COOKSTOWN NEWS
by Susan Stein

Remembering Gladys Muriel Wilson

We all remember her well, who in one way or another came in contact with Gladys (Glad) Wilson - as President of the Cookstown W. I., as president of the United Church Women of Cookstown United Church; the founding member of the United Church Children's Choir (with Elaine McDowell) and listening to her playing the organ or piano at the church for many, many years. And some will remember bowling with her, which was one of her hobbies.

Gladys Wilson was born on September 30th, 1912, the daughter of Barry and Blanche Jebb at the Jebb Farm, where to this day the Jebb family resides. She attended Cloverdale Public School and graduated at Cookstown

Continuation School. In 1932 she married Ira Wilson, the owner of the Cookstown Feed Mill. They were blessed with two children Joan and Don. In 1958 they built a house on Hwy. 27, where they resided until moving to Allandale.

Gladys left her mark establishing the Senior Choir at the Allandale Rec Centre, calling them the Melotones, which delighted audiences at community events.

She also remained active in all social activities, until illness set in and Gladys was forced to retire.

Gladys died on Sunday, July 22nd in her 95th year. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Ira. She was the dear mother of Joan Wright and her husband Harvey of Vancouver and Donald Wilson and his wife Linda of Barrie. As a loving grandmother she will be missed by Susan (Paul), Alyson (Ben), John, Chad (Janice) and five greatgrandchildren. She was the dear sister of Douglas Jebb and predeceased by sisters Lila Halbert and Florence Palmer.

Funeral Service, officiated by Rev. Heather Power, was held on Tuesday, July 24, at the Jennett Chapel of the McLelland & Slesor Funeral Home in Barrie. Gladys favourite hymns "Bringing in the Sheaves" and "How Great Thou Are" were included in the service.

Births

Congratulations to Melanie and Evan Moier of Guelph on the birth of their first child, a girl, on Thursday, July 19.

Hailey, weighing in at 8lbs. 6 oz. is the second grandchild of happy Harold and Bev Quist of Cookstown and a great granddaughter of Judith Quist of Cookstown.

Congratulations to Steve and Kari Martin of Cookstown on the birth of their first child, a boy, on Thursday, July 26, at the Southlake Hospital, Newmarket at 11:30 am.

Lucas Robert Barry, weighing 6 lb. 12 oz., is the first grandchild of Barry and Donna Jebb of Cookstown and of Bob and Cindy Martin of Beeton. He was welcomed by great grandparents Doug and Joan Jebb of Cookstown.

Visiting out west

Joan McLean flew with daughter Donna to Calgary Thursday, July 19th, for a visit with her granddaughter Lisa (Donna's daughter), then by car to Banff National Park and a two night stay at the beautiful hotel at the shores of Lake Louise.

Back to Calgary and from there to Edmonton for a visit with Joan's sister Pat Berkles. It was great to have a dinner there with a dozen relatives, catching up on family events.

On July 26th, Joan flew back home.

James W. Johnstone

"Take me, take me to the church on time", so sang Jim Johnstone in the role of Doolittle in the play "My Fair Lady" presented at South Simcoe Theatre.

And all of the former members of South Simcoe Theatre, made it on time to Knox Presbyterian Church, Alliston to remember and celebrate his life at the Memorial Service held for him. Making it on time were his beloved family members, those associated with him in the many offices and functions he held during his life; member of the Ontario Egg Producing Board for 27 years, past president of Ontario Farm Animal Council, Poultry REP Canada Expert Committee on Farm Animal Welfare, Canada Rep. to the International Egg Commission for several years, Ontario Farm products Marketing Commission for 56 years and as a long time member of the Bear Creek Golf Club.

Rev. Robert Graham officiated at the service with Words of Comfort to the assembled congregation, scripture readings from Psalm 103, John 14 (selected verses).

The honour to reflect on Jim's life was bestowed on Nancy Horsburgh., who in her eulogy emphasized the courage, the optimism helping Jim all through his life.

It was a tough beginning, born on May 13, 1931, one boy among six sisters, in Alberta.

As a 4 year old, he moved with his family to Hogs Hollowin. Due to family circumstances the siblings were separated, but managed to find each other later in life and keeping in touch.

To get over his loneliness, Jim sang himself to sleep, already a sign of his musical talent.

To make a living, Jim started out at camps for Hydro workers. In 1951 at a dance, he met the love of his life Ethel, who over the many years became his steadying, supporting rock in all his business endeavors and as a his travel partner.

Representing the Egg Producers of Ontario as president of the Board, they went to Peru, Russia, New Zealand, and all over Canada. Wherever they went, Jim found time to enjoy himself and once, during a function in Vienna, he waltzed around the floor with Ethel.

Brian Ellesworth, president of the Ontario Egg Producing Board, recalled Jim's career in the egg business, from Egg Grading Station, to the post as president and representative.

Jim's passion was golfing to which he devoted as much energy as to his other pursuits.

But to theater lovers, his talent for dance, for song, for building sets, became the crowning glory of his life

Not golf, nor music, or travels, were so important as his family: son Robert James Johnstone of Bolton, Cheryl Jean Nuttal and her late husband Jon of Alliston, Pappa of Melanie, Jesse, Dustin, Travis, Rebecca and great Pappa of Jade and Lucas. He was the dear brother of Joyce Ballantyne, Isabel Lageer, Particia and Dick Kewell, Jessie and Ted Baker, Jean Barker, and the late Betty Ingham

He will always be remembered by the Horsburg family, his nieces and nephews.

Shortly before his death on Monday, July 16, in his 77th year, Jim said:"I've had a great life wouldn't change a thing".

Thank you Jim Johnstone for enriching our lives!