Category: H

Hirsh, Allan #134 *

Honoured by Joan Ferneyhough.

In 1976, Allan Hirsh moved from downtown Montreal into a log cabin South East of Powassan.

He had a Master’s Degree in Psychology, but that did not help him avoid ditching his Ford Econoline Van along the soft shoulders of the back country roads. He learned to carry a shovel and a small winch wherever he went. In the fall of 1977, Allan had completed building a two-story, square Ontario farm house. He did most of the work himself, but did have friends help him at various stages in the construction.

Allan Hirsh, M.A. Counselling Services came into existence in the spring of 1978. Allan was the first M.A. level practitioner to set up a full time private practice in North Bay and area. At the time, he was also one of a few to do so in all of Ontario. At first, he made house calls. One day in January, he walked a mile off the road in the bush to see a couple in need of marriage counselling. Upon arrival he knocked on the door and said “Allan Hirsh, Bush Psychotherapist.” Around the same time, Allan worked part time for Canadore College teaching both credit and non-credit courses. Eventually, he set up a professional office downtown where he saw clients for over 3 decades.

Allan helped raise three sons. Jesse is a free-lance technology commentator and president of Metaviews Media Management LTD. Joshua is a senior network infrastructure technical specialist. Jacob has a PhD in research psychology and has multiple publications. Allan’s parents have always been proud of their grandchildren despite having difficulty understanding what it was they did at work.

Allan’s father was a successful business man in Montreal and his mother was an artist. Allan did well in his business and also pursued his artistic side. Allan has been an avid cartoonist. His work has been published in several books, magazines and professional newsletters. During the warmer months, Allan could be seen on his bike going to yard sales. He sought out interesting antique artifacts that could be incorporated into his assembled found art sculptures. There have been several exhibitions over the years.

Allan has been a long term supporter of the YMCA. He has also supported the arts community in North Bay with enthusiasm and encouragement.

Hughes, Connie #830

Honoured by Patrick and Andrew Hughes.

Thank you for honouring your mother with a Leaf of Inspiration and for supporting your Waterfront Park project. Story to follow.

Holding, Paul & Ann #411

Honoured by Jo-Ann Ferris.

Thank you for purchasing a Leaf of Inspiration in honour of Paul and Ann and for supporting your Waterfront Park. Story to follow.

Harvey, Robert & Lorraine #1111 *

Honoured by Kim Quirt, Susan Harvey, and Rhonda Tiller

In recognition of 57 years of marriage (and still going strong!) we wish to dedicate this leaf to our parents, Bob and Lorraine Harvey, parents of Kim (Glen), Susan (Chris) and Rhonda (Jeff) and amazing grandparents to Robert and Troy.

Bob and Lorraine were high school sweethearts and have been such an inspiration to all of us. In the early years, Dad was a railroader and then worked many years as a police officer starting at the West Ferris Police Dept. until amalgamating with North Bay in 1968. Mom worked at home using her wonderful talent sewing and quilting skills. We are all so fortunate to have hand sewed quilts from many hours of stitching.

Dad worked until the symptoms of MS forced him to retire at 40. They have since spent winters in Florida and summers in North Bay. Our parents have had many hobbies and passions that continue to this day from sledding, sailing, camping to building and flying model airplanes, to picture and video productions. The glass is always half full!

Mom and Dad have been wonderful models to their grandchildren. They always have time to listen, help and support their hobbies and sports.

It is fitting that this Pergola is on the Waterfront because Mom and Dad grew up in North Bay and spent summers on Lake Nipissing at family cottages. Until recently, they had a family boat that spent many hours in Callander Bay. We spent hours at Animal Island and touring the lake.

Mom and Dad continue to be incredibly positive and fun!

Holmes, Mike #77 *

Honored by his sister, Karen Holmes

I have literally “grown” up with Mike, but we have also been friends and colleagues. A rich way to go through life, with your brother.
William Michael Holmes, (Mike) was born on December 21, 1953 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in North Bay, Ontario, to parents, Vic and Agnes Holmes. Mike is the third of five children and his other siblings are David, Lisa, and Gerard, who reside in Southern Ontario.

Mike attended St. Alexander’s Primary and Mother Saint Bride’s Elementary (where he was president of Student Council) schools in North Bay, before heading to Scollard Hall Secondary, for three years of academics and basketball. Mike’s parents offered him the opportunity to study grade 12 and 13 at Regina Mundi College in London, Ontario, and he took it. While away, he passed the Real Estate Licensing exams and worked for his father at Vic Holmes Real Estate Ltd. during summers. In 1976, in his final year of university, he married his high school sweetheart, Michelle Currie of London. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Western Ontario. They then headed back to North Bay, where Mike went to work with his Dad, this time, on a full time basis. This was always his plan.

Like his parents before him, Mike and Michelle felt that North Bay was the best place to raise a family. They have two children, Kelly and Bill, who now reside in Toronto and B.C. respectively, but make frequent visits home to get their dose of northern air and to re-visit their roots.

Mike took well to real estate early on and became a Broker in 1979 and eventually a top producer. He served on copious industry committees as well as becoming the President of the North Bay Real Estate Board in 1983. In 1986, he took over his Dad’s company with his business partner, Norm Pellerin, to form Holmes and Pellerin Real Estate Ltd. Holmes and Pellerin soon became synonymous with the ‘go- to’ name in real estate and they enjoyed much success. Mike was named number 1 sales representative for 11 consecutive years, 2000-2011. After earning an enviable reputation and being proudly known as one of the last independent brokerages in the city, Mike and Norm decided to move in a new direction and work as independent sales brokers for Royal LePage North Bay Services, Brokerage in January of 2012. This would enable them to spend more time concentrating only on servicing their clients. Mike also continues to contribute to the Ontario Real Estate Association by sitting on committees and working to implement changes within the industry.

Over the years, Mike has tirelessly been an integral part of North Bay’s fundraising fabric and sponsor to many local initiatives. Also, he was instrumental, on a local level, in Mike Harris’ election campaign which eventually led Harris to his position as Premier of Ontario. Mike has personally worked on behalf of many charitable organizations, but particularly, Rotary, The Ontario Wellness/Pain Control Organization, and Nipissing Association for Disabled Youth.- NADY. He is also a Director of the Performance Boat Club of Canada which holds an annual Poker Run in North Bay on Lake Nipissing, in support of NADY and has raised over $40,000 to date. Mike’s own catamaran is well known as, “Keep N Busy “. An apt description of both the boat and the man.

Mike’s strong work ethic, integrity, sense of humour, kindness and compassion towards others has consistently shone through the stream of his life, both personally and professionally. Those who know him well can attest to this. He has contributed to North Bay in a tangible way, giving back to the city that has given him and his family so much.

As usual, in all facets of his life, Mike continues to be a man who’s “Keep N Busy”.