Gay Spooner, Chief of the Year
Nairn Recreation Park, Nairn, ON
Saturday, July 8th, 2017
I guess itʼs only natural that I stand here today as ʻchiefʼ of the 90th Reunion, and what an honour it is, especially in Canadaʼs 150th Year.
My 1st cousin Laurie Stewart Pallett was ʻchiefʼ in 2015. -my brother Jon Stewart was ʻchiefʼ in 2008; -my father Murray Stewart was ʻchiefʼ in 1998 & 1959; -my Grandfather Wallace Stewart was ʻchiefʼ or president several times many years ago and was a very enthusiastic clan member and was chairman of the 1958 reunion committee on genealogy and helped gather information for the ʻred book, The Stewartsʼ by Della Stewart.
So interest in the family and the annual reunions run deep in our family.
When I was a child I remember the long, hot drive from Toronto down to London and Springbank Park. There was always so many people, and so many pies!! The long tables were all set and Norma (who was a 1st cousin of Dadʼs) and Earl Oliver always saved us a table spot as we were always a bit late in arriving from Toronto. My father loved to see all his cousins; and he and Jon attended many reunions over the years. I missed many years of reunions until my Dad passed away in 2006 and now feel that I need to carry on the tradition that was so dear to Dad and my Grandfather.
Itʼs wonderful to see so many here today and hope that we can all make some connections that keep us coming back to meet together in the years to come… and to keep the tradition started by our ancestors 90 years ago.
Thank you all for coming today and enjoy the afternoon.