c .nr\ Dr. < That was back in 1933 and, for two years, he taught more than 50 students, from all grades, in that room. He then became principal of a three- room school in West Ferris (now part of North Bay). He stayed on as principal for 12 years, during which time he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Queen's University and his Master of Education degree and a public school in- spector's qualifications program. In 1947, he was promoted superinten- dent of public schools in Kirkland Lake and Demeza thought he was set for a lengthy career up north, However, a phone call from a Minis- try of Education official in April of 1950 changed all that. "He asked me if I would consider coming to Belleville to succeed Mr. W.J. Morrison as superintendent of the On- tario School for the Deaf in Belleville. It was a great surprise and quite a new venture for me." So, Demeza left Kirkland Lake and embarked on his new career in deaf edu- cation. He prepared for it by taking a year off to student education for the deaf in Manchester, England. He then spent more than six months visiting schools for the deaf in Canada and the United States. In his 29 years as superintendent, en- rolment grew to a high of 550 and new buildings were opened -- the junior school and residence, new heating plant Where are they NOW? and laundry, staff residence (now a stu- dent residence), vocational school, infir- mary and audiological clinic. Another addition, the gymnasium and swimming pool complex, opened in the fall of 1970. It was immediately named the J.G. Demeza Sports Centre. "I was very much honored by that and still am," he said. Among the programs introduced by the school during Demeza's stay were the home visiting program for pre- schoolers, vocational training, aphasic program, the day school program and home busing on weekends. Throughout his career at Whitney, Demeza said his priority was to "pro- vide the best education possible for stu- dents." As Demeza was busy in his years at Whitney so is he busy in retirement. "I wondered how I ever had the time to work," he quipped. Demeza has continued serving on various boards, including the Bridge Street United Church, United Church Ministry With the Deaf and Albert Col- lege. He's also on the committee of adjust- ment for the city of Belleville. Demeza has been a member of the Bridge Street United Church choir since 1979. He's now in his 41st year with the Ro- tary Club of Belleville, involved primar- ily with its music festival and, most recently, with providing assistance to schools for the deaf in the Caribbean. When he isn't attending meetings, Demeza enjoys various local arts and entertainment performances, travel- ling, golf and swimming. His wife, Reinette, died in 1988. The couple never had children but Demeza said he enjoys visiting with his five grand nieces and nephews. "My brother, Don, moved to Belleville when he retired. And he only lives behind me. Naturally, we spend a lot of time going through each other's backyards." - <