At the conclusion of the presentations, the Hall of Fame inductees gathered for a photo with their Provincial and Federal government representatives. From left: MPP Eric Duncan, Doug Blaine, accepting Hugh Blaine’s posthumous honour, Gilles Quesnel, Jackie Kelly-Pemberton, Dr. Brian Kelly, and MPP Nolan Quinn. Tinkess Photo
CHESTERVILLE – On Sat., April 12, members of the Dundas County Agricultural community celebrated four of their own, as four new members were inducted into the Dundas Agricultural Hall of Fame.
The four, Hugh Blaine, Jackie Kelly-Pemberton, Dr. Brian Kennedy, and Gilles Quesnel were chosen by the selection committee as worthy candidates based on their life-long commitment to Ontario’s agriculture.
To say that the expertise and experience covered a broad spectrum was an understatement as the range of their pursuits included livestock genetics, soil health, crop diagnostics, environmental sustainability, bovine veterinary medicine, animal welfare, agricultural policy and agricultural leadership. In everything they became involved in, they made an impact.
Following a buffet style dinner, zone 11 director Clint Cameron acted as emcee, thanking everyone for attending and then highlighting the importance of agriculture, noting that it employs 871,000 people and contributes $51 billion to the GDP, with $26 billion in exports.
Cameron then introduced Stormont-Dundas-Glengarry MP Eric Duncan, who emphasizes the importance of agriculture to the province and specifically to Dundas County and congratulated the inductees on their accomplishments.
“This is a culmination of many decades for each of you, and the leadership of the work that you’ve done is well deserved honors,” said MP Duncan
“…On behalf of our community, thank you for the exceptional leadership and hard work and dedication you provided our community. You have provided yourselves a good quality of life and are great at what you’ve done and deserve to be celebrated, but the work that you’ve done is also replicated and helped made successful many other family farms, family operations and family businesses here in Dundas County. Congratulations.”
Next to speak was Stormont, Dundas and South Glengarry MPP Nolan Quinn.
“Tonight is more than a celebration. It’s a tribute to the men and women who have dedicated their lives to Ontario’s agriculture,” said MPP Quinn. “This right here is proof our community gives back, not just to each other, but also how DFA (Dundas Federation of Agriculture) serves as the united, very unified voice for the farmers in Dundas County.
“In short, these are the people, all of you, that rise early, work hard and provide a framework to the members and volunteers of the Dundas Federation of Agriculture. Thank you for everything you do behind the scenes, and I want you to know that our government sees you at the heart of this community.”
The next order of business was the introduction of the four inductees, the first of which was Hugh Blaine, who was recognized posthumously by Ron Peters, who spoke of Blaine’s dedication to his community, not just through agriculture, but also as a school board member, the Lion’s Club, and Mountain Township Council. The award was accepted by Doug Blaine on behalf of Hugh Blaine’s family.
Next to be recognized was Jackie Kelly-Pemberton, who was introduced by Arden Schneckenburger who listed a very long list of accomplishments.
“Jackie is well respected agriculture leader. She’s a great communicator and bring farmers together to discuss issues and has an amazing network of farm and non-farm people to pull from,” said Schneckenburger. “Her knowledge, confidence and support for farming and rural communities make her a wonderful addition to the Dundas Agriculture Hall of Fame. Congratulations, Jackie, on your induction into The Dundas Agriculture Hall of Fame.”
In accepting the honour, Kelly-Pemberton first recognized the support she had received from her husband and two daughters, and her extended family.
“This honour is but a shared triumph in our community’s dedication to agriculture and its future to grow, innovate and inspire future generations,” said Kelly-Pemberton.
“In closing, I wish to extend my heartfelt appreciation to my nominators, Ron Rosen and past inductee, Gordon Smith.
I am profoundly grateful for your contributions to my journey. Thank you to the Dundas Agricultural Hall of Fame selection committee for this incredible honour. And heartfelt congratulations to my fellow inductors tonight. Thank you very much.”
After a short break, during which desert was served and final bids could be placed on the silent auction items, the introduction and recognition of the final two inductees proceeded.
The next inductee to be recognized was Dr. Brian Kennedy, a distinguished veterinarian who has served the Dundas County community for 45 years. He was introduced by Jackie Anthony
After graduating from the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph in 1969, Dr. Kennedy moved to Chesterville with his wife Kelly, who served as his office manager and assistant for 20 years. He established a typical rural small-town clinic, providing large and small animal care, and offered 24-hour on-call service seven days a week.
In addition to his Veterinary responsibilities, Dr. Kennedy was heavily involved with 4H and community service. Conversations with 4-H members indicate they learned a lot from the veterinary club and appreciated Dr. Kennedy’s practical advice.
“I found an article that said that Dr Kennedy was presented with a 10-year volunteer certificate in 1983 and when I was looking up this information, there were lots of pictures of Dundas County 4H members who had achieved a lot of things in the 70s and 80s,” said Anthony. “And I saw a few of them, and I was telling them about what I saw. And many of them told me that the veterinary Club was one of the best clubs that they were involved with, and they learned so much so thank you, Dr Kennedy, for inspiring young people.”
In accepting the Hall of Fame honour, Dr. Kennedy kept his comments relatively short.
“We arrived in Chesterville in May 1969 in an Envoy Epic car,” said Dr. Kennedy. “I had my wife, Ellen, who was my bookkeeper, assistant surgeon, receptionist and my future first daughter and Ted in the car as well. You know, the size of an Envoy Epic, it was well handled. Ellen was my right-hand assistant, and my support through the years of practice, right has been eventful and fulfilling for 48 years.
“I’m going to close with the fact the best reward is the friendships that have developed and remained with our clients over the 56 years in Dundas County, I’m truly fortunate to have looked at that bulletin board back in 1968 and to follow the trail that brings me here tonight. Thank you all.”
The final inductee was Gilles Quesnel, who was introduced by Tim Horn, who told the audience how, even though retired since 2015, Quesnel is still very much a part of the ag community.
“On summer evenings, you may still find Gilles walking Winchester Research Station plots with his wife, daughter and their grandkids, continuing his lifelong passion for agriculture and research,” said Horn. “Today, we celebrate not only Gilles outstanding contributions to agriculture, but also unwavering commitment to the community. His legacy is one of innovation, collaboration and education, and it is fitting that we honour him with this induction. So please join me. Congratulations on his well-deserved induction.”
In accepting the honour, Quesnel spoke of the added value of friendship. “When I first came to Dundas County, some 40 years ago, I was pretty green, but you welcomed me in your community,” said Quesnel. “I Went to your farms, your farm organizations, and over the years, were always very open to trying out some new crop and ideas to improve the agriculture.
“Collaboration over the years, your trust, certainly your friendship, has made all the difference. You made the work very meaningful for me, and I hope helpful for you again. Thanks again for this honour.”
The evening wrapped up with a silent auction as well as a live auction, but you could tell that most people in attendance knew how early morning would come and that there would be work to be done. On nights like this, however, it is easier to recognize that it does make a difference.
