvia was mayor at the time and had some influence on that decision.

Other volunteer pursuits saw David serve on the boards of Junior Achievement, the Greater Peterborough Area Economic Development Council and Trent Valley Literacy. Also benefitting from David’s clear commitment to community, was Meals On Wheels.

David Sutherland passed in 1991, robbing Peterborough of what was sure to be years of more meaningful contributions. As Sylvia notes, David’s initial plan was to stay at Fleming five years. That became 10 years and then almost 15, leading to the relatively easy decision that Peterborough, thankfully, would remain their home after his retirement.

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.

Ken DesChamp blended his passions for music and teaching to great effect.

He began playing the guitar at age 9, and as a teen performed at the Arts and Water Festival (the forerunner to Musicfest) and taught songs at a children’s day camp. He played bass for three years in ‘Jawbone,’ Jersey Joe Henderson’s band, and then with Barry Haggerty and Terry Finn formed the band, ‘Parnell,’ which played across Ontario and the Maritimes. They released three singles which garnered air time on Canadian radio.

Ken remained active in bands during his university years which led to a BA from Guelph and a B. Mus. (Hons.) from Queen’s. While a music teacher in Elliott Lake he participated in a long distance collaboration with St. Peter’s Secondary School in Peterborough; the students created a dance drama which played at the school and in the Sears Drama Festival, when DesChamp won an award for music composition.

He taught at Crestwood Secondary School from 1990 through 2014, and was Head of the Music Department for twenty years. During his years at Crestwood, he directed wood ensembles, concert bands, stage bands and choirs – and working with Rob Steinman produced several musical productions.

Since 1990, he continued to be highly regarded and active on Peterborough’s music scene. One observer noted that he had ‘the singing voice of an angel.’ In the 2013 Peterborough Wire Awards, for example, he was named Bassist of the Year and his band, ‘The Cadillacs,’ for which he was the vocalist and bassist, was considered the best cover band.

The Cadillacs still perform to this day.

(1938-1987)

Born and raised in Peterborough, Jack Bailey became one of Canadian Country Music’s most memorable performers. His talent as both vocalist and writer formed the basis for a solid recording career. As well, Jack’s natural affinity for people made him a welcome guest on stage, in clubs and on television across Canada and many parts of the United States.

Always one to be there when help was needed; Jack gave generously of his time and talent to support a variety of local causes, most notably, the M.S. Society, Easter Seals Campaign and area hospitals.

His untimely death from a heart attack at age 49, places Jack Bailey in a category of ‘Done too soon’ with so much more he could have given. He performed in the area for 35 years.

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.

For close to 30 years, Fred Anderson has been a tireless worker in making Peterborough and Kawarthas one of Canada’s most vibrant music and tourism centres.

In early ’70’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 in its present form. Under his guidance, The Festival of Lights has become 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 #1 tourist draw in the Kawarthas. For his efforts, Fred Anderson has been honoured with awards such as Peterborough’s Citizen of the Year and Tourism Ambassador of Ontario.

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

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

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

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

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