Merritton Matters Summer 2009 - Merritton Community Group

MERRITTONIANS WE’vE LOST
Remembering Mike collins
Joyce piech
Mike Collins grew up in Merritton and it was the amalgamation
of Merritton with St. Catharines that was the catalyst for him to
enter the world of politics. From 1974 - 1979 he served as a city
councillor, then in 1985 he became a regional councillor and
served in this capacity until 1994. He served on city council from
1995 to 1997 and then returned to regional council from 1997
until his death on July 24th at the age of 65.
Mike worked diligently for his community as well as
distinguishing himself as a Regional Councillor. But, he was also
remembered by those who knew him for the little things he did. Many remember that
he created an open air skating rink in the side yard by Maplecrest school for years. Mike
could be found each year on the Tuesday after Labour Day spending hours sweeping
up the tennis court area where all the booths had been set up for the Lion fundraising
weekend. Mike was a true supporter, both financially and physically, of the Lions’ work.
Mike was asked, as part of his official role as Regional Councillor, to ride in a
convertible during the Lions Labour Day Parade. Bill Wiley, former city councillor, was
in charge of setting up the order for the cars in our parade and set the order to be the
Mayor, the MP, the MPP, City Councillors (with the senior one first), and then Regional
Councillors. Bill as the senior councillor should have been riding in front of Mike but
somehow Mike always ended up in front of him. Turns out Mike would ‘invite’ Jim
Bradley, MPP, to ride with him which thrust his car in front of Bill’s. Bill was aggravated
but Mike would feign oblivousness – each year that he snuck in front! How fitting that
Parade Chair George Hostick and his hard-working committee have seen fit to dedicate
this year’s parade and fireworks to the memory of Mike!
1 I MERRITTON MATTERS
People often pick up colourful rocks and wonder about its
origins but Merrittonian Joyce Piech was much more than
someone who ‘wondered’. She was an avid rock and mineral
collector, and as a member of the Niagara Geological Society,
travelled all over North America collecting samples from
various sites. Whenever anyone asked Joyce where she was
from, she always replied, “Merritton”. She was recognized as
being a rockhound ‘extraodinaire’ when she was awarded the
Rockhound of the Year Award in 1986, an award given to
someone who is both an active and enthusiastic field collector.
Joyce was a Central Canadian Federation of Mineralogical
Societies Field Trip Leader who, along with her husband Bob,
organizing many exciting trips to sites.
Joyce was remarkable in many ways beyond her
colourful rock background. Most people remember that she
had once kept our children safe at the Dunc Schooley Lions
Pool. Joyce had worked at the Merritton Lions Pool for many
years as a lifeguard/instructor, moved up to Asst. Manager and
ultimately Manager. Joyce had moved to Merritton in 1949,
and, with the exception of a 1 1/2 year stay in Thorold, she
spent the rest of her life in Merritton. Joyce attended Merritton
High with her sister. She was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas
Catholic Women’s League and was a keen supporter of local
businesses. Joyce (Srigley) Piech passed away on August 9th.