In Memoriam

Terry Lye

Terry Lye served as a Coldwater Fall Fair Director for several years, assuming oversight of the Antique Machinery display.  He loved “tinkering” with various machines, but his primary passion was John Deere tractors and stationary engines.  Throughout the years, Terry became well known as someone who could take a seized engine and get it running, where others had failed.  Over the course of his life, Terry acquired more than 30 antique tractors, 25 stationary engines and an endless amount of historical memorabilia pertaining to antique machinery. He also loved collecting Coldwater artifacts and regularly volunteered at the Coldwater Canadiana Heritage Museum and the Mill Foundation.  Terry passed away at his home on July 7, 2020 at the age of 68.  The Lye Family Foundation honours his memory through its creation of the Terry Lye Memorial Award for the “Best in Show” in the Antique Machinery display each year.  Terry thought that agriculture and history should always be part of the Fair, and through creation of this coveted prize, his family is helping to make his dream a reality.

Harold & Lillian Gill

Born and raised in the area, the Coldwater Fair had always been an important yearly event in the lives of Harold and Lillian Gill. Lil passed away Nov 16, 2008 at the age of 77. For many years she has assisted Mildred Walker, then Director of Homecrafts with the quilting section. Harold passed Jan 24, 2024 at the age of 93. Although infirmed, he enjoyed his last Fair 2023 watching the draft horses at the track. For many years Harold was involved in fairground development, helping Don Walker, Don Woodrow, Everett Johnstone and Frank Gill prepare the grounds for each year’s big event. These men worked tirelessly sharing stories and laughs all the while pouring their hearts into their beloved fair!

Bernice Gill

Bernice passed peacefully in her sleep at The Villa Care Centre, Midland on March 13, 2024 at the age of 84 years. Bernice volunteered with Coldwater Fair in many capacities for forty years, and most recently she coordinated the Sewing and Crafts Classes. She was always very helpful and willing to step up to do whatever needed to be done. She was awarded a Service Award from the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies in 2018 for all her years of service to our Fair. Bernice will be missed by all her fellow Fair coordinators.

John Orr

John passed away on November 5, 2012.  He was Past President between 1980 and 1983 inclusive as well as 1986.

Helen Walker

Helen was born 1915, on Gray St., Coldwater. Her mother died when Helen was less than 10 weeks old, and Helen was raised by her maternal grandparents. Her father, Jack Walker, remarried and Helen went to live with them and her 2 step-sisters. Helen received all her education at the old 2-storey Coldwater Public School and the Coldwater Continuation School, then worked at the Coldwater Library. She married Bev Walker in 1939 where they raised 3 sons in Coldwater. She used to complain about the displays of the Homecrafts at the Fair. Her cousin, Mel Wyley, Director of the Fair, and said “OK, next year you be the Director of the Homecrafts, Quilts and Women’s Institute”. Before the next Fair in 1970, Mel had died. Helen continued as a Director for several years. Some of the committee members were her step-sister, Catherine Hill, Helen’s two daughters-in-law and a son. Her nephew became President of the Fair and a son became a President of the Fair. Helen retired from the Fair about 1993 and passed away in January 2012.

Marion Barr

Marion was asked if she would enter some of her baking in the Fair. So she got a prize book from Lorraine Orr and she, with her youngest son, Lyle would pick what they were going to make to show in the Fair. They were the same recipes but different cooks. Lyle won 1st prize and Marion took 2nd prize. In 1979, Marion was asked by Rachel Devine, Director Domestic Science & Youth Domestic Science, if she would like to take the job on as Director of the Class. With the help of Co-Director, Jean Beaton, they added, changed the prize list many times over the years. The last Fair Marion did was in 1991 at the annual dinner/dance where she was presented with a decorated rolling pin that was inscribed “Coldwater Fall Fair – thanks Marion Barr from 1979 to 1991”. Marion passed away in February 2012.

Everett Johnstone

Everett passed away on July 22, 2021 at the age of 91 years. Everett was a long-serving member of Coldwater and District Agricultural Society and prior to his death, he was awarded a 60 year pin and a Service Diploma and Agricultural Accomplishment Award from the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies in 2013. Everett served on the Fair Board as President and Vice-President several terms, and was very involved in fairgrounds development and director of Light Horses for many years. Everett always had a cute little joke to tell at the end of our meetings and in the office during the Fair weekend! Just a great man who will be missed by everyone!