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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2018-08-16, Page 8PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2018. Obituaries Huron County loses first-ever female warden LEONA MARGARET ARMSTRONG Leona Margaret Armstrong (Johnston) passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018. She was in her 85th year. Leona was the beloved wife of Jim Armstrong for 64 years, and loving mother to Robert and Lynne (Colborne), Brian and Betty (Woodstock), Bruce and Claudette (Brussels) and Leanne Armstrong (Brussels) and Rick Kootstra. Leona was the cherished grandma of Brittany (Nic) Ellis, Brandon (Katie), Andrew (Chauntell), Morgan, Bryce, Caley, Nathan, Tanner and Mykenna Armstrong, and great -grandma to Lexi and Carter Armstrong. She was the dear sister of Helen MacLean, Doris (Berne) McKinley and she was loved by her many family and friends. Leona willingly served her community in many capacities. She thoroughly enjoyed her political career during which she was councillor, deputy -reeve and reeve of Grey Township from 1974-1997. She had the honour of being the first female warden of Huron County in 1986, proudly following in her father's footsteps, and her key to Huron County is on display at the Huron County Museum. Leona was the recipient of the Brussels and area Citizen of the Year in 1997, Senior of the Year in 1999 and a Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002. She was a dedicated elder, choir member and member of the Women's Missionary Society and Women's Guild of Melville Presbyterian Church for many years. An avid gardener, Leona served as Treasurer of the Brussels and District Horticultural Society for many years, and used her talents to beautify flowerbeds around town, and create arrangements at Melville Presbyterian Church and the dining Search and rescue group started By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Patrick Armstrong, the man behind the creation of the Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund, has now created the Huron and Area Search and Rescue (HASAR), which is now looking for volunteers. The organization's catchment area will stretch from Kincardine in the north to Port Franks in the south and east to Sebringville. It will be split into the administrative side and the search side, with many of the volunteer administrative positions already filled by qualified volunteers. The organization is looking for those willing to volunteer on the search side and founders are hosting an informal information session on Saturday, Aug. 18 in Goderich for those interested in learning more. While the positions will be volunteer, successful applicants will be trained through the Ontario Search and Rescue Volunteer Association (OSARVA) and certified through the Province of Ontario. Being trained to the provincial standard, Armstrong said, is essential if civilians are going to pitch in and help firefighters, police, emergency services or the coast guard in the event of a missing person. Armstrong, who is a Huron County resident and a sergeant with the OPP based in Perth County, said that Huron was in dire need of a volunteer search and rescue organization, which is why he founded it alongside fellow OPP officer Adam Seltzer. As a police officer, Armstrong said that qualified search and rescue volunteers can be invaluable during times of emergency when a resident is missing. It can extend a police department's reach tenfold, he said, and free up police officers and other emergency personnel to be doing jobs civilians aren't qualified to do during situations where time is a critical factor. In order to train to be part of HASAR, Armstrong says there is a six-month training commitment, during which those wanting to be a part of the organization have to attend one of two scheduled meeting per month. Once trained, the organization demands a commitment of 60 hours per year, beginning in 2019. As part of the training, those interested will learn the basic skills of search and rescue as well as first aid training. HASAR founders are now hard at work putting together a board of directors, which Armstrong says is crucial to maintaining transparency in the community as a volunteer organization that will be utilizing donations. It will be hosting its first information session on Saturday, Aug. 18 at the Goderich Legion from 8 a.m. to noon. Armstrong said it's a come -and -go session but those interested will leave with all the information they need in order to get involved. For more information, find HASAR on Facebook or visit its website at www.hasar.ca. Michie announces retirement By Denny Scott The Citizen After over 40 years of municipal service, Morris-Turnberry Administrator Clerk -Treasurer Nancy Michie is now set to retire in 2019. After an in -camera session during its Aug. 7 meeting, Morris- Turnberry Council announced that Michie would be retiring. Michie has held her current position since amalgamation in 2001, prior to that, her time with the municipality started in 1978 when she became Clerk for the Township of Morris in 1978, then Clerk - Treasurer in 1981. "Our long -serving Administrator Clerk -Treasurer Nancy Michie will reach a prestigious milestone this fall of 40 years of dedicated service to our Municipality of Morris- Turnberry," Mayor Paul Gowing said in the press release. "Nancy has loyally served our municipal government over that time in many roles and through the changing structure of amalgamation." The report indicated that Michie will transfer her experiences to staff over the coming months to help with the transition of her duties before retiring in 2019. Morris-Turnberry will commence a recruitment process for Michie's replacement in the coming weeks. Passing the torch Ambassador Erin McMahon, left, passed her title to Amanda Morrison during the annual Brussels Fall Fair Ambassador competition on Saturday. (Hannah Dickie photo) area at Huronlea Home for the Aged. She was a Director of the Brussels Agricultural Society and representative on the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies. Leona was a founding member and first president of the Huronlea Volunteer Auxiliary, and was also involved with the formation of the Seniors Community Dining Program in Brussels. She was a long-time member of the Majestic Women's Institute and enjoyed putting many stitches on quilts crafted by members as fundraisers for various projects. Throughout her life she was a willing volunteer who participated in other local boards and committees. In addition, she and family members volunteered at Showplane Camping Registration at the Experimental Aircraft Association in Oshkosh, Wisconsin for over 20 years. Besides her commitment to supporting her community, Leona's love and commitment to her family was always a priority. As a family, and in later years with Jim, she enjoyed travelling and meeting people throughout the world. Leona's enthusiasm, faith and willingness to serve were an example for her family and permeated all aspects of how she lived her life. Friends and family were received at Riverside Funeral Home on Tuesday, Aug. 7 followed by a Women's Institute service at 9 p.m. The Funeral service was held at Melville Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, Aug. 8. Rev. Charm Ireland officiated. Interment was at Brussels Cemetery. In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy, donations to Melville Presbyterian Church or Huronlea Volunteer Auxiliary would be appreciated. Cards of sympathy and donations may be forwarded to Box 340, Brussels NOG 1HO. Condolences may be left at www.riversidefuneralhome.com NIGHT HIKE at the WAWANOSH NATURE CENTRE FREE Guided Walk at the Wawanosh Nature Centre Wednesday Aug. 22 1 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM 1 Meet in the parking lot 38854 Nature Centre Rd., North Huron 1519-335-3557 ext. 239 1 mvca.on.ca Fliik Rediscover what Huron County has to offer. Pick up your free guide to Stops Along The Way and see what's happening in your area! FREE Along The Way A Visitor's Guide to Huron County What to See Where to Dine Things to Do Museums Trails Golf Courses Available at many local tourist spots throughout Huron County or pick it up at The Citizen 413 Queen St., Blyth - 519-523-4792