Gavin Pringle Morton (1917 - 2007)

Born 17 Mar 1917 in Belhaven, Ontario

Ancestors

Husband of Eleanor Elizabeth (Thayer) Morton — married 7 Mar 1954 in Keswick, Ontario

Descendants

Died 27 Jan 2007 at age 89 in Aurora, Ontario

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Allan Morton [send private message]

Burial: Date: 01 Feb 2007 Place: Christ Church, Roche's Point, Ontario

Death Record: M.W. Becker Funeral Home Death Certificate, 490 The Queensway S., Keswick, ON, L4P 2E3, 28 January 2007. __________________________________________________ Gavin Morton, Points of interest (written by Gavin Morton, June 1999)

1917 Born March 17th on the family farm in Belhaven to Carl Morton and Clara Pringle. Carl was the great grandson of Silas Morton, a North Gwillimbury pioneer who settled in Keswick in 1818. Clara was the daughter of Dr. Hiram Pringle a family Physician from Sutton.

Went to school in Belhaven and Sutton High.

1937 - 1942 Worked for McNamara Construction on Lake Simcoe, Lake Ontario, Georgian Bay and the Trent Canal system. Acted as foreman in dock building and operated a hydraulic dredge.

1943 Joined the RCAF and was stationed in Halifax during the war and sent to the Queen Charlotte Islands to close up Alliford Bay and Masset, BC. Went to Vancouver expecting to be discharged, but after waiting a month, had the opportunity to work in England. Ten days later was on the SS Mauritania crossing the Atlantic. Sent to Top Cliff in Yorkshire and from there went to Hamburg and Eckenford, Germany to close up two nearby RCAF stations (15 miles from the Danish border). Transported equipment to south of Hamburg for redistribution. Returned to Top Cliff and closed up RCAF stations there.

1947 Worked as foreman for McNamara Construction at May's Wharf in Roches Point.

1948 Worked as a carpenter at Pacific Mills at Ocean Falls, BC.

1948 Started a construction company (Gavin Morton Ltd.) in Keswick and began building homes and cottages.

1954 Married Eleanor Thayer

1954 Built the Catholic Church in Sutton, Willow Beach School, additions to Keswick Public School and Jersey Public School. Built: Bell Canada buildings in Keswick, Sutton, Beaverton, and additions to Lindsay, Aurora, Bradford, Tottenham, Georgina Medical Clinic, store front building on High Street Sutton.

Helped found the Keswick Library and installed a set of moveable shelves in the old Optimist Hall, Keswick.

Through a contract with the Department of Public works, built docks in Muskoka and the Kawarthas.

Built many iconic buildings in Georgina: Catholic Church, Sutton; Sutton Public School, Sutton; Bell Telephone Building, Sutton; Bell Telephone Building, Keswick; Keswick Public School, Keswick, Canada Post Office, Keswick; Wharf at the Sutton Dam, Sutton; Wharf at Roches Point.

Ended his building career with luxury homes in Georgina.

Active in the Keswick Optimist Club from the beginning. Forty two years as a Mason at number 97, Queensville. Member of the Royal Canadian Legion. Past president of Georgina Historical Society. Presently sit on the board of the Historical Society and the Georgina Heritage Committee (formerly LACAC).

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The Era (Newmarket, Ontario), 13 Jun 1979, p. 16 ITS CURTAIN TIME --- Directors of the Lake Simcoe arts foundation for 1979 RS follows John Sibbald, President; Gavin Morton, Vic- President; Marcia Nitikman, secretary; Fran Green, treasurer.

The Era (Newmarket, Ontario), 7 Dec 1977 MAYOR'S REPORT, Dr. George Burrows --- Christmas Tea Party. Regina historical Society held its annual Christmas tea at the historical village last Sunday afternoon and it was very well attended. Shirley Verdoold led Carol singing in the old church Nina Marsden and her helpers gave out the delicious mulled cider (I never did see any tea) and a lovely bunch of clerks we're serving in the old store. A very delightful afternoon. Many compliments to the historical Society. Oh yes I forgot Gavin Morton and his top hat truly looking like the Lord of the Manor. Good work Gavin.

