Goodbye, good friend
Posted By Jenn Watt
Posted 2 months ago
Peter Hoad, long-time Haliburton County cottager-turned-resident and sculptor, died in Toronto Nov. 16, at the age of 95.
He and his wife Joan (who passed away in 2003) were active supporters of Haliburton and the arts, and both were artists themselves.
To remember Peter and Joan, we dug into our archives and found this letter dated August, 2001. It is the Hoads' goodbye letter to Haliburton, as they were leaving to Toronto to accommodate Joan's failing health. In the wake of Peter's passing, it seems fitting to reprint it today to remember the lives of two great community members.
To the Editor:
How do you say goodbye to Haliburton?
Well, you can look at the beauty of the lakes and trees. And you can think of all the artists and crafts people who have been inspired by their beauty.
You remember the artistic community and their support. You think of Sir Sandford Fleming and the wonderful and steady progress made possible by the excellently run school, and the Guild which rallied to support the school and create a gallery for the community.
You can't say goodbye without thinking of the kindness of the area "of comforts when aging," the library, the medical back-up, the financial groups! This wonderful support is reflected from nature's beauty to the everyday human needs.
May every wish be started to fulfill your desired dreams and changes, Haliburton! Thank you for your care. If you are thinking of coming to Haliburton County, there isn't a church, bridge club or knitting group that won't welcome you! They have great bake sales too!
Thank you again for 30 wonderful years.
Peter and Joan Hoad,
Toronto (and formerly Grass Lake)
