An early publisher of the The Community News in Drayton who was instrumental in its development has died.
Gerrit Wimmenhove passed away on July 15 at his residence in Kitchener. He was 67 years old.
In May of 1968 Wimmenhove became publisher and editor of The Community News, which was founded the previous year by a committee of community members to cover News in?Drayton as well as Peel and Maryborough townships.
He moved the paper into the former Drayton Advocate office (now Blooming Dale’s flower shop) until the spring of 1969, when the enterprise was moved to Wood Street. It was later relocated to the current location at the corner of Wellington and Wood Streets.
In 1971, Wimmenhove sold the publication and its assets to William Adsett, who three years earlier had founded the Wellington?Advertiser.
Adsett recalled Gerrit as an accomplished typographer with a deep interest in his heritage and community.
“Gerrit wanted the paper to continue for the community,” Adsett said of the vision shared by the two men 39 years ago.
Wimmenhove is survived by several siblings and many nieces and nephews, including several who still live in the Drayton area.
A memorial service will take place at a later date.
– with files from Dave Adsett and Jean Campbell