Newmarket Era 23Nov 1977 GEORGINA'S DAY IN COURT --- Georgina Township, which has found itself the brunt of a lot of citizen court action in recent months, has a more enjoyable case coming up beginning tomorrow night. It's the peoples lawyer the initial production of the south shore Little Theatre. In this scene from the play David Holborne portrays the accused, Gavin Morton is the judge Jerry Mints the court clerk Allan Morton the policeman and Bruce McLean plays John Elsey. Curtain time is 8:30 PM Thursday through Sunday at Belhaven Hall.

Newmarket Era, 3-Oct-73 One year on and thriving… but funds running low Rev. Milton chairs the 16-member board of directors for the centre which includes his wife, Iris Milton…Mrs. Gavin Morton, Mrs. Russell McCaughna.

The Era (Newmarket, Ontario), 6 Aug 1969, p. 17 North Gwillimbury bans parking on lake drive. Parks and property chairman, Mrs. Jean Smith, who had stated at an earlier meeting of council, the toilet facilities in the park we're inadequate, presented two tenders for new installations. the first from Gavin Morton, general contractor, quoted an estimated cost of $2790 dollars the second from John Kelly submitted $2345. Commented counselor Jim points we should delay our decision until we can get a price for proper septic tank and see what is involved.

Newmarket Era, 6-Aug-69 NG ban parking on Lake Drive Parks and Property chairman, Mrs. Jean Smith, who had stated at an earlier meeting of council, the toilet facilities in the park were inadequate, presented two tenders for new installations. The first from Gavin Morton, general contractor quoted an estimated cost of $2,700, the second from John Kelly submitted $2,345.

Newmarket Era, 12-Feb-69 Board asks Library Addition KESWICK - The North Gwillimbury Township Public Library Board held its first meeting of the year on January 31. Members of the board are chairman Gavin Morton; recording secretary Ray Watters.

The Era (Newmarket, Ontario), 30 Aug 1967, A14 KESWICK OPTIMISTS SPONSOR BARBEQUE --- the best club of Kenswick held its annual presidents barbecue last Wednesday, August 23 in the North Gwillimbury Township Park. Over 110 optimists optimists and their guests attended the event in were served chicken corn salad et cetera. Mr. Gavin Morton and Mrs. V. Goodall brought their guests from England and their comment was the "best barbecue they had ever attended." Bob Draper was the cook in charge of corn in John crate assisted with the chicken.

Newmarket Era, 18-Jan-67 Former Presidents Attend Dinner The Jan 11 dinner meeting of the Optimist Club of Keswick was in recognition of the many past presidents of this service club. Gavin Morton was President 1956-57. Gavin Morton was also Lieutenant Governor of District 15 in 1958-59.

The Era (Newmarket, Ontario), 15 Feb 1967, p. 7 Council six delegates to Centenial group. BELHAVEN --- At last weeks meeting of North Gwillimbury Township Council deputy Reeve Frank Kennington was appointed to represent the Reeve on the North Gwillimbury public library board. Other members are Gavin Morton, Ron McCracken, and Mrs. Ray Waters.

Newmarket Era, 12-Jan-66 Planning Board Has Plan Ready The North Gwillimbury planning board was organized in May 1951. The board included J.L. Doyle, Frank Willoughby, George Lamont was the chairman and Gavin Morton was the secretary

Newmarket Era 06Jul1964 GAVIN MORTON OF KESWICK TO BUILD NEW POST OFFICE --- the Hon. Jean Paul shallot minister of public works announce the awards of a $24,994 contract Friday to Gavin P Morton of Keswick for the construction of a post office building at Keswick.

The contractor submitted to the lowest bid of eight in response to advertising for public tenders which closed on June 24 1964. The highest bid was $35,900. The work is scheduled for completion in four months.

