Unsung Heroes - Years 1990 - 1996
The Unsung Hero/Heroes Awards are presented to those individuals who always work behind the scenes in any successful organization. They are also dedicated to UOAC, but do not seek the limelight. In fact they prefer to do their work and give their support in an unobtrusive manner.
Lottie Calli, Vancouver Chapter - (April, 1995)
** Georgina Penny, Cape Breton Chapter - (May, 1995)
Dave Shea, Editor, North Bay & District Chapter Newsletter - (June, 1995)
Muffy Truscott - Editor, "Regina Ostomy News" - (September, 1995)
Blanche Alward, Oshawa Ontario Chapter - (October, 1995
Dolly Knobel, Ottawa Ontario Chapter - (November, 1995)
Emmy Merz, Brantford & District Ontario Chapter - (January, 1996)
Hazel Harris - Prince Edward Island Chapter - (February, 1996)
Jim Book - Editor, Ottawa Chapter - (March, 1996)
** Arnie Freistadt, Saskatoon Chapter - (April, 1996)
Lucide Rioux, Fredericton & District Chapter (May, 1996)
Jean-Pierre Lapointe, "Mister Ileo-Colostomy Assn. of Montreal" - (June, 1996)
Stan Sparkes, Past President, Winnipeg Chapter - (October, 1996)
Roger Ivol, Hamilton & District Chapter - (November, 1996)
** Deceased
Lottie Calli - Vancouver Chapter
Shortly after Lottie's ileostomy was performed in 1974, she joined the
Vancouver Chapter in January, 1975. Just seven years later, in 1982,
and as the usual case, nobody to do it, the newsletter was "trusted to
me". So Lottie took it on, even though she was "green: in editing, and
is still at it. With the help of many people, Val Pellatt her current
right hand, an Apple Macintosh computer, along with PageMaker and
Microsoft Word programs, "Highlife" evolved into one of our outstanding
chapter newsletters. Lottie is ten years into her senior years. After
being widowed in 1980 and losing her companion, Gordon, in 1992, lives
alone now with Sammy the cat. Among her many interests is her love of
gardening, the outdoors, fishing, swimming, and, Bridge, like many
seniors. She also loves crab fishing with her grandsons in Prince
Rupert. Lottie wanted to mention members Ivor and Joan Williams who are
always ready to help, along with `old standbys George and Vi Puhl who
give our Chapter some character.'
Georgina Penny - Cape Breton Chapter
'Georgie' has been involved with the Chapter (located in Sydney) since
1975 when her late husband Sam was the first president. At the same
time Sam took on the newsletter editor position with Georgie doing the
typing and setting up. When Sam passed away in 1985 she took over,
purchasing her own computer to make it easier. Though Georgie is not an
ostomate, she has kept close ties with the chapter, being involved in
almost every aspect of its work.
From 1988 to 1993, she was UOA Provincial
Representative for the four Atlantic Provinces, traveling and speaking
to most chapters in the Region. In 1989, Georgie was chosen the
twenty-second "Citizen of the Year" by her community, following Sam who
was the seventh person receiving the Award .
Among her many interests are her Garden Club for
which she has acted as a judge for several county shows and fairs,
community history research committee, member and officer of three
Senior's groups, Hospital Auxiliary, church and bridge. Georgie spends
a considerable amount of time traveling (not approved by Maggie, her
three year old Lab) to visit her two daughters and son and
grandchildren, scattered between Mississauga, London and Dartmouth. UOA
Annual Conferences are high on her list and already has her
reservations for Las Vegas.
(Georgina Penny passed away on 6 April, 2001)
Dave Shea - North Bay & District Chapter
When Dave has his colostomy surgery in January, 1970, at the age of 60,
he and his wife Ida had been operating a service station and lunch
counter in a tourist area at Tilden Lake, 20 miles north of North Bay.
Four years later they decided to retire after 27 years of serving the
public, to travel and enjoy life.
In 1978 the Cancer Society in North Bay invited
Allan Porter and Dianne Garde, ET to form an ostomy association. Eleven
people joined, with Dave accepting the position of Treasurer and
Membership Secretary. As he felt more people could be helped by a
newsletter, offered to take that on, also. He set it up himself, typing
some and attaching interesting articles from other newsletters with the
Cancer Society lending a helping hand with the photocopying. They
continue to offer this service, and the chapter gives them a sizeable
donation in appreciation each year. He takes the 75 copies home, folds
and mails them four times a year. Dave wrote that as he will be 86
years old this month (June), thinks it is time to turn the job over to
someone else. Chapter Secretary, George Trembley, has agreed to take it
on and give Dave a well-earned rest.
