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Coe Hill Legion honours Harold and Joan Nash




By Jim Eadie

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 581 Coe Hill held a special volunteer appreciation dinner on the evening of May 3 which saw more than 140 residents honoured for their volunteer work raising money and delivering services in the community. A special honour was reserved for Harold and Joan Nash long time local residents and community volunteers, who have decided they must leave the community now to live closer to family. Harold Nash is the only living veteran of the Second World War currently a member of Coe Hill Legion Branch, and other members spoke of how much his unwavering support and quiet dedication will be terribly missed.

Nash joined the Canadian Army in 1944, and served as an engineer overseas towards the end of the war.

In 1945, Nash served in Germany with a team liberating the notorious Bergen Belsen concentration camp, where on his arrival saw the thousands of sick and dying people still interred there.

Later he served in the Canadian high Arctic at Alert, in the North West Territories.

“He was our go to guy,” said fellow Legion member Bob Woodley. “He was out fixer upper. If anything went wrong, we called Harold.”

Nash also served as Legion president for 18 years, and at some time or another almost every other executive position.

Joan Nash managed the Community Care North Hastings foot care clinic for many years.

Woodley thanked both for their faithful service to the community, and to the Royal Canadian Legion.

One hundred and forty other community volunteers were thanked for helping with everything from exercise classes, seniors' luncheons, folk art and quilting classes, to bingo. This is a notable accomplishment in light of the fact Wollaston Township only has approximately 700 permanent residents.

“You guys really make it work,” Marilyn Brickles told the crowd. “This Legion would not be standing here today if it was not for all of you.”

A remarkable beef dinner was prepared and served by students from Fleming College Culinary Management program.

Students are expected to volunteer for such events in order to gain experience in their chosen field of study. This is a two year program at Fleming College.

Following the festivities, the Coe Hill Girls volunteered their services, and provided musical entertainment.

 

 

 


Post date: 2014-05-07 12:32:07
Post date GMT: 2014-05-07 16:32:07
Post modified date: 2014-05-07 12:32:07
Post modified date GMT: 2014-05-07 16:32:07

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