MAPLETON – The Township of Mapleton is launching a Citizen of the Year award in honour of John Ford, who died on March 26 at age 64.
“I would call [Ford] one of Mapleton’s favourite citizens,” said councillor Marlene Ottens, who brought forward the motion for creating an award in his name on April 9.
“We don’t have a citizen of the year award in Mapleton,” she noted.
“We have a Senior of the Year but we don’t have a Citizen of the Year.”
JOHN FORD
She noted it wouldn’t necessarily have a financial component, but “just an honour that could be given to anyone – it could be a child, an adult – any age, and it would sort of encompass the spirit of generosity that John showed.”
Mayor Gregg Davidson described the idea as “fantastic” and seconded the motion.
“I can’t think of another person better to name it after than John Ford,” said Davidson.
Ottens noted she has discussed the idea with members of Ford’s family, who “are in favour of this and would like to be involved in the choosing of the recipient.”
Council voted unanimously in support of the motion to create a John Ford Citizen of the Year Award.
Ford was known by many local residents as the face of Drayton Foodland, where he worked for 36 years.
“John would greet all of the regular customers by name, his memory was remarkable and would wish everyone happy birthday or happy anniversary,” his obituary stated.