Dave has another side and that is his interest in
Economics. He gave me a copy of his book, "The A B C D of Economics"
published in October, 1980, which I value highly.
Dave and Ida's main interest is travel and people,
and hope they continue to have have many more years "on the road." (Bette Yetman)
Muffy Truscott - Regina Chapter
When Muffy had her ostomy surgery in 1986 for cancer, never dreamed she
would be Editor of the newsletter that she received as gift issues
following her surgery. Shortly after joining the chapter, she took on
the position in January of 1989. As she says, 'it is so important that
they (members) have access to information about new products, skin care
and the like and sometimes the knowledge that they're not alone in
their situation. So I feel very strongly that the newsletter must be
continued if the chapter is to survive.'
Muffy has been a librarian since 1971, now employed
as Head Librarian at Campion College, University of Regina for the past
15 years. Her two girls are 21 and 16 years of age, the eldest just
finished her final year at the University of Regina and the youngest
entering Grade 12 and a serious flute player. They were 8 and 12 when
her cancer was diagnosed and Muffy was in fear she wouldn't be alive to
see them grow, but is thankful that she has been able to do that. As
she says, her husband is very supportive of her work with the chapter
and has always been accepting of her ostomy. She credits him for
helping her to adjust so quickly to her altered body.
This librarian is no slouch when it comes to sports.
A serious jogger, she runs approximately 5 miles each day, rain or
shine (or wind or snow!). During the summer months, indulges in biking
along with the jogging.
Approximately 325 issues are printed, 5 times a year
of which 220 go to the members, and the rest distributed to health
professionals and other chapters across Canada. With her 486 computer,
Word for Windows and Christine Cluff, their faculty secretary who
willingly sets it up, is a far cry from 2 years ago, when Muffy typed
the whole newsletter, with cutting and pasting, etc.
She gives great credit to the Saskatchewan Division
of the Canadian Cancer Society, as they not only help with all the
printing and mailing costs and but also provide money for other chapter
activities.
Blanche Alward, Oshawa Ontario Chapter
When Blanche had her ostomy surgery for acute ulcerative colitis in
March, 1971, like so many, thought she was the only person in Oshawa
with an ostomy.
While recuperating, her surgeon suggested she join
the Toronto chapter and gave her one of their bulletins. Filling out
the membership (it was $5.00 then) she attended as many meetings as
possible.
The following year, with support of her surgeon and
a head nurse, she and 10 others were encouraged to form a support
group. With the hospital supplying a free room, which they still
occupy, began monthly meetings. It wasn't long before they decided on
launching their own newsletter, which Blanche edited, folded and mailed
for about 6 years.
In the fall of 1973, Allan Porter, who was Regional
Coordinator at that time, came from Hamilton to explain the advantages
of being affiliated with the UOA. Taking his advice, they joined UOA in
January, 1973.
Blanche became the third president and has since
served 2 year terms in that capacity twice more. Over the years she has
held every office except Treasurer and is still involved as Membership
Coordinator.
By this time, Blanche was becoming known to the UOA,
and invited to join the Regional Program as Provincial Representative
for Southeast Ontario. Blanche was widowed a couple of years earlier
and had to learn to drive a car. As soon as this was mastered, she
accepted, and was appointed in June, 1983.
Being a prolific letter writer, it wasn't long
before all the pharmacies, VON, and ETs knew Blanche. She made good use
of her driver's license, visiting her chapters, and staying on as Rep
for 11 years. Blanche has attended all the Regional Conferences since
her chapter affiliated and also 12 National Conferences over the years.
She has three sons, Ron, Reg and Ray, 7 grandchildren
from 16 to 25 years of age. Her hobbies are knitting for the ostomy
chapter and church bazaars, and loves making quilts. UOA has been the
recipient of a number of her fine quilts as she has donated them to be
auctioned at the annual conferences.
"I am so thankful for my ostomy surgery which saved
my life and for all the nice people whom I have met through ostomy
chapters and the United Ostomy Association.
Dolly Knobel - Ottawa Ontario Chapter"
Dolly had her ileostomy for ulcerative colitis in 1975 in Calgary. As
she said, it literally saved her life even though it was touch and go
for awhile even after surgery. Two people who helped her face the
surgery and recover were an ET and a visitor. She joined the Calgary
chapter and because her husband, Peter, was a military man, has since
been a member of one chapter or another all over the world.
