While the pandemic in Ontario is being brought under control by the many lockdowns and now available vaccines, and Ontarians welcomed the lifting of some restriction, other parts of the world and Canada are reeling with disasters. Close to home the tornado that ripped though Barrie has left a great many homes totally wrecked or uninhabitable, with 11 people injured; thankfully no deaths. That tornado also came a little closer to home, as a farm just south of the Mission Church in Zephyr and a farm south of Udora had a lot of damage. I was attending a gathering in Seagrave at that time, unaware of the warnings, but the wind was quite ferocious even there.
Sincere condolences to family and friends, of James Hird, who passed away at the age of 77. He had many hobbies and was always willing to help others. If you attended any of the “Cruise Ins”, you would be sure to see his 1978 Dodge Lil’ Red Express that he proudly drove; his big hobby was custom hotrods and vintage classics.
Our sympathy also goes to the Melcher family in the sudden death of their son, Graeme! By all accounts he was a brilliant young man with a wonderful future ahead and had already accomplished an enviable amount. His mother Nancy Melcher is know by many as “The Nature Nut”.
Some stats on the vaccine from Saturday: 78.5% percent of people 12 and over have received one dose of the vaccine; 58.1% of people over 12 are fully vaccinated. Keep it going folks if you want this to be over and some semblance of normal to happen any time soon.
Good news this week; Happy birthday greeting to Shirley McIntye who was 94. Shirley and ex-husband Dr. John lived in Uxbridge and raised their family here. She now resides in Vancouver Island. Another birthday greeting goes to councilor Willie Pop!
Former Uxbridge resident, now living in Fernie BC, is Lynn Taylor who celebrated. Louise Lougheed was born and raised just north on Weir Rd (daughter of Lewis and Eldene) and now lives in Brampton, where she celebrated with her husband, Steve, and 2 sons. The wonderful Tish MacDonald also celebrated her birthday but while doing so did not neglect organizing a birthday celebration for veteran George Robson, 94. George served in the Merchant navy, flying the Norwegian flag from May to December, 1944. He joined the army to become a paratrooper, and remained in service with the military police until 1946. George has always been active in Uxbridge activities and thanks to Tish and her group, can be remembered and thanked.
Happy birthday to Mary McHard, 82. Mary’s husband David Vipond was minister in Sandford Zephyr for a few years and Mary was well liked. She has accomplished much over the years and has taken up painting in recent years.
Congratulations to Scott and Melissa (Risebrough) Briggs on their anniversary. They have some lovely children to add to their happiness.
The Epsom Girls and several relatives from a distance, were guests at a birthday party for Dorothy Munro, who has reached the grand age of 95. Dorothy wasn’t born in Epsom, but married Ray and raised her family just to the north and saw most of the rest of us grow up with her children. On the way home we stopped to say hello to another marvel, Doris Armstrong, who after a fall spent several weeks in the hospital and is now at home. Doris is 98!