[From the Ontario District's newsletter, The Trillium, issue 61-01, January - March, 2007 , Waldo Redekop, editor.]

Closing the door

Markham Chapter’s members vote to dissolve

By Des. Goodley

On November 28, 2006, Markham Chapter members gathered to discuss a motion to dissolve the chapter. The executive had decided to present this after a great deal of discussion and consideration of all the facts and the conditions facing the chapter.

In spite of advancing age and all the factors that create absenteeism, we could still muster an acceptable singing chorus when the situation demanded it. This, in itself, made the dissolving of the chapter a very difficult and heart wrenching decision to make. For Ross Sutherland, our founder and mentor of 38 years, it was indeed a difficult decision.

The Markham Chapter has had a great history. During our best years we had many members who contributed much to make that history and as well as a successful district. Some of those members are now with other chapters helping to develop their history of success.

On January 4, 2007, we had a close-out dinner for all present members and their spouses. We came together to celebrate that history and the years of great fellowship we shared. All expressed the wish to get together again in the future to preserve the essence of our kindred spirit.

Markham Chapter may have closed its doors, but the spirit still lives on.         k