The last was Ottawa and remained a member while
living in Europe and, as she says, receiving their wonderful
newsletter. Returning to Canada in 1984, Dolly became an active member
as a visitor, while Peter became a Director and accepted the
Treasurer's position. Since then, Dolly has sat in all the chairs but
her longest stint has been the last eight years as President.
Since 1984, the Ottawa Chapter has grown with the
help of substantial grants from New Horizons and the Trillium
Foundation. The former enabled them to set up an office in central
Ottawa, establish a library, their visiting program and a 24 hour
help-line supervised by the Visiting Coordinator. Through the Trillium
Foundation, they were able to start an arts and craft center. The
chapter has become incorporated, established a wonderful rapport with
their area ETs, the hospitals and VON, and yearly send children to the
youth camp.
For those who keep their Ostomy Quarterly magazines,
check the Winter 1988 issue. Not only is Dolly on the cover, but is the
author of a very humorous article, "Life & Laughter With An Ostomy"
Now, a widow, she and Peter had three children.
Besides her chapter work, this talented lady is a novelist, painter,
inveterate traveller and loves swimming, walking and gardening.
Sheila Duckett - Windsor Ontario Chapter
President Lorna Gardner nominated Sheila as their "Unsung Hero." Sheila
has been a valued and long time member of the Windsor Chapter who took
over the task of editing the newsletter in September of 1987. Not only
does she compose the newsletter, but after printing, stuffs the
envelopes, finishing with stamps and mailing. As well, Sheila served a
3-year term as president. Every meeting has at least one member
thanking Sheila for another great issue of Lifeline.
As Lorna says, "our newsletter is certainly the glue
that helps hold our chapter together. She is a kind, caring and
considerate person who is always giving. Without Sheila and her word
processor, our chapter would not be where we are today.
For all her hard work and support, we say, "Thank You". You are appreciated far more than you'll every know." Lorna had a urostomy early in life but has never that deter her from any activity. Her hobby includes a variety of crafts and her expertise makes them greatly admired. Active in her church, she helps prepare a 10-15 page quarterly newsletter for the congregation.
Back to the topEmmy Merz, Brantford & District Ontario Chapter
Emmy joined the Brantford Chapter after learning of the association
through the local VON shortly after her ileostomy surgery for
pseudo-membran-ous colitis in January, 1979. Born in Karlsruhe,
Germany, she and her husband Otto and two daughters, Monica and Evelyn
arrived in Halifax on Christmas Eve in 1951. Peter was born in Canada.
In her native Germany, she took a 5 year home
economics course, obtained her chef's papers and worked for 25 years as
a chef in Canada before her surgery. After surgery, Emmy enrolled in
Mohawk College, where she took a full time course in Dressmaking and
Design, graduating with honors and received a gold pin.
When Emmy took over as President of the chapter in
fall of 1988, finances were very low. She proposed the making and sale
of gingerbread houses. Although members were sceptical, she and Otto
baked 32 large and small gingerbread houses and made close to $450 that
year. Word spread and as Emmy said, they became too successful. Each
house took 2 people working 3-1/2 hours and just too time consuming.
With her chef training, she decided on small chicken and fruit pies.
For the past 4 years, with Otto's help, their pies have provided their
chapter with about $900 per season and range in the thousands. In
October, 1994, Emmy stepped down as President.
"Life has given me a second chance.
I promised that all the money that I would ever make from my talent and
expertise in cooking and baking I would give away. I have kept that
promise since then and have never regretted it. These have been the
happiest years of my life. I am grateful to be useful again. I was paid
back in full."
Hazel Harris - Prince Edward Island Chapter
A transplanted New Brunswicker, Hazel was born in Gondola Point, just
out of Saint John but spent her growing up years in Hampton. Before her
marriage to Lorimer Harris in 1962, she worked as a stenographer for a
Fire Insurance Agency in Saint John. They moved to Charlottetown later
that year.
Hazel's ileostomy for ulcerative colitis was
performed in Halifax in 1973 after a number of years of misery. "Hazel
was visited in hospital at the Halifax Infirmary by Bette Yetman who
inspired her and was through Bette's visit that Hazel decided that life
was ahead."
Through Hazel's initiative, an organizational
meeting was held December, 1978 in Charlottetown which saw her voted in
as founding president of the Prince Edward Island Chapter. The members
wasted no time and affiliated within a month to UOA Inc. Hazel has
since served as Secretary, Membership Chairman, is presently Treasurer
as well as Acting Secretary, and also part of the Visiting team.
Since affiliation, every January meeting is a big
"Anniversary" celebration, complete with beautiful cake, newspaper
photographer, and a write-up in the local paper.
