GRAVENHURST BANNER, DECENBER 17, 2020
‘His dedication to volunteerism is without precedent’: Gravenhurst selects Senior of the Year
Gord Durnan’s involvement spans across community in all different areas
Gord Durnan is Gravenhurst’s 2020 Senior of the Year.
Mayor Paul Kelly and council recognized Durnan’s numerous contributions to Gravenhurst and the surrounding Muskoka community during the Dec. 15 virtual council meeting.
The Ontario Senior of the Year Award gives each municipality in Ontario the opportunity to honour one outstanding local Ontarian who, after the age of 65, has enriched the social, cultural or civic life of their community.
“Gord has served our community and the entire District of Muskoka in countless ways. His dedication to volunteerism is without precedent in Gravenhurst. He has contributed many hours over many years to the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation, Muskoka Community Foundation, Gravenhurst Rotary Club, Gravenhurst Against Poverty, Community Spirit Awards, and many other organizations. He certainly is a deserving recipient of this award,” said Mayor Paul Kelly in a release issued Dec 15.
Durnan has been an active Gravenhurst Rotarian since 1989 and has been involved in countless initiatives, most recently pursuing a collaborative partnership between Rotary and Gravenhurst Against Poverty. He has served as chair of the council’s community spirit awards committee for 25 years and acted as master of ceremonies for the event.
He has also served on the town’s economic development committee and is a member of the Parry Sound Muskoka Community Network regional innovation council. Durnan sits on the Muskoka Steamship and Discovery Centre advisory committee and was an appointed member of the Elexicon Energy community advisory committee for the past five terms of council.
His volunteer commitment led him to serve on the board of governors of Nipissing University for six years and fulfil the role of chair of the board of governors in 2017-18. He completed his term in April 2019 and at the June 2019 commencement, he was granted an Honorary Doctorate of Letters. He accepted a role as chair of a special advisory committee to the president and vice-chancellor of the university.
Through his many connections, Durnan has encouraged many full-time and seasonal residents to support Muskoka interests, be it in arts, sports, hospitals, the environment or charities serving residents of all ages.