Ancaster volunteer honoured for more than 50 years of service to 4-H Ontario - Hamilton Spectator

Raymond Wilson, second from right, is joined by Christine Oldfield, Kathi Karpinski, Sandra Hanes and Doug Melia at the May 18 tree planting to mark Wilson's 4-H Ontario Arbor Award for volunteer excellence.

In March, when Raymond Wilson found out he would be receiving the 4-H Ontario Arbor Award, he began thinking about the best way to commemorate the milestone.

Back at his Garner Road farm property, a massive white oak tree sits about 300 metres from the road. Wilson’s father once told him the tree was likely used as a marker when the property was surveyed back in 1792, to mark 30 acres. Given its size, it’s believed the tree was planted sometime around 1750.

“The first settlers came four years prior to the survey,” Wilson noted. “I am on one of those first settler’s farms. It was Peter Bowman, who Bowman United Church is named for.”

In a May 18 ceremony at the Ancaster Fairgrounds, Wilson was formally recognized by 4-H Ontario and the 4-H Hamilton-Wentworth Chapter, for more than 50 years of service to the provincial agricultural organization.

“It was a big surprise,” said Wilson, who found out he would be receiving the honour during a virtual meeting.

Wilson thought about a tree planting but given the fact his farm is now bordered by subdivisions, his property wasn’t an option.

“I knew there was no sense planting it at my home, because I knew eventually when I’m gone, that property will be growing houses, not crops. So, I approached the fair board and asked them if it would it be possible if I planted this tree at the fairgrounds,” said Wilson.

The board agreed and on May 18, a white oak was planted in front of the new Agricultural and Event Centre at the Trinity Road South fairgrounds.

Wilson said the 4-H honour represents the second time he has reached the pinnacle in his life, with the first coming when he received the 33rd degree, an honorary award granted to Scottish Rite Freemasons.

A crowd of about 80 people, including representatives of 4-H Ontario and the Hamilton-Wentworth 4-H chapter, were on hand to congratulate Wilson.

“I didn’t expect this kind of a crowd, just to plant a tree,” Wilson said in his acceptance speech.

Wilson joined 4-H programming at age 13. As a volunteer, he has lent his time in many capacities from association treasurer to leader of the finance, swine, dairy and judging clubs.

He is also involved with several 4-H Association activities and volunteers with community organizations like the Ancaster Agricultural Society, Bowman United Church and Ancaster Township Historical Society.

Among his passions, Wilson enjoys exhibiting at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. When the adult grain competition was discontinued, he helped to ensure local 4-H youth could remain involved with the event.

Today, Wilson is a semi-retired farmer but still grows some cash crops.

Christine Oldfield, executive director of 4-H Ontario, said the Arbor Award is the highest honour a 4-H volunteer can receive. The award honours volunteers who have made a significant lifelong impact on the 4-H program at various levels. The Arbor Award was established in 2001 during the International Year of the Volunteer and has since been presented to over 80 recipients.

Doug Melia, 4-H Hamilton-Wentworth board member, said Wilson is a role model to other 4-H leaders.

“4-H is something that has been a great part of his life since he was a young boy and it’s a great example to leaders like myself who are quite new to 4-H.”

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Ancaster volunteer honoured for more than 50 years of service to 4-H Ontario - Hamilton Spectator
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