Lorimer has taken an interest in the chapter since
its beginning, working alongside Hazel, and for the past two years has
been chapter president. Their teamwork makes a noteworthy contribution
to the Island ostomy scene.
Hazel is an avid baseball fan and one who has
enjoyed ice skating for many years. She considers looking after the
home a full time job and during the summer months enjoys working in her
garden.
Jim Book - Editor, Ottawa Chapter
Whenever a problem arises at United Ostomy Support Group, Ottawa, the
call goes out - "Where's Jim? Ask Jim. Jim will fix it. Jim will help?
" And Jim Book never fails. Jim may be seventy-nine but his motto is,
"Do what needs to be done if no one else wants to do it." And he has
boundless energy.
Jim, of Empire Loyalist stock, hates the limelight.
As a young champion cyclist who rode seventy miles a day on his bike,
Jim was attracted to Theda and the broadcasting world. Sweet Theda gave
him two sons, and the broadcasting world took him through Sudbury,
Kirkland Lake and Timmins. He tried to get into the airforce as a
volunteer in 1941 but flat feet and a call to Ottawa by a CBC who
needed Jim as Studio engineer to help keep the People informed but the
War prevented him. The CBC was to claim him as Technical Director and
ask him to cope with the coming of television etc. for the rest of his
career. But generous Jim found time for volunteer work with Boy Scouts,
Orange Lodge; church, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson Association,
President of National Association of Broadcasters and Technicians for
Canada, Cancer Society and UOA.
Jim's colostomy for cancer was done in 1981. He
immediately joined UOA and has been an invaluable member since. Some of
the highlights are his involvement with the planning of Regional
Bilingual Conference in 1983, supplying of all technical backup for
meetings, guest speakers, directorship in UOSG. Perhaps his most
important contribution has been as lifetime Editor of Ottawa Ostomy
News, a fine publication read by the medical profession as well as
ostomates. Not being of the computer generation Jim spends many hours
each week cutting , pasting and working on his typewriter to produce a
newsletter to be proud of.
This is a true unsung, modest and caring hero. (Dolly Knobel, President, UOSG)
Arnie Freistadt, Saskatoon Chapter
Arnie became a member of Saskatoon chapter in February of 1981
following colostomy surgery in September of 1980 as a result of cancer.
He quickly volunteered to serve as chapter
vice-president, serving in this capacity for two years then took over
the role of president. Arnie is currently back in the vice-president
position.
Besides volunteering for officer positions, Arnie
has served on many chapter committees over the years and especially
loves the chapter visitor program, visiting ostomy patients whenever
called upon. He also spends much time with the ETs speaking to their
student nurses, x-ray technicians and special care nurses.
Arnie was born and grew up in Humboldt, due east of
Saskatoon. He and his wife Bernie raised a fine family of three
children, two sons and a daughter. Now retired from his meat cutter
profession, when Arnie is not working for his chapter, he coaches minor
ball and his favorite summer pastime is camping and fishing.
Arnie is a truly dedicated, unsung hero. (Bev Fry, President, Saskatoon Chapter)
Lucide Rioux - Fredericton & District Chapter
For the chapter's 20th Anniversary being celebrated this month, Lucide
Rioux was nominated as this month's 'Unsung Hero'. Best known to
everyone as Cid, he is a modest man with great dedication to the UOA.
Born in Grand Falls, New Brunswick on January 29,
1922, Cid served in the war with the Royal Canadian Air Force from 1941
to 1945. Returning to Grand Falls, he completed his auto repair
training from 1945 to 1952. During that time, he served on the Grand
Falls Volunteer Fire Department and as Fire Chief from 1950 to 1952. He
then moved to Moncton to complete this teacher training (shop),
becoming shop teacher at Grand Falls Composite High School from 1953 to
1957.
It was at that time that Cid went to NB Department
of Labor and stayed until taking early retirement in 1983. His
ileostomy surgery was performed on September 23, 1977 and became a
chapter member two months later. He has served as Vice President,
President (4 years) and Treasurer. .Becoming an ostomy visitor in
January, 1979, Cid has made 303 visits to date.
Cid and Lorraine have been married for 51 years, and have two sons, one daughter and five grandchildren.
Cid, you are indeed an Unsung Hero. (Respectfully submitted by Judy Steeves, Atlantic Provinces Field Services Representative)
Jean-Pierre Lapointe - Ileostomy-Colostomy Association of Montreal
If ever someone could be classified as a "professional volunteer", it
would have to be Jean-Pierre Lapointe of the Ileostomy-Colostomy
Association of Montreal.
