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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1995-09-13, Page 22-THI HURON IXPOSSTOR, S•ptembar 13, 1995 Local Seaforth native lived full life BY PAUL CIUFO Expositor Staff Whether one measures the worth of a life in years lived or the quality of those years, Delbert 'Dell' Lisle Constable's span on this earth was impressive. The Seafonh- born man died August 15 in his Toronto retirement home after 105 years of vital living, including a prestigious law career, involvement in federal and provincial politics, and a rich family life. "People were beginning to believe my dad was immortal. Well he had many illnesses and the church gave him his last rites long ago, but he had a tremendous sense of humour - that's how he lived so long. He never complained," his daugh- ter Lenore Kessler said. Mentioning that Constable once had lunch with Alexander Graham Bell, Kessler said her father "knew so many interest- ing people and did so many interesting things," but he never forgot Seaforth. "If nobody ever heard of Seaforth, they did when they met my dad. All his clients and his friends knew he was born in Seaforth. He was a lifelong booster of the town. And he kept people in stitches with many funny and fascinating tales about Seaforth," she said. Constable was born on Sept. 20, 1889, and grew up on George St. His father owned a barber shop in the Commercial Hotel, "There weren't any cars when my father lived in Seaforth. He used to have a goat and a cart that pulled him," she laughed. "He went back to a big reunion in the '70s and he said the town hadn't changed much." Even as he grew up in Seaforth, Constable had a firm grasp on his destiny. "The law was his love - he knew, as a small boy, that he wanted to be a lawyer. He believed in law and justice," Kessler said. LAWYER WILL BE REMEMBERED - Dell Constable, who was born in Seaforth, became a respected lawyer in Toronto but he never forgot his small-town roots. He recently died, a little short of his 106th birthday. He left Seaforth to attend Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, graduating in 1912 at the age of 23. Although dim- inutive in size, Constable had a booming voice and was fear- less in court. "He was quite an orator. He used to say, 'Mother says I never lost a case. But maybe I lost one or two.'" A -self-made man who put himself through law school, Constable knew how to attain his goals. Once he looked at the tallest building in Toronto and said he would one day have an office in the place. He made good on his word. In 1956 he was appointed as a Queen's Council for a distin- guished career, an honour which allowed him to wear silk robes in court. He never let his success lead to pride, however. "He was very confident but not arrogant. He never talked down to people. Whether you were a doctor or a construction worker, he had a way of talk- ing to a person about their work and he was interested in• their families and children. His clients had a great affection and a high respect for him," Kessler said. Constable practised law in an era when he was the family's lawyer, handling all of their legal affairs, criminal, civil, estate, etc. "And he didn't just deal with families - he dealt with gener- ations of families. He was pulled into many a family problem," Kessler said. Federation elects delegates Jeanne Kirkby of Walton was returned as regional director for this area when the Huron County Federation of Agricul- ture met to elect new officers last Thursday. Delegates to the Ontario Federation of Agriculture's convention were also chosen in all four of its regions by the county federation. For Huron Central, which encompasses the townships of McKillop, Hullet, Tuckersmith and Stanley. the delegates selected were: Bill Wallace, RR 4 Seaforth; Charles Regele, RR 1 Dublin; Brenda McIntosh, RR 1 Seaforth. Larry Plaetzer of RR 1 Auburn is the alternate for Huron Central. Bob Down of RR 1 Hensall in the south, Neil Vincent of RR 3 Wingham in the northwest, and Will Stafford of RR 1 Wroxeter in the northeast were the other regional direc- tors chosen. The other delegates to the Retirement home residents busy taking many walks I sure hope everyone had an enjoyable summer and that you are ready to jump into fall. August at Seaforth Manor Retirement Home certainly was interesting. Residents were outside getting as much exercise as possible through our many walks. They enjoyed a lovely afternoon out at Bill Gibson's. The residents toured his beautiful yard with the many different plants and the odd animal. They then enjoyed an hour of Bill's piano playing, listening to many a tune from the past. They were then treated to refreshments and dessert that was so kindly prepared by Bill. On Aug. 15, residents were entertained by the Stratford Olde Tyme Band. This is a group that is comprised of people from many different ages. This group is a definite crowd pleaser. Once again, pub night was a big success. The residents enjoyed a variety of refreshments and munchies. They have enjoyed the weekly church meetings. They were saddened to hear that j Seaforth Manor Retirement Home Rev. Sloan is leaving our community. The residents will miss his many visits. He is wished all the best in the future.. Seaforth Manor Retirement Home would like to thank Kim and Dave Russell of Seaforth for the donation of the piano. The residents are enjoying the tunes that Henrietta Brown plays. Residents had a special treat this Sunday for brunch. I brought in some homegnitvn tomatoes from my garden. It sure was a delicious treat. We would like to welcome to the Retirement Home Hugh and Elizabeth Bali. We hope you enjoy your stay. Birthday wishes are also extended to Olive Ball on Sept. 11. Until next month take care and God Bless. Cindy De Groof Retirement Home Director Car costs in Ontario The average annual cost of owning a typical car is now more than $7,700, according to the yearly survey of the Canadian Automobile As- sociation released last week. Driving costs have gone up 4.2 per cent this year compared to -inflation at 2.9 per cent, which