Pathway of Fame, Peterborough, ON (2026)

05/31/2026

As we await the announcement of the Class of 2026 in the coming weeks, this week we mourn the loss of artist, businessman and gallery owner Peer Christensen, who passed away at Hospice May 25th after a battle with glioblastoma (brain cancer), with which he was diagnosed last year.

Peer was 72 and a Pathway of Fame Inductee (Class of 2013).

We remember Mr. Christensen this week in POSTCARDS FROM THE PATHWAY as we revisit Peer's profile from www.ptbopathwayoffame.ca

Peer Christensen was an influential professional artist based in Peterborough since 1985. He founded local art galleries: Williamson House Gallery, 1986-95; Hunter West Gallery, 1995-2006; Christensen Fine Art Gallery, 2006 to the present.

He founded the Starving Artist Framing Outlet.

He has been the featured artist in solo exhibits, 2002 and 2010 at The Art Gallery of Peterborough; and with his wife, Lori was honorary chair for the Art Gallery of Peterborough Fundraising Gala in 2011.

His art is housed in several private, and corporate art collections and has been featured in fundraising events for several organizations. He has served on the PRHC Foundation Volunteer Art Committee from the outset. He had a great track record for getting involved in projects important to the local arts community and seeing them through.

Some of his most striking work captures the changeability of nature and the impact of the industrial landscape.
According to Peterborough This Week, “Self taught in drawing and watercolour, Christensen works primarily as an oil painter, his immense classical-based talent clearly evident and his work respected well beyond the city’s borders.”

Photo courtesy Lance Anderson, Peterborough This Week / Metroland / MYKawatha

Peer Christensen passed away May 25th, 2026

For complete information on the more than 300 inductees currently on The Pathway, please visit the Pathway of Fame, Peterborough and District online for all our inductees. The database is searchable by year, or name.
https://ptbopathwayoffame.ca/
The Pathway of Fame, Peterborough and District gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of NEXICOM for website support, and KAWARTHA TV AND STEREO for promotional consideration.

The Pathway of Fame Class of 2026 will be announced in June, with the annual Induction Ceremony taking place on the evening of Tuesday, September 15th at Showplace Performance Center, down Peterborough.

05/04/2026

The nominations are in, and we thank the community for submitting again this year. And as we always say - "no one gets onto The Pathway without a nomination from the community.'

As we await the announcement - coming in June - as to those who will be inducted as part of the Class of 2026, it's time for another installment of 'Postcards from the Pathway!'

And today, from the Class of 2011: MICHAEL PETERMAN (Literary)

Michael A. Peterman, Professor Emeritus of English Literature, Trent University, is named in 2006 as Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. It’s peer recognition of his exceptional research accomplishments.

Working with various colleagues he researched archival records and original writings of several writers with links to the Peterborough area bringing them, and their work, to life in no fewer than 13 books, 100+ articles and countless speeches and papers. He’s a leading authority on Willa Cather, Susanna Moodie, Catharine Parr Traill, Robertson Davies, James McCarroll and Isabella Valancy Crawford. Thanks to his efforts, their works are now studied at schools and universities here, and abroad.

At Trent, he taught its most popular courses in American and Canadian Literature. With the Peterborough Historical Society, Michael Peterman – a past president – chaired its Publications Committee for more than 20 years and actively supported the Hutchison House Museum.

Michael Peterman is singularly successful in diligently researching, and imaginatively reconstructing the lives and times of writers he admires. He also generously shares what he learns.

For complete information on the more than 300 inductees currently on The Pathway, please visit the Pathway of Fame, Peterborough and District online for all our inductees. The database is searchable by year, or name.
https://ptbopathwayoffame.ca/
The Pathway of Fame, Peterborough and District gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of NEXICOM for website support, and KAWARTHA TV AND STEREO for promotional consideration.

photo courtesy Clifford Skarstedt, The Peterborough Examiner

04/26/2026

'Postcards from The Pathway.'

This weekend, it's P.S.B. Wilson, who was fondly remembered over the weekend. Paul Wilson died in January.

"To become acquainted with Paul Wilson is to know an individual who never stops promoting, supporting and contributing to the betterment of his community in so many ways.

Paul’s cheerful and outgoing manner makes him one of the best ambassadors the Peterborough area has ever had.
His position as the first Athletic Director at Trent University was characterized by his “sports for all” philosophy resulting in a special tribute wall in the University’s Athletic Building.

But it is in recognition of Paul Wilson’s selfless involvement in the Peterborough community which is being hailed by the Pathway of Fame.

