Caledon Seniors’ Centre remembers Bob Smith

November 26, 2015 · 0 Comments

By Bill Rea
Caledon Seniors’ Centre turned 20 last week, and the membership marked the occasion by renaming one of the rooms at the facility after one of its long-time volunteers, Bob Smith.
“It’s a special day, and we’re proud and honoured to be here,” remarked facility manager Beverley Nurden.
“The 20 years, by gosh, have gone by so fast,” she added. “It all started with a dream.”
The idea of the Seniors’ Centre started with the Rotary Club of Bolton, of which Mr. Smith was a long-time member. She added the many volunteers contributed a lot over the years as well. “It’s the fuel that keeps the engine running,” she commented.
The Centre has proven to be a great meeting place, as well as a place for fellowship, and that’s because of the volunteers.
“If we didn’t have volunteers, we wouldn’t be here,” she observed.
Centre President Nora Martin said the Town took over the facility, and they have been working together, with lots of programs on the go. There are also renovations in the works.
“The parking lot will be done next year,” she said, adding they are working on an agreement with Town so they will be able to use the building for the next 20 years.
Mayor Allan Thompson assured her there should be no problem with that.
Dufferin-Caledon MP David Tilson reflected that he had been a Provincial member when the Centre opened.
He also commented on how fitting it was to honour Mr. Smith’s memory for all the contributions he made.
As well, Tilson praise the work of Nurden. “The place couldn’t survive without Bev,” he said.
Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones was on hand to recognize the contribution the Centre makes to the community, calling it a “very valuable resource in Caledon and Bolton.”
Thompson agreed it’s very fitting to name the room in honour of Mr. Smith.
“I think it’s perfect for the 20th anniversary,” he said, calling Mr. Smith a “great mentor” and an example of what the community has done.
Bolton Rotary President Karen Fast called the dedication “a wonderful, wonderful tribute.”
Mr. Smith died in June 2013 at 89.
Nurden recalled working with him for 19 years.
“He was such a mentor to me,” she said. “If you looked up Christian in the dictionary, you would see Bob Smith’s picture.”
“What an honour,” commented Mr. Smith’s widow Becky. “Bob would be so proud.”

Becky Smith was accompanied by Caledon Councillor Nick deBoer, Dufferin-Caledon MP David Tilson, Mayor Allan Thompson, MPP Sylvia Jones and Councillor Annette Groves at Friday’s dedication of a room at Caledon Seniors’ Centre in memory of her late husband Bob.
Photo by Bill Rea