Tayler “Hap” Parnaby and his wife Lynda reacted Saturday after their first look at his stone on Caledon’s Walk of Fame, which Mayor Marolyn Morrison helped them uncover. Renowned broadcaster and journalist Tayler “Hap” Parnaby now has his own stone on Caledon’s Walk of Fame.

Parnaby and his wife Lynda helped mark their 45th wedding anniversary Saturday by helping Mayor Marolyn Morrison unveil the stone, which reads “Broadcaster, journalist and public speaker known for the clarity of his words and for reporting ‘honestly and fairly and without prejudice.’”

The inscription also states Parnaby is the recipient of major Canadian broadcasting awards, Caledon’s first volunteer champion, a director with Caledon Community Services, former chairman of the Board of Governors of Humber College, two-time Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow and honourary inspector with OPP.

In making the announcement, Morrison cited Parnaby’s 54-year broadcasting career, as a beat reporter and news director at four Toronto stations. She also commented on his “Tattered Little Date Book” references that he used to close out the 11:50 a.m. newscasts on CFRB; the newscast that was started by Gordon Sinclair. As well, she mentioned the numerous stories he travelled around the world to cover, including the funeral of Princess Diana in 1997 and the 9-11 terrorist attacks in 2001.

“I absolutely loved listening to him,” she declared. “We really, really cherish you as one of our residents.”

Dufferin — Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones was also on hand to present a scroll to Parnaby.

“I feel like I have to call you ‘Mister’ now,” she remarked.

“You have touched the lives of so many,” she added.

Parnaby recalled the years since getting his first job in radio, reflecting that he would get up every morning to go and do something he loved.

He also commented on the importance of community service, which he said he learned from his parents.

“I’m surprised to be here today,” he said, “and greatly honoured.”

He also had words of thanks for his wife, recalling there were times when she didn’t know where he was.

“She looked after the kids, and looked after me,” he said.

“Congratulations, my dear,” he told her. “Your husband made it to Caledon’s Walk of Fame.”