> Infrastructure document outlines WLMH rebuild timeline/ Pg 7 > Grimsby/Smithville ready for Terry Fox Run Pg 3 > Fastball champs to relive 50 yo glory days Pg 6 > Province rolls out new long-term care beds Pg 15 Thursday, September 12, 2019 Vol. 8 Issue 19
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West Lincoln loses a cornerstone with death of Dave Willis West Lincoln lost a key community player with the passing of dedicated volunteer Dave Willis last week. Willis was a long-time supporter of many key programs and groups in the community going back to the nowdefunct Smithville Kinsmen Club which he joined back in the early 70s when he relocated to Smithville from Hamilton. “Dad was visiting mom, who has been
dealing with her own health issues, at the hospital (West Lincoln Memorial) and his heart just gave out,” said Dave’s son, Geoff. Dave’s passing sent shockwaves through the community. “Dave will be greatly missed by the community. One of his biggest contributions to the township was his volunteering as chair of the annual Christmas parade. His diligence made the parade the
Dave Willis, who was a Life Member of the Kinsmen Club of Canada after years of involvement in the Smithville club, was also a driving force behind the founding of the Kiwanis Club of West Lincoln. The charter president was presented with the Lieutenant Governor’s award by Kiwanis Lt. Gov. André Gaudet, right, for top performance at its one-year anniversary in May.
biggest of the small town parades,” said Mayor Dave Bylsma. “Dave always had an encouraging word for myself whenever we met, either in the council chamber on behalf of the committee or on the street at an event.” At town hall, flags were lowered to halfmast in honour of the man who many believe would have fit the title ‘Mr. Smithville’. Dave served as president of the Smithville Santa Claus Parade, charter-president for Kiwanis of West Lincoln - which just passed its first-year anniversary in May - and was involved with many other groups such as the West Lincoln Kinsmen, the Grimsby Probus Club and the West Lincoln Age-Friendly Advisory Committee just to name a few. “What motivated dad was his community mindedness, his vision to improve West Lincoln and West Niagara,” said Geoff. “He always wanted to make things better and dedicated himself to making West Lincoln what it is now.” See DAVE, Page 2
No hurdle too high
Jim Reijnders and his ride “I Dunn It” leap over a hurdle during the English & Western Light Horse Show at the West Niagara Fair on Saturday. The fairgounds in Grassie were transformed for a celebration of all things agricultural during the event, complete with livestock shows, homecraft competitions and a bustling midway. Turn to Pages 10-11 for more coverage. Marks - Photo