Little Britain mourns the loss of Merchants founder Art Field

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: The Little Britain Merchants and the broader community are mourning the passing of, founder and longtime volunteer, Art Field, a man whose impact on local sport and labour advocacy spanned more than five decades.

Born in 1934, Mr. Field devoted his life to building opportunities for others, whether at the rink, on the ball diamond, or through his work supporting working-class families. Best known as the founder of the Merchants, in 1978, he became a driving force behind junior hockey in Little Britain and the surrounding Mariposa area.

Locally, Mr. Field’s contributions were formally recognized, with two inductions into the Lindsay and District Sports Hall of Fame. This was first as an individual in 2003, and again in 2024 as part of the Merchants organization he helped build from the ground up.

Mr. Field was described as someone who “spent a lifetime giving his time and energy, in order to make recreational activities in the Little Britain area better.” Respected as a dedicated and hardworking volunteer, he supported, managed, sponsored and coached teams for more than 65 years, playing key roles in the development of both minor and junior hockey. His involvement also extended to recreational baseball and industrial hockey, as both a player and coach.

In a statement, Merchants head coach, Matt Muir said Mr. Field’s legacy goes far beyond wins and losses.

“The Little Britain Merchants are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Art Field, a true cornerstone of our team and community,” Mr. Muir said. “As the founder of the Merchants, in 1978, and a devoted leader for more than 50 years, Art built far more than a hockey club. He created a lasting legacy, rooted in family, community, and pride.”

Mr. Muir added, Mr. Field’s influence shaped generations of players and volunteers, fostering not only a love of hockey but also a sense of belonging.

Mr. Field’s dedication to the game was also recognized provincially, with the Ontario Hockey Association’s Gold Stick Award, in 2015, honouring his outstanding service to amateur hockey.

Longtime hockey executive, Ron Archibald remembered Art Field as a passionate defender of small-town hockey.

“The hockey world was a better place thanks to Art,” Mr. Archibald said. “He loved his small-town hockey and wasn’t shy about defending it. We had some battles, but always with a level of respect.”

Away from sports, Mr. Field was equally committed to the labour movement, serving for many years with Unifor Local 222, in Oshawa. He was known as a tireless advocate for workers’ rights and a compassionate supporter of those in need.

Fellow union member, Vic McCullough described Mr. Field as a man whose strength came from knowledge and conviction.

“Art had a different kind of power,” Mr. McCullough opined. “His power of persuasion, accompanied with his knowledge, impressed many in the community. His dedication and compassion for the marginalized was admirable. He was always ready to lend a helping hand.”

Former Brock mayor and MPP, Larry O'Connor, who worked alongside Mr. Field at Queen’s Park, in the 1990s, said his influence extended well beyond the local community.

“Collectively, we have lost a piece of labour history with the passing of our brother, Art,” Mr. O’Connor shared. “His tireless hard work was a testament of his dedication to our communities, locally and far beyond. Art personally inspired me to enter public life and seek a path of community service.”

Though he has passed, those who knew him say, Mr. Field’s legacy will live on, through the teams he helped build, the players he mentored, and the countless lives he touched.

“Through his family and the countless lives he touched, Art’s spirit will live on, in every game played and every memory shared,” Mr. Muir concluded. “He will forever be a part of the Merchants family.”