The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

Wednesday, April 11, 2007 · Page 6 Hall of Fame inducts `hard working' farmers BY ANDY COMBER For their dedication to family, farm, church and community, two Essex County farmers were inducted into the Essex County gricultural Hall of Fame uring a ceremony at the xhibition Hall in Harrow, pril 5. Robert V. McKim, sponored by the Colchester outh and Harrow gricultural Society, and the ate David H. Morris, sponored by the R. Pinsonneault amily, were recognized for heir outstanding and signifcant contributions to the evelopment and betterment f Essex County agriculture. Dan Diemer, president of he association, gave special ribute to the inductees, their ponsors and family memers, followed by tributes to he inductees from the rovincial and federal govrnment. "You should be proud of heir achievements," said ssex MP Jeff Watson, peaking at the ceremony. David Howard Morris 1912-1971 David Howard Morris lived and farmed his entire life at 11307 North Middle Road in Lakeshore, the former Township of Tilbury West. Under his stewardship, the family farm grew from 100 acres to 356 acres of Accepting the award for the late David Morris are, from left, sons Doug, Duane and Winston and wife Dorothy, joined by Hall of Fame inductee Robert McKim, right. ESSEX PAYDAY ADVANCE Trust us for speed and convenience when you need money FAST. CASH! WHEN YOU NEED IT mixed grains. He transformed a few mixed cows into a herd of 120, establishing Morridell Holsteins in 1946. On their family farm, Morris led a very active life, with his wife Dorothy raising three sons, Winston, Duane and Douglas. Morris was a member of numerous farm organizations, including the Comber Agricultural Committee of Essex County, Comber Farms Co-Op, Holstein Freisen Association of Canada, and the Essex Holstein Club. He was instrumental in assembling the Essex Centennial yearbook and active in the planning for the Blytheswood International Plowing Match. Active in the community, Morris served as director, president and manager of the Comber Fair Board, was a founding member of the Tilbury West Museum, served on the planning board of the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority, and board member for Metropolitan Hospital. Acclaimed as Tilbury West councillor in 1961, Morris served as reeve from 1962-1969 and also served on numerous Essex County council committees. Involved with Comber Baseball and the Essex County Softball League, he even made a ball diamond on his farm for the "Young People's" softball games. Morris's life achievements garnered many awards including a commendation from the County of Essex, William Murdock Trophy, Premier Exhibitor banners, a Premier Breeder banner, T. Eaton Company Special Award for best Junior Herd, and the Simpson Sears Ltd. Special Award for best Dam and Daughter. Morris's farm and civic duties never overshadowed his religious commitments. He was an active member of the United Church's choir and Two-by-Two Club. Robert Vern McKim 1946In 1965, at 19 years of age, Robert "Bob" McKim entered into a partnership with his father Vern to take over the family farm located at 3900 North Malden Road, Essex. The operation includes both beef cattle and cash crops of mixed grains. Over the years, McKim's Hereford beef herd has garnered many awards, earning respect and recognition in this field. In addition to his farm duties, McKim also served as a sales agent for Funks Seeds. The 'family' part of the farm includes his wife Frances, affectionately known as Frankie, daughter Kristie and sons Lorne and Grant. Involved with many farm organizations, McKim served terms with the Essex County 4-H, Essex County Cattlemen, Essex County Soil and Crop, Southwestern Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement and the Essex Agricultural Advisory Committee. He also chaired the Producer Communications Committee while serv- ing as director with the Ontario Cattlemen's Association. McKim's contribution to the agricultural community includes serving with the provincial tribunal for farm tax, drainage and farm products rebates. He chaired the inaugural committee of the Ontario Beef Expo 2000 and served on the inaugural committee for the Essex County Agricultural Hall of Fame Association. Bob was involved with the Ag Mural Committee for the Town of Essex and ECFA education programs. With his church, McKim has served as treasurer, people's warden and rector's warden. He is a member of the parish council and cemetery board. Dedicated to his community for many years, McKim is considered a major supporter of the Harrow Fair. He has assisted the Colchester South and Harrow Agricultural Society's Board of Directors with the open beef classes. In recognition of his dedication to farming and his community, McKim has received awards from the Essex County Farm Safety Association, Canadian Red Cross Society, and Canadian Blood Services. His expertise with cattle has garnered the "Best Beef Herd" award at the Harrow Fair. ly ncial Provi cted Inspe 35 VICTORIA AVE., ESSEX · 519-776-9986 Personal Service · Confidentiality Custom Slaughtering, Cutting & Wrapping of Beef, Pork and Lamb 19950 Hill Road, Ridgetown, ON N0P 2C0 Tel: (519) 674-3732 Fax: (519) 674-3918 Toll Free: 1-877-365-0155