means it is still better than last year ,, when costs jumped 5.3 per cent and there was no inflation. Ontario, Quebec and New- foundland are the most expen- s ive provinces in which to own a car today, according to the report, and Alberta and Manitoba the cheapest. OFA convention and the regions they represent are: Huron South Harry Dougall, RR 3 Exeter; Pat Down, RR 1 Hensall. Huron Northwest Donald Dow, RR 3 Wingham; Walter Elliot, RR 1 Lucknow. Huron Northeast Robert Harrison, RR 1 Monkton. Victor Roland, RR 1 Gerrie and Doug Garniss, RR 4 Win- gham (Alternates). He also kept ties to Seaforth for many years, receiving the local paper and continuing correspondences with people in the town. The lawyer was active in politics for many years, prefer- ring to work behind the scenes. He continued to practise law into his early nineties for sev- eral of his old clients, and as late as age 104 he continued to read the Ontario Law Reports. One of the highlights of his later life was meeting the Queen as he celebrated the one hundredth anniversary of Osgoode Hall Law School, which fell on the same month and year as his one hundredth birthday. The man was not narrow in his interests, however. He loved music and had friends from every walk of life, was married and had three children. Kessler said he taught his children to be tolerant and interested in people. Constable lived in his own house until the age of 101, and then moved into a retirement home. Even there, his spirits stayed high. On Constable's 104th birthday, a new adminis- trator at the retirement home got her first glimpse of the man: he was smoking a cigar, had a bottle of Scotch beside him, and was reading in a booming voice to his guests a special birthday greeting hand - delivered by the local M.P. and written by then -Prime Minister Kim Campbell. "He was an unforgettable character," Kessler said. If you wish to secure a lifetime income from an RRSP or are interested in other RRSP. investments at very competitive rates, call Arnold J. Stinnissen 527-0410 Sun Life ONTARIO COMPUTER FAIR Over 50 exhibitors offering savings & selection In computers. software. peripherals. Also computer clubs. Sun., Sept. 17 11 a.m. to 4 p m. Elderton Community Centre (From 401: N. on Hwy. 100 to end W. to Hwy. 4: go 6 km N. of Arva then W. on Cty. Rd. 16) Admission $6 for adults Children 12 and under free For more into call 1-800-465-8266 Sponsored by Computer Source Congratulations! Mike Hodgins, winner of our Superior BBQ. Once again Brian Wilson would like to thank everyone for their overwhelming support, since Wilson Auto Service has opened. 527-1200 23 Goderich St. East Seaforth THE 23"° ANNUAL VAN EGMOND FOUNDATION d u onvV SEPT. 24th 10AM to 5:00 PM Flea Market Cider Making Sausage Making Horseshoe Pitching Entertainment 9 Tea Cup Reading FOOD AVAILABLE - All Day Long Gates Open at 10 AM Admission: Family 15.00, Adults 12.00, Students 11,00 Pre -School Children FREE See *a474eftell Seaforth Recreation Department's FALL LEISURE ACTIVITIES FURNITURE REFINISHING MONDAYS BEGINNING OCTOBER 2, 1995 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. EACH NIGHT AT THE SEAFORTH DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL FOR 10 WEEKS FEE: $40.00 DESCRIPTION; Techniques of how to strip your old furniture and refinish to look like new. FITNESS IS FUN TUESDAY MORNINGS and WEDNESDAY EVENINGS 9:00 TO 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 TO 9:00 p.m. BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 28, 1995 AT THE SEAFORTH AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRES FOR 10 WEEKS FEE: Once per week = $35.00 Twice per week = $50.00 Three per week = $65.00 DESCRIPTI.ON; The morning classes will be gentle aerobics, while the Wednesday evening will be more demanding. STEP TRAINING WEDNESDAY EVENINGS from 7:00 TO 8:00 p.m. BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 27, 1995 AT THE SEAFORTH AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRES FOR 10 WEEKS FEE: $35.00 DESCRIPTION; This more•demanding type of fitness pro- gram gives you an excellent workout. Steps are provided WEDNESDAY EVENINGS BE INNING OCTOBER 4, 1995 FROM 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. AT THE SEAFORTH AND DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL FOR 10 WEEKS FEE: $30.00 DESCRIPTION; This is a non-competitive recreational program for those who enjoy Volleyball and would like a BEGINNER DOG OBEDIENCE TUESDAYS BEGINNING OCTOBER 3, 1995 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. EACH NIGHT AT THE SEAFORTH & DISTRICT COMUNITY CENTRES 10 WEEKS FEE: $45.00 DESCRIPTION; Teach your dog how to heel, sit, stay, and many other commands. OLD TIME LINE DANCING TUESDAY MORNINGS BEGINNING SEPT. 26, 1995 AT THE SEAFORTH AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRES FOR 10 WEEKS - FEE: $35.00 DESCRIPTION: This program will have all your old time music, and learn how to line dance to them. WATER COLOUR PAINTING TUESDAY EVENINGS FROM 7:00 TO 9:30 p.m. BEGINNING OCTOBER 3, 1995 AT THE SEAFORTH AND DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL FOR 10 WEEKS FEE: $65.00 DESCRIPTION; The instructor will teach you how to draw your subject, then guide you through the painting process. RECREATIONAL BASKETBALL - THURSDAY EVENINGS BEGINNING OCTOBER 5, 1995 FROM 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. AT THE SEAFORTH AND DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL FOR 10 WEEKS FEE: $30.00 DESCRIPTION.; This is also a recreational program for those who want to enjoy a night of exercise, socializing and play a little pickup basketball. night out. PLEASE PRE -REGISTER FOR ALL THE ABOVE PROGRAMS BY CALLING THE RECREATION OFFICE AT 527-0882. MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM NUMBERS ARE IN EFFECT FOR ALL PROGRAMS. Other programs to watch for are Children's Gymnastics, Sign Language, Badminton, and Computers. If you are interested in the above programs call and leave your name. If you have a new program idea or know of any program instructors please call the Recreation Office at 627-0882. OIL