Wall of Fame welcomes five new inductees

Submitted by Bob Kirvan

Uxbridge has many great residents about whom it can boast. The Kinsmen Club of Uxbridge recognized five more of them last Thursday evening.

Kin member Bill Campbell presents Allan McGillivray with the plaque that will hang in the Wall of Fame. Photo by Jackie Macdonald

Close to 100 people attended the Third Annual Kinsmen Wall of Fame ceremony at the Seniors’ Centre, and not all of the inductees were individuals.

First to be honoured was Allan McGillivray. McGillivray is a former teacher, is considered a local history expert, was curator of the Uxbridge Museum, and has written a multitude of books and articles on the history of Uxbridge. McGillivray was also honoured as Uxbridge Citizen of the Year in 1987.

Norm Clements took his place on the Wall of Fame for being founder of the Jennifer Ashleigh Children's Charity, which he created in honour of his granddaughter. Clement’s organization has provided vital financial relief to more than 18,500 families across Ontario who have or had children facing medical crises. Clement also raised racing horses at his Uxbridge farm; the most famous horse was “Cam Fella,” who won numerous races and broke many records.

Norm Clements addresses the crowd as MC Dan Pollard looks on. Photo by Jackie Macdonald

Former hockey star Brad May was also inducted into the Wall of Fame on Thursday. Born and raised in Goodwood, May had a 19-year career in the NHL. He won gold with the Team Canada Juniors in 1991, and in 2007, took the Stanley Cup with Anaheim Ducks. May also played for the Toronto Maple Leafs in his 18th Season before retiring with the Detroit Red wings in 2010.

The final individual to take his place on the Wall was Ray Newton. Newton had a 26-year-long career as a teacher and eventually principal at Uxbridge Secondary School. He was also a coach and mentor in track and field, basketball, and was a founder of the school’s football program. In addition, he was a hockey coach for 25 years, teaching hockey at all levels. When not engaged in sports, Newton served as a town councillor from 1967 to 1970, and as mayor from 1970 to 1973. He passed away in 2015.

Lastly, the Uxbridge High School Curling Ontario Champions 1967 were added to the list of inductees.

Mike Smith, Michael Puterbough, Barry Timbers (skip) and Larry Manley were members of the team, with Reg Kerford their coach. In 1968, they won Ontario Junior Tankard, and in 1969 won the Ontario Masters Championship going undefeated in a nine-game round robin.

The Kinsmen Wall of Fame is located in the Uxbridge Arena.