After close to 20 years of very active retirement in Creemore, Joan and David Black are headed back to life as full-time Torontonians. They will miss Creemore and Creemore will miss them. That is why their friends and neighbours are holding a Come and Go Tea this Sunday, September 15 from 2 to 4 pm at Station on the Green.
When Joan and David Black first thought of moving to Creemore, they didn’t need much convincing.
In 1995, they visited an old restored farmhouse before heading off to play a game of golf. As Joan tells it, “by the third hole, we decided to buy it.”
That farm, “the closest farm to Creemore” on the 4th Line, became their home after David retired from his law practice in Toronto. Ten years later, they moved into the village.
Throughout their time in Creemore, the Blacks were involved in many community activities. David chaired the organization that built the Station on the Green in 2003. In addition, David was part of the committee that worked in partnership with The Nature Conservancy of Canada to foster the stewardship of the Mingay Tract.
The Blacks were active members of Purple Hills Arts and Heritage Society and David sat on the Board in its early years. As a couple they have also been major supporters of the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital.
Now, Joan says the time has come for her and David to return to Toronto. The move gets them closer to their three married children and nine grandchildren, as well as the health services they both require.
When pressed about what she’ll miss most about Creemore, Joan was quick to respond with her answer: “It’s the people.” This includes everyone from their friends to the people working behind the counter at the stores, she said.
“We will miss every part of Creemore, in every way you can imagine,” said Joan. “This has been a wonderful stage of life.”