Paul’s decade of service on City Council was marked by a civility combined with a constructive sense of humour to the workings of Council. His contribution to the well-being of Peterborough citizens is legendary. Paul Wilson left an admirable legacy of achievement to many areas of the City. He is also a skillful, bright emcee who, over many years devoted his time to countless events for non-profit organizations.

Paul’s volunteer work with Cogeco Television (now Your TV, and well over 50 broadcasts a year) is well-known and respected for the fairness and common sense he contributes to the programs in which he is involved. David Feely, as of 2016 the Manager Programming and Community Relations unreservedly states, “(Your TV) is grateful to Paul for his dedication to the organization.”

His wife Gillian’s (Inducted 2003) immersion in Peterborough theatre has seen Paul become a great supporter as well. Paul, himself has brightened the stage in plays and revues, from time to time.

In so many areas of volunteer service Paul’s readiness to give of himself to the betterment of his community is an example to be emulated and admired.

Paul P.S. (PSB) Wilson died in January 2026 in his 87th year."

THIS IS THE FINAL WEEK TO NOMINATE SOMEONE DESERVING FOR THE PATHWAY OF FAME. Nominations close at the end of day Thursday, April 30th. While you CAN nominate people throughout the year, nominations to the current class (2026) end on April 30th to give us enough time to go through the nominations with our selection committee, and determine the successful inductees from all nominations received. It's our annual Pathway Push through the month of April, and it's quickly coming to a close for this year.

** If you would like to nominate someone for The Pathway of Fame, download the one-page nomination form from ptobpathwayoffame.ca. Each nomination costs $10 with instructions for payment on the nomination form.

Deadline Thursday!

04/19/2026

As we PUSH for the PATHWAY during the month of April for nominations (closing April 30th for the upcoming Class of 2026) time for another edition of POSTCARDS FROM THE PATHWAY, a continuing series focused on those immortalized in granite on the Peterborough and District Pathway of Fame.

This past week, the Peterborough Pop Ensemble held their 25th Anniversary concert at Market Hall. Three Pathway Inductees were involved in that show - one of whom posthumously in the late Barb Monahan o and so today, we feature all three in a combined 'Postcards' feature:

BARBARA MONAHAN (Class of 2012)

Barbara Monahan: teacher, singer and musician, notably spearheading the Peterborough Pop Ensemble.

Our inductee (2012) received an Honours Degree in Music and Education from the University of Western Ontario. While at Western, she studied clarinet and voice, performed with the university choir, and served on the Student Council for the Faculty of Music.

Upon her return to Peterborough, she became a teacher of English and Music at Kenner Collegiate, her hometown school, taking the Kenner Band on ten musical excursions. Barb served as Director of Music at Grace United Church., also serving as vocalist with community bands such as A Little Bit Country, Montana Hearts and, for 15 years, Odyssey.

Barb Monahan penned, and produced shows for a host of different charities: composing songs, and music for the Peterborough Children’s Chorus, for the 2011 Pedal for Hope campaign, the 2010 International Dragon Boat Festival, and the 2004 Year of the Veteran.

With great gifts, come great responsibility. Barb Monahan, in her lifetime took that responsibility to heart, touching countless Peterborough audiences with her angelic voice, her inspired arrangements, her limitless passion and her vision – all combining to provide a soundtrack for this community that continues to resonate, to this day.

Barb Monahan died in 2019.

MAUREEN HARRIS-LOWE Class of 2019

There’s a reason any reference to Maureen Harris- Lowe is generously sprinkled with the term ‘mentor.’
As director of the Peterborough Children’s Chorus for the past 20 years, Maureen has served as a wonderful role model for countless youths and young adults, helping each to grow not only as a vocalist but also as a confident performer whose professionalism and good manners represent Peterborough and area exceedingly well.
Under Maureen’s direction, the Peterborough Children’s Chorus has won numerous awards while traveling to competitions across North America and beyond. Striving to give her charges new experiences that will create lifelong memories – the chorus’ recent backing of iconic rock band Foreigner during its recent Peterborough concert is one example – Maureen sets a high standard for the choral group but does so in a fun way that leaves all feeling good.

“She is quick to give him a smile, a hug and make him feel like he is the most special one in the room,” says a parent of a young chorus member.

A graduate of the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Musical Arts, Maureen is a superb vocalist who sings with the Peterborough Pop Ensemble as well as performs at numerous local events and gatherings. Her passion for music is abundantly clear in all she undertakes and that passion has been, and remains, infectious much to the benefit of all who cross her path.

BARRY HAGGARTY Class of 2013

Barry Haggarty, a singer and an acclaimed guitar player, has played with Ronnie Hawkins, Bentwood Rocker and the Family Brown as well as with his own group. He has been a guest with Shania Twain, k.d. lang, and Ian Tyson.