The one story building without the basement Will be erected on the corner of Church Street and the street leading to the municipal Center. With the main entrance on Church Street the building will be 38 feet by 37 feet in size. It will have a concrete foundation I woodframe and an exterior finished in brick veneer. Plywood finishes up above and below the windows in at the entrance doors will be painted. The interior will be finished in the gypsum board with linoleum on the floors. The building will be serviced by a paved truck yard and loading platform at the rear. Plans and specifications were prepared in the Toronto District architects office of the department of public works. I.M. Sanders District architect of Toronto Will be responsible for supervision of the work.

Newmarket Era, 14-Apr-60 News of North Gwillimbury The Optimist Club of Keswick met at the home of Gavin Morton Wednesday, April 6 for a business meeting.

Newmarket Era, 24-Nov-60 Keswick News Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Gavin Morton on the birth of a son. A brother for Elizabeth.

Newmarket Era, 27-Feb-58 Governor Visits Optimist Club Last week Governor W.A. LaPenotiere, District of Hamilton 15 visited the Optimist Club of Newmarket. He was accompanied by Leut. Gov. Gavin Morton, Keswick of zone eight, district 15.

Newmarket Era, 6-Mar-58 Belhaven news Recently Mr. and Mrs. Carl Morton accompanied Mr. and Mrs. Gavin Morton and Elizabeth, Keswick, visited Mrs. Morton's brother in Buffalo for a week.

Newmarket Era and Express (Newmarket, ON), 21 Nov 1957, p. 3 KESWICK RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION ELECTS TED LEONARD AS CHAIRMAN. KESWICK - on Thursday, November 7 the first official meeting of the Caswyck ratepayers association was held at Keswickk public school. The meeting was the result of a preliminary discussion meeting held October 28 at the memorial arena in Keswick at which the temporary chairman Ted Leonard and as secretary Dr. Winston Mahon work elected. An advisory committee was elected and serving on this committee are Dr. Winston Mahon Gavin Morton, Bud Fisher, Joel Hopkins Roydon Connell.

Newmarket Era and Express (Newmarket, ON), 19 Jan 1956, p. 5 TOWNSHIP OF NORTH GWILLIMBURY APPOINTMENTS --- The planning board consists of ... Gavin Morton and Fred Peel. All but Mr. Morton have one year to serve.

Newmarket Era 24 Feb1956 KESWICK --- Mr. Gavin Morton and Mr. Doug Peters are now in St. Petersburg, Florida, where they joined Mrs. Morton and are enjoying temperatures around 80 degrees.

Newmarket Era, 16-Feb-56 North Gwillimbury Twp. Council Discusses Subdivision Policies . President of the Keswick Optimists, Gavin Morton told council of the work done by this service club for the youths of the township in the form of sponsoring Scout and Cub groups.

Newmarket Era, 16-Feb-56 KESWICK Mrs. Gavin Morton left last week for a six weeks holiday in Florida. Mr. Morton will join her there soon. In her absence, Mrs. Jack Winch is taking over her work at the township office.

Newmarket Era, 27-Dec-56 Keswick News Mrs. Gavin Morton opened her home on Thursday Dec. 20 to entertain the Brownie group.

Newmarket Era and Express (Newmarket, ON), 31 May 1956, p. 13 Dedication service at Keswick United Church new wing is opened. The official opening and dedication of the new Christian education wing of Caswyck United Church was held during the morning service at 11 o'clock o'clock on Sunday, May 27. After the sermon by Mr. Finley the dedication took place in the Christian education wing with the Junior choir the building committee the architect the Contractor representative of the trustees board Church school teachers and pupils and then the congregation. Hear the architect John Lane the contractor Mr. Gavin Morton chairman of the building committee mr. Joel Hopkins Took part in the service of dedication conducted by the Rev. James Finley.

Newmarket Era and Express (Newmarket, ON), 10 Nov 1955, p. 12 KESWICK NEWS --- A mother and son banquet for cubs and scouts packs sponsored by Opta-Mrs was held Friday evening in the Memorial Arena with 175 present. Other speakers were Mrs. Dr. Mahon and Mr. Gavin Morton.

