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2 - Orono Weekly Times, Wednesday, March 26,2003 } £. 2 s il il ftiüisa î 2.5 : 3-1 r Subscriptions $29.91 + $2.09 GST = $32.00 per year. Publications Mail Registration No. 09301 • Agreement No. 40012366 Publishing 48 issues annually at the office of publication. 'We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP) toward our mailing costs. " Orono Weekly Times 5310 Main Street, P.O. Box 209, Orono, Ontario LOB 1M0 Email: oronotimes@speedline.ca • Phone/Fax 905-983-5301 Publisher/Editor Margaret Zwart The Orono Weekly Times welcomes letters to the editor on subjects of interest to our readers. Opinions expressed to the editor and articles are those of the writers and do not necessarily necessarily reflect the opinions of the Orono Weekly times. Letters must be signed and contain the address and phone number of the writer. Any letter considered unsuitable will not be acknowledged or returned. We reserve the right to edit for length, libel and slander. If your retail or classified ad appears for the first time, please check carefully. Notice of an error must be given before the next issue goes to print. The Orono Weekly Times will not be responsible for the loss or damage of such items. By Bonni Yerex When I headed out tot Clarke High School Saturday afternoon, it was to attend the memorial service for Kawartha Pine Ridge Board of Education Trustee, Bob Willsher. I went directly to the cafeteria to see what help I could offer in preparation for the luncheon that was to follow. follow. It was beautifully decorated and ready for the festivities. festivities. On the walls in large, black paper letters were quotes. "Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well." From Emerson, "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." From Churchill, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." And there, as well* were Bob Willsher's own words, " Enjoy each day and don't worry about tomorrow. Make as much of a contribution contribution as you can."--He did just that. As Bob would have had it, everyone chipped in. Teachers directed traffic in the lot and accepted donations for the Hospital Building fund and a commemorative scholarship, members, of the student body handled setup of the gym and videotaping and Council members arranged the refreshments. It was truly a group effort. Leftovers were later delivered to St. Vincent's Kitchen, in Oshawâ, and received by grateful volunteers there. The 49th Canadian Fencibles, a group of students (and teacher Norm Vandenberg) from Norwood District High School attended in their 1812 period costume and stood at attention around the gymnasium. Facilitator of the event was friend and colleague, Dick Malowney. He expressed hopes that the celebration would be "upbeat, exciting and somewhat humorous" and as a tribute to Bob, "focus on the students and move along at a good clip". He described him as a man that thought "everything seemed possible", a "dynamic force" with "legendary work ethics". Many of his colleagues would wake up to e-mails that had been sent in the wee hours of the morning. He loved lively debates and was disappointed disappointed when people gave up too early. Doris Linton, a Lay Minister and former long-time Trustee and Colleague gave the invocation and blessing and couldn't resist mentioning that she "finally had the last word". "He did not know the meaning of the word 'walk'". It was hard to keep pace with him. KPRDSB Director of Education, Avis Glaze told the gathering that Bob Willsher "became a trustee for all the right reasons". She described him as " a man of tremendous tremendous energy, a doer, a man of action. He got things done." He would be reenergized by the laughter of children when he visited the schools. She also expressed thanks that the memorial service was occurring as Bob would have liked it... on time. Former Trustee colleague and close friend, Mike Slocombe related fond memories of the man who he described as "a Trustee to the very end". "We didn't see each other often (then jokingly) that's why you could stay friends with him". Former Student Trustee, Jeff Fucile, remembers being more than a little nervous before making Mr. Willsher's acquaintance at his first board meeting. His mentor thumped him soundly on his back and said, "Man, you gotta lighten up and you've gotta enjoy this!" The tension was relieved and Jeff did enjoy it. Liz Dewell expressed appreciation on behalf of the students that Bob so diligently and passionately worked I:::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 'i'ïtîîïiüïîüïîtïiiiïliïïîtîiîihî.iv jit hi !| il ! II lil liiliiii! ijjjjitj |jl •liiliiii! ii'iiiHH i i ! jjjjijjjjl 11 ji 1 ! t, |s|pig||- T j j j:«j |||ij ilililiÉjilf i h j | !| jjjüjjijjîjj 11|||| I > ill! 11111 jllllllll for. Louis Pepe remembers the wit, charm and beaming smile of the man who mentored and guided him after his arrival at GM seven years ago, fresh out of University. He quoted the words of Christ, found in John 14:19, "Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you will live also." The musical contributions were beautiful. Doug Dewell and son Pat provided piano accompaniment. As the gymnasium lights reflected the tears in the eyes of some of the performers, the Clarke High School choir sang "Amazing Grace". Bob would have loved that. When Blaine and Tom Sharpe gifted the gathering with "The Lord Bless You and Keep You", more than a few felt goosebumps. Bob Willsher was, after all, a man of faith who would have insisted that his family, his friends and his colleagues receive a blessing. Six-month old grandson Noah sat with his attention riveted on both the choir and the Sharpes. Apparently, appreciation of good music is a "Willsher thing". Chris lovingly revealed the side of Bob that only a son could, that of a loving family man, devoted father, husband husband and grandfather. He delighted ih his family, taught by example and reminded his boys, Stephen and Chris, that the effort to achieve is more important than the results. Chris expressed thanks on behalf of his mother, Lynda, and the entire family for the efforts of all and the kind words from friends and colleagues. It was, in the end, a celebration of the life of a man who will be fondly remembered and sadly missed. Robert L. (Bob) Willsher February 28,1944 - March 12,2003 Letter to the Editor Kudos to organizers Dear Editor, Our compliments to everyone everyone who helped with the Town Hall Board fundraiser two weeks ago. It was a wonderful evening complete with a spaghetti dinner dinner served from their new kitchen facility, a silent auction auction of great prizes, and most of all--an unlimited social time to spend with family and friends. The Town Hall is filled with history and many, many memories. Thanks to the efforts of these people--this building will continue to be there for yet another generation. Thanks so much. Bonnie & Rob Reid Orono