Long-Time Manitoulin Family

My family settled in Billings Township in 1875 and were the first settlers on the 8th Concession, where members of our family are still farming today. Another branch of the family settled in Allan Township in 1876 and continues to maintain property there.

A Life of Community Service

Community involvement has always been a part of my life. My father was the Boy Scout leader in Gore Bay, so I attended Scouts long before I was officially old enough and took part in many local events. By the age of 14, after many years in Scouts, I began assisting with the local Cub Pack.

Proud to serve my country, I joined the Canadian Armed Forces at 17 out of a strong sense of civic duty. During my time in the CAF, I spent as much of my time off as possible back here on Manitoulin Island.

Wherever I was posted, I remained active in the local community. I served as a Beaver Leader (the youngest branch of Scouts Canada), coached children’s baseball, and spent many years coaching and serving as a trainer for minor hockey. I also spent a season assisting the trainer for the Lucan Irish Junior D hockey team, now known as Junior C.

After 24 years of military service, I returned home to Manitoulin and continued my involvement in the community. I served for eight years as Sergeant-at-Arms for Royal Canadian Legion Branch 514, spent twelve years on local municipal council, and worked for three years as a school bus driver.

I love Manitoulin and know the Island well from the east end to the west end—though I’ll admit I favour the west side and try not to venture past Kagawong unless I really have to…!