Alex Raeburn receives yet another honour for lifetime of achievement

Caledon resident Alex Raeburn was presented with the Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Award for Lifetime Achievement last month at Queen's Park. The presentation was made by Lincoln Alexander, chairman of the Ontario Heritage Trust and Lt.-Gov. David Onley.

Caledon resident Alex Raeburn, a founding member of the Town of Caledon's Heritage Committee, received a 2007 Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Award for Lifetime Achievement last month.

This award recognizes the extraordinary contribution of individuals across the province who have devoted 25 years or more to community heritage activities.

"For over five decades, Alex has contributed to the Caledon community by sharing his love of history, athletics, education, and conservation," commented Mayor Marolyn Morrison, who was delighted to attend the award ceremony with Raeburn. "His vast knowledge of local history and natural heritage make Alex Raeburn a valued heritage icon."

Raeburn is a descendant of early settlers in the former Caledon Township. Notwithstanding his extensive contribution to local conservation matters, he served for many years at the regional and provincial levels on the boards of the Region of Peel Heritage Complex, Ontario Heritage Foundation, and Niagara Escarpment Commission.

Mayor Marolyn Morrison was joined by members of Town council and the Caledon Heritage Committee, as well as Peel Region Chair Emil Kolb, in congratulating Alex Raeburn on his award last month.

Lt.-Gov. David Onley, and Lincoln Alexander, chairman of the Ontario Heritage Trust, presented the award to Raeburn at a Queen's Park ceremony, as part of the province's Heritage Week celebrations.

"The Lieutenant Governor's awards recognize volunteers for outstanding accomplishments to preserve our precious and irreplaceable heritage," said Alexander. "By working to keep our heritage alive, they have enriched the beauty of our communities and enhanced the cultural experiences available to our citizens."

There was more recognition from Town councillors Tuesday, as Raeburn was cited for his most recent honours. Numerous representatives from the Town's heritage committee were on hand, along with Peel Regional Chair Emil Kolb.

"It was absolutely a wonderful, wonderful ceremony," Morrison told her colleagues at the council table.

Councillor Doug Beffort, interim chair of the heritage committee, called Raeburn "a mentor, a friend and a special colleague."

He also commented on certain areas of Raeburn's career, such as his work on the famed Avro Arrow, adding his uncle had also worked on the project. "You were the last man out of the Avro plant," Beffort told him.

"There are a lot of stories about you there, Alex," he added, commenting he had heard some of them from his uncle, sometimes after after a few drinks.

Beffort also praised Raeburn for always being a strong supporter of the staff of the Town.

"I take the opportunity to salute you sir, as a true heritage icon," he declared.

Raeburn, who marked his 95th birthday in November, expressed his appreciation for the honours, remarking last month's ceremony at Queen's Park "was really out of this world."

He also thanked the current members of the heritage committee for "doing a great job for the Town."

As well, he thanked Morrison, as well as the councillors and Town staff.

"What you're actually doing for an old guy like me is kind of smoothing out the bumps as I travel down the long road," he remarked.