Newmarket Era 11 Mar1954 KESWICK --- At the marriage of Mr. Gavin Morton and Miss Eleanor Thayer, which took place at Keswick on Thursday March 11, Mrs. B. Willis and Mr. and Mrs. Lambert Willson were among the guests, both ladies taking part in the ceremony, with Mrs. Willis at the piano, playing appropriate wedding music and Mrs. Willson contributing a solo.

Newmarket Era and Express (Newmarket, ON), 23 Apr 1953, p. 4 North Gwillimbury Plans Annual Sports Day, July 25. Preparations for the 1953 North Gwillimbury Sports day started on Wednesday, April 15 at the North Gwillimbury memorial Arena Keswick naming practically the same committee as last year this year's committee includes the following: Sport committee, Gavin Morton

Newmarket Era 19Sep1953 KESWICK --- Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Purdy, Mr. Gavin Morton and Miss Thayer are taking a boat cruise in Mr. Purdy's boat, Polli-Marie to Honey harbor for several days and will be joined by a number of optimist couples for the weekend at the Royal Hotel.

Newmarket Era and Express (Newmarket, ON), 25 Nov 1954, p. 1 WORK PROGRESSES ON NEW SCHOOL AT WILLOW BEACH --- Work is progress on the new school being erected on the sixth concession, North Gwillimbury. Builder Gavin Morton, Keswick hopes to have the building ready for occupancy close to the first of the New Year and says that provision has been made to heat two more rooms, if the occasion eventually demands it, without too much work involved.

Newmarket Era 30Dec1954 BELHAVEN --- Christmas visitors at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Gavin Morton were Mr. and Mrs. Carl Morton and Jean, Mr. and Mrs. Horace Morton and family, Kapuskasing.

Newmarket Era, 1-May-52 Pony League in North Gwillimbury Chairman Gavin Morton explained the workings of a Pony League Monday and his listeners all agreed baseball had a place on the sport scene.

Newmarket Era and Express (Newmarket, ON), 24 Jul 1952, p. 2 Mr. Elliott Tingley of Nova Scotia spent the weekend with Mr. Gavin Morton, Crescent Beach (Friend from WW II).

Newmarket Era and Express (Newmarket, ON), 21 Jun 1951, p. 6 NOTICE: NORTH GWILLIMBURY PLANNING BOARD === The next monthly meeting will be held at the Township office in Keswick on Friday evening, July 6, 1951 at 8 pm. General public invited. Gavin Morton, Sec. Treas.

Newmarket Era, 21-Jun-51 NOTICE: North Gwillimbury Planning Board The next monthly meeting will be held at the township office in Keswick on Friday evening, July 6, 1951 at 8 pm. General Public invited, Gavin Morton Secretary Treasurer

Newmarket Era 28 Jun1951 North Gwillimbury Planning Board: The next monthly meeting will be held at the Township office in Keswick on Friday evening July 6, 1951 at 8 pm. General public invited. Gavin Morton, Secretary Treasurer

Newmarket Era 09 Oct 1930 CHAMPIONSHIP FAIR AT SHARON BRINGS OUT FINE LIVESTOCK ENTRIES --- The following are the championship winners: Champion Rider - Gavin Morton, 4 North Gwillimbury Beef Calf, Market Class - Gavin Morton, 4 North Gwillimbury Market Lamb - Gavin Morton, 4 North Gwillimbury

Newmarket Era (Newmarket, ON1861 ), 16 Aug 1929, p. 8 SCHOOL REPORTS, S.S. No. 4, North Gwillimbury. Report of Promotion Examinations. Sr. IV - Roydon Prosser (long time friend of Gavin Morton), Jean Lockie, Gavin Morton.

Newmarket Era (Newmarket, ON1861 ), 7 Oct 1927, p. 8 NORTH GWILLIMBURY SCHOOL FAIR, held at Belhaven --- #69, Riding Contest: 1st Gavin Morton