This area will miss Larry McDonald

By C. Scott Holland

WHEATLEY — When it comes to fundraising and community projects, the first name that comes to mind is Larry McDonald, for his contributions to the well-being of Leamington and Wheatley and how they’ve been an inspirational for both towns.

Unfortunately, the area lost that guiding light and ability to get fundraising projects going when he passed away last August. His life has been an intricate string of strong involvement in both communities.

At the age of 16, Larry began playing minor hockey in Leamington and by 18, he was coaching. At the age of 24, he had quit playing competitive hockey, yet still coached.

During his hockey career, McDonald played for the Leamington Flyers and in the former South Essex Hockey League, where he would eventually go on to a coaching role. He also became involved with Oldtimers’ hockey in 1976.

However, his role in helping youngster develop their hockey skills did not end there. When the modern Wheatley Jr. C Sharks became an entity in 1995, he got involved and was a strong supporter, helping the team become a notable Jr. C franchise.

Larry also served eight years on the Leamington Arena Board – two of those as its chairman – and in 1968, was Recreation Chairman when Wheatley decided to build their own arena and chose its site.

McDonald (left) received many awards and accolades in his lifetime. Here, with wife Sandy, he holds one of his many awards in 1999.

Photo from the Scott Holland Collection

He was the Vice-President of the building committee and in charge of special fundraising projects.

It was an amazing project.

The arena opened in 1974 and was completely paid off by 1976.

His involvement didn’t stop there. He was a member of Wheatley council in 1972 and a year later became the deputy-reeve then reeve before serving on Essex County Council and was named a Kent County warden.

In the early 1960s, McDonald worked at the H. J. Heinz Co. in management, but a later opportunity drew him into the insurance business. In 1982, he partnered with Mike Epplett and formed McDonald-Epplett Insurance Brokers (after buying Southland Insurance in Wheatley). They opened Leamington Insurance Brokers in 1986.

He was a long-time member of the Wheatley Shriners Club and was a charter President of the Wheatley Jaycees in 1960. Along with his wife Sandy, they created the Wheatley Jaycettes the following year (Sandy served as the club’s charter president).

In 1982, he helped organize the Wheatley Old Boys Reunion – a project which spanned two years and duplicated much of the town’s original 1932 Reunion.

Larry and Sandy owned the Car Barn Restaurant for 15 years before selling it in 1986.

Despite being known for his fundraising spirit and abilities, a countless number of local projects could not have been completed with his enthusiasm.

Two of the biggest ones have been raising money for the Kinsmen Complex as well as an incredible number of hours and time raising funds for Leamington District Memorial Hospital (now Erie Shores HealthCare) and a host of charities.

His leadership will be certainly missed and this area was blessed to have had a figure like him.