2007
ROBERT J. BOYER AWARDNANCY
THOMPSON  Nancy
Thompson is a member of the Archer family that first came to Bracebridge in 1866
and settled on Lake Muskoka's Browning Island. She is a true 'northerner', a journalist,
a keen environmentalist and a knowledgeable local historian. Married to retired
forester and senior public servant, Brian Thompson, she is also the mother of
three sons and grandmother to three little boys.
Nancy is one of the few
individuals that can boast about attending the one-room Alport Public School.
She also attended BMLSS, Alma College and the North Bay Teacher's College. She
acquired a B.A. from Laurentian and a B.Ed from Nipissing, and subsequently taught
in elementary schools in Wawa, Western Australia, Orangeville and Kirkland Lake.
In addition she taught mathematics and sciences to adults upgrading their educations
at Sault College of Applied Science and Technology. Nancy's teaching informs her
passion for writing. She has written several articles that delve into Muskoka's
history, culture and natural environment and writes in a style that brings her
words alive for her readers. She edited the history of Bracebridge: A Good Time
Continues, wrote Muskoka and Beyond, and produced a fascinating puzzle book that
no Muskoka cottager should be without. Since 2004 she has written a regular column
in the Canadian Power Squadron magazine PORTHOLE, and magazine articles for GAM
and the Great Lakes. Nancy lives as she writes. Her historic home in Bent River,
formerly the post office, was awarded a MHF Built Heritage award in 2002, and
she can be seen driving about in her little, red, energy-saving SMART car.
Nancy's career has always included strong civic commitment. While in the north,
she was a member of and chaired the Kirkland Lake Board of Education for nine
years, and served as the Temiskaming Board of Health chair for seven years. She
has served on many committees at the local, district and provincial level including:
the Association of Ontario Boards of Health, Ontario Health and Safety Committee,
North Bay Psychiatric Hospital Community Advisory Board, MOH, and the Accreditation
Committee for Health Units. Nancy has served as a Muskoka Lakes councilor for
the past seven years, and on District Council for four. She is the Secretary-Treasurer
of the Bent River Women's Institute, and a member of the Gravenhurst Power Squadron,
the Muskoka Heritage Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, the Muskoka Steamship Association,
the Muskoka Lakes Association and the Royal Astronomical Society. In addition,
she takes part in Feeder Watch and the Loon Survey, and is a supporter of the
new Rene Caisse Theatre.
In sum, Nancy embodies the criteria of a Boyer
Award winner. She is passionate, knowledgeable and committed to everything that
matters in Muskoka. On behalf of the MHF, it gives me great pleasure to present
to her this award.
|