After a long bout with ulcerative colitis, he
underwent surgery in August, 1980. To learn how to deal with his
ileostomy, he soon made contact with the Association in Montreal, and
quickly became involved in its administration.
He served a four-year term as Vice President, then
to President where he remained for eight years before taking on the
position of Treasurer in May 1994. As Past-President, he is a wealth of
information as well as a valued counsellor to his successor. Not
satisfied with these tasks, since 1985, he has been Editor of the
Chapter bulletin, "Ileo Info".
He also runs a collection point for the SHARE
program of FOW Canada for Quebec and Eastern Ontario Region, graciously
providing space in his own home, and has been directly responsible for
two major shipments to the third world in the last few years, with a
third currently being prepared. Through his vigorous efforts, a "first
ever" was accomplished for the second SHARE shipment to Beloruse,
Russia with a sponsor to completely assume the shipping costs.
Moreover, not satisfied with home town involvement,
Jean-Pierre has managed to be UOA Inc. Field Service Representative for
Quebec and Eastern Ontario, and was elected Treasurer of UOA of Canada
Inc. in August, 1994.
In 1988, he initiated discussions with members of
ostomy groups throughout Quebec and then worked with ConvaTec to
develop the "Renaissance" (Great Comeback) Award Program, an
undertaking especially devoted to people with ostomies. He chairs the
yearly award event.
Considering the fact that Jean-Pierre is a very
active member of the Quebec Provincial Police Force for more than 27
years, married to Nicole and dedicated father of two, Patrick and
Isabelle, one can only wonder how a person can find the time and energy
to accomplish so much, so well.
Personally, I tip my hat to this man, my valued
mentor, and repeat, thank you, Jean-Pierre, for all you have done, and
are still doing, for everyone. (Fernand Corbeil, President, I-C.A.M.)
Stan Sparkes - Winnipeg Chapter
Born in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Stan grew up in a close family with
eleven sisters and three brothers. At age18 he decided to see the world
and joined the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. Serving for 3 years, was
released in Toronto and after moving around the country, decided in
1974 to settle in Winnipeg. Since that time he's been working at the
University of Manitoba installing and maintaining traffic signs and
fire equipment. Happily married to Mary Beth, they have one 16 year old
daughter, Kalinda.
After being ill for 16 years with ulcerative
colitis, Stan had ileostomy surgery performed in March, 1991. The
following month he not only joined the Winnipeg Chapter but was also
elected Secretary. He has been President for the past three years and
as his term has just ended, looks forward to serving the chapter and
members in other roles.
Stan is very pleased to have seen the chapter lobby
the government on two different occasions. One was on implementing a
fee on ostomy supplies and the other saving the present distribution
system of ostomy supplies being changed from government to private
hands. They lost the first challenge but won the second.
He was diagnosed 2 years ago with multiple sclerosis
and although it has slowed Stan a little and now uses a cane, has not
slowed him down at work or with the organization.
In Stan's words, the chapter and the
concept of the United Ostomy Association is one of the finest that I
have ever had the privilege of working with or of being involved.
Roger Ivol - Hamilton & District Chapter
We have in the Hamilton & District Ostomy Association a person who
is most worth of the title, "Unsung Hero". I would like to introduce
you to Roger Ivol. Roger is a very busy school teacher who still finds
the time to be active in, and most supportive of, our organization. He
is currently the Vice President.
Roger excels in the written word and has volunteered
his expertise and time to our association in this area. For
approximately five years he was the editor of our well known
newsletter, "Osto Info", and when he had to step down because of other
commitments, he agreed to continue as assistant editor. This he still
does.
Roger went on to accept the challenge of editing
"UOA Canada Talks", the newsletter of the UOA of Canada Inc. which is
sent to all Canadian members of UOA Inc. When we were putting together
our Cook Book, Roger was invaluable with his ideas and help. A very
willing worker for our chapter, Roger is also on the Board of Directors
of UOA of Canada Inc. He does not only confine his activities to UOA
related work, but he is also involved with the Big Brother's
Association.
Roger has represented our chapter at Annual UOA
Conferences over the past years together with his wife Anne. In fact,
Anne has become involved with the Association working with the Spouses
section and representing Spouses on panel discussions at the UOA
Conferences.
If you telephone Roger on weekends, especially
through the spring, summer and fall, you will probably not find him at
home. He's GONE FISHING - his favorite pastime.
The phrase, "I'm too busy", is not in Roger's vocabulary. We in Hamilton, would like to salute, Roger Ivol. (Peggy Owen Past-President)