George Reynolds

George dedicated his work life as a chartered accountant with Grafton Group, rising to Vice-President of Finance and CFO, maintaining lifelong bonds of friendship and professionalism until his passing at age 93 years. While he and his wife Joan mostly lived in Thornhill, every available weekend was spent at the cottage on Tyson Island, in Howdenvale. George and Joan were truly a bonded pair. He knew she was “the one” when she fell in love with him and the cottage on the Bruce Peninsula. George started coming to the island soon after he was born in 1929. He would share stories of the 2-day trip to get there, chasing frogs, living on fish for the summer and getting covered in poison ivy. With his new wife (in 1954), George and Joan soon bought their own cottage on the island with no electricity, no phone, no flushing toilet and no running water. Together, they gradually modernized the dwelling over the years, not so easily accomplished on an island. They raised four children who had the opportunity to live and play with their cousins in the summers as seven island cottages were subsequently built and all owned by family.

George and Joan instilled a deep love and respect for rural and cottage life. George was always courteous and thoughtful, a true gentleman who acted with the utmost integrity, balanced with a great sense of fun and mischief. Bass-fishing, boating and family “cookouts” were some of his favourite activities. George cared deeply about people, treating all with respect and dignity. Joan was an easy and loyal friend, maintaining strong bonds throughout her life. She was a lifelong learner and self-starter. Without guile, Joan exemplified openness, honesty, devotion and curiosity.

This Endowment is a tribute to both George and Joan. Together, they were able to support each other and achieve more than they ever thought possible. The Reynolds’ family is very grateful to the William and Nona Heaslip Foundation for their generosity. With this Endowment, we hope that the Wiarton Hospital will be able to address areas of need.

Alfred Ernest Savage
“Alfred the Great” was born in Oakville Ontario on a market garden farm in 1918. He passed away in his 97th year in 2015. He had a twin (Andy), an old sister and 4 other brothers. He was a great, great, great uncle and dear friend to many. He later served his country in WW 11 through the RCAF primarily stationed in North Africa and later in England. After the war, he married Cora Cord and lived in the Village of Swansea in Toronto. Had one daughter Beverley Miller. He would have been considered a corner
stone of the community. He was a carpenter and helped build many building in the area. He was the Windermere United Church caretaker for 40yrs. He worked for Shell Canada as a burner serviceman and later moved into bulk oil sales. In his 90th year, he made the jump to live at Miller Lake with his daughter. He was an avid gardener in Toronto as well as in Miller Lake. With his love for the game of cards, he fit right in with the seniors at the Lions Head Friendship Club, where many of his life experiences were shared. Alf was a gentle, humble, generous and a wise man. His skill and experience in holding the attention of a crowd was complemented by his uncanny humor and wealth of life stories. Some would consider him as a role model and he set a great example on how to live life and respectively interact with others. His presence is missed by many.

Robert Fredrick Miller
Robert (Bob) was born August 5, 1931 in Kitchener, Ontario. He was one of 4 children. He became a carpenter by trade and married his sweetheart Ella Fote in the spring of 1951. They had 5 children, a boy and then 4 girls. He was a very devoted family man, and a very hard worker. When asthma threatened his carpentry career he decided to move north in 1967 and try his hand in the Tourism industry. He and Ella answered an ad in the Wiarton Echo listing a camp for sale. Miller Lake Camp was established in the 40’s and as the third owners, became a family project that Dad devoted much of the rest of his life to. We have
always said that “Dad could make anything out of nothing.” He could repurpose anything, and so he was a bit of a packrat saving anything that may come in handy. With much hard work, good carpentry skills and his guidance the 9 cottage, small campground resort
turned into a 13 cottage resort including a much larger campground with more amenities. But even more importantly he created an amazing environment to raise 5 kids and a simple, welcoming, family resort that would see repeat customers generation after generation. Dad was heartbroken when Mom (Ella) passed away at the age of 44. He went on to have two other very precious women in his life…. Marion McWhirter and then his second wife Ivadel. His family grew to include, a daughter-in-law, 4 sons-in-law, 10 grandchildren, a step  daughter, her husband and three more grandchildren. He was very content and loved every opportunity for a family gathering. Dad liked to fish when he found a moment, curled in the winter in the early years, took up golf later in life and loved his winters in Florida, but his true passion was his Family. Thanks to everyone who supports local health care in memory of this awesome dad.