Independent & Free Press (Georgetown, ON), 13 Sep 2006, p. 3

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Georgetown man succumbs to cold Lake Ont. water Continued from pg. 1 He said throughout the experience rage built inside because he had his father in his arms and just wanted to get Sutton to safety. "This is a dream and I want it to end right now," he recalled thinking, but since it wasn't, he thought about his mother and his girlfriend's 14-month-old baby. "I wanted to do more, but I couldn't," he said. "I wasn't going to let my father go." Several fishing boats passed by, but nobody saw them, until one passerby finally noticed them and immediately radioed a distress signal around 11 a.m. That was when police and other boaters converged on the scene to mount the rescue. Richards, a shipper and receiver with PL Foods in Georgetown, and Sutton were taken to Trillium Health Centre. Sutton was discharged late Sunday afternoon, while Richards was kept overnight for observation. Richards said his father, whose passion was fishing, was on disability from a workplace accident in a brake factory that had resulted in his right leg being amputated. He said his father, whom he called his dearest friend, had taken part in countless fishing derbies in the area over the decades. "All I know is that I won't step on another boat," said Richards. "I may not even go fishing anymore. It was "our" thing." Among the first on the rescue scene were Peter Fairweather and Dan Lotual of Oakville, who found Bryan Richards and Sutton shivering in another fisherman's boat. Richards was reaching over the stern holding onto his father's leg, unable to pull him over the gunwhale. "There was no way to hoist him. He was a pretty big guy," said Fairweather. They hooked a rope around Richards' leg so his son could be treated by police and paramedics. Roger Richards' brother-in-law John (Jack) Stufko of Georgetown said the man was going to be "greatly missed." "He had a heart as big as all outdoors and he would help anyone," said Stufko, who added the man was not only his brother-in-law, but his best friend. "He's helped Linda (Stufko's spouse) and I out so much in the past," he said. He said Richards loved fishing and had fished all over Ontario. He said although his boat was called the Left-Handed Newfie, his brother-in-law was not from Newfoundland. He moved to Canada from England several years ago and had lived in Georgetown for about 30 years. "That (the boat's name) was a trademark of Roger's sense of humour. He was a real character," said Stufko, who believes Richards named the boat after a friend. Stufko said Richards had health problems as he was diabetic and had suffered a heart attack in the past. He believes he suffered a heart attack in the water Sunday. At press time a spokesperson for Peel Regional Police said the results of a post mortem confirm that the cause of death was not drowning, and that Richards heart stoppage was due in part to hypothermia. Richards is survived by his wife Donna, children Patrick and Bryan and his mother Sarah. Visitation will be at J.S. Jones & Son Funeral Home tomorrow (Thursday) from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. The funeral and committal service will be held in the chapel Friday at 1 p.m. Wendy Grandman and her dog Hogan from Team Canine performed a freestlye disc dog routine at the Georgetown Fall Fair Sunday afternoon. Photos by Sabrina Byrnes Rain can't spoil Fall Fair fun BRENNA MOORE Special to The IFP Years of tradition held strong this past weekend at the 160th Georgetown Fall Fair. Although the weekend weather started off rainy and windy, the clouds cleared Saturday afternoon and by Sunday the sun was shining bright. "Considering the rain, attendance was good," said Colin Dyble, a member of the Georgetown Agricultural Society (GAS) which puts on the fair. "There was a good crowd Isabella Montana,7, enjoys a midway ride at the once the rain stopped." Area residents were drawn to the event for all the old Georgetown Fall Fair Sunday afternoon. favourites that bring them back year after year. "We come for the rides and the atmosphere," said Kathy Tent to be essential, especially to those who don't have an Armstrong, visiting the fair with her family. "It's just good agricultural background. old-fashioned fun." "With urbanization being seen more and more, kids Winner of the 2006 Georgetown Fair aren't exposed to an agricultural experience," said Ambassador competition, Emily Dobson, sees Dave Shrubsole, second vice-president of the the fair as being valuable to the community. Georgetown Agricultural Society. "There are "It brings everyone together. It's something many kids who don't understand where food that's social and fun for everyone," said comes from and the process to get it. It's imporDobson. "Here you can learn more about agritant to understand it so you can appreciate it." culture and it's very entertaining." Shrubsole said the Georgetown Agricultural One of the most popular features of the fair Society also aims to dispel myths about animals is the midway and organizers were expecting it in farming. to be of good quality this year. With 12 rides Dobson also recognizes the significance of and many games, by Funland Outdoor educating about agriculture in our community. Amusements, visitors were not disappointed. "As ambassador, I hope to teach kids more "It has a lot of fun rides. They go so fast," about agriculture and tell them the importance of EMILY DOBSON said Mitchell MacLeod, 9. the fall fair to our town," said Dobson. The Education Tent drew crowds wanting The tradition continued at the homecraft the chance to get up close with the animals and learn more exhibits as area residents were encouraged to walk through about farming. and see the fruits-- and veggies-- of their neighbours' "I like getting to see the animals so close," said Jessica efforts. Exhibits range from produce and baking to crafts Herber, 12. "I usually don't get to see them because I live in and photos. town." "As people pass through the exhibit they love to see the Fourteen classes passed through the tent on Friday for crafts and baking. It really brings the agriculture to the city," Education Day. Groups spent 15 minutes at each station to said Glenda Benton, a member of the GAS. learn more about the various aspects of animals, farming The demolition derby, one of the fair's biggest highlights, and the environment. had a great turnout Saturday night, according to organizers. "It's a way for the community to connect with each "The crowds started coming once the rain stopped, and other," said Tunde Otto-Harris, member of the Willow Park the bleachers were full for the derby," said Shrubsole. "The Ecology Centre. "The tent exposes aspects that are very derby usually is one of the biggest attractions." important. It's very hands-on so the kids enjoy it." The Society is looking for new members. If interested, The Georgetown Agricultural Society sees the Education call John Nurse at 905-702-4110 or 905-873-6157.

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