Since 1991, he has operated his superb recording studio, Haggarty Sound Studio, in Peterborough, and recorded an incredible range of talented artists. A highlight for him was recording in the Abbey Road Studios, of Beatles fame, where he recorded some of his own songs, such as ‘Hockey Town,’ ‘If These Walls Could Talk,’ and an instrumental guitar pick. The sound in his own studio is equally good, and he has recorded over 100 CDs and albums for countless projects, and given opportunities for great talent to record in superior facilities.

His outstanding album ‘Old Days’ was performed with notable backup, and besides the title track included ‘Give Me a Break’ and ‘Doesn’t Mean a Thing.’

For complete information on the more than 300 inductees currently on The Pathway, please visit the Pathway of Fame, Peterborough and District online for all our inductees. The database is searchable by year, or name.
https://ptbopathwayoffame.ca/
The Pathway of Fame, Peterborough and District gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of NEXICOM for website support, and KAWARTHA TV AND STEREO for promotional consideration.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO NOMINATE SOMEONE FOR THE PATHWAY OF FAME: Pick up a nomination form from Package Plus in Peterborough, from any copy of the 'Footprints of Life' magazine, or download the one-page form as a pdf from www.ptbopathwayoffame.ca Each nomination must be accompanied by a $10 nomination fee, payable to the Pathway of Fame via e-transfer to [email protected]
or by cheque and mailed to Box 250
171 Rink St.
Peterborough, ON
K9J 2J6

04/12/2026

As we PUSH for the PATHWAY during the month of April for nominations (closing April 30th for the upcoming Class of 2026) time for another edition of POSTCARDS FROM THE PATHWAY, a continuing series focused on those immortalized in granite on the Peterborough and District Pathway of Fame.

Today, from the Class of 2020: DON PARNELL
(Culture/Community Betterment)

Our inductee was seen just yesterday (Saturday), helping to staff the table at the Home and Cottage Show at the Healthy Planet Arena.

The fact that Peterborough has been, and remains, a relatively safe city to live, work and play can’t be denied. For those who believe that status is simply a matter of good luck, Don Parnell reminds us that rolling up one’s sleeves and getting the job done plays a very important role in our collective well-being.

A proud auxiliary member of the Peterborough Police Service for close to 15 years, Don has volunteered an average of 320 hours annually for a variety of supplemental law enforcement tasks, the past nine years as a lead team member of the service’s Home Guard doing, among other things, inspections of break-ins and incidences of domestic violence as well as assisting with missing person searches, door-to-door canvassing and traffic control.

As a full-time member of the Pedal For Hope support team, Don has gifted his time to the annual police-led fundraiser for pediatric cancer research and support dollars. A Commanding Officer’s Certificate of Appreciation awarded him by the RCMP is a testament to his dedication to Pedal For Hope and its mission. In addition, over the past nine years, Don has assisted in a big way with the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, both locally and in other Ontario jurisdictions where he has assisted other police services with the staging of their special events.

A Kenner Hall of Honour inductee – a distinction he shares with his wife Lesley – Don has been a member of the board for the Kenner Foundation since 2009, serving as its chair for past six years. As such he has been very involved in the organization of fundraising events for the foundation.

Since 1989, Don has played a major role in the staging of the annual Victoria Day fireworks presentation over Little Lake as the lead pyrotechnician, has served as coach and trainer for numerous local hockey and soccer teams, and has been involved with the Food For Kids program.

A recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for Community Betterment, Don has received two City of Peterborough Civic Awards for his long service.

For complete information on the more than 300 inductees currently on The Pathway, please visit the Pathway of Fame, Peterborough and District online for all our inductees. The database is searchable by year, or name.
https://ptbopathwayoffame.ca/
The Pathway of Fame, Peterborough and District gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of NEXICOM for website support, and KAWARTHA TV AND STEREO for promotional consideration.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO NOMINATE SOMEONE FOR THE PATHWAY OF FAME: Pick up a nomination form from Package Plus in Peterborough, from any copy of the 'Footprints of Life' magazine, or download the one-page form as a pdf from www.ptbopathwayoffame.ca Each nomination must be accompanied by a $10 nomination fee, payable to the Pathway of Fame via e-transfer to [email protected]
or by cheque and mailed to Box 250
171 Rink St.
Peterborough, ON
K9J 2J6

04/08/2026

As we PUSH for the PATHWAY during the month of April for nominations (closing April 30th for the upcoming Class of 2026) time for another edition of POSTCARDS FROM THE PATHWAY, a continuing series focused on those immortalized in granite on the Peterborough and District Pathway of Fame.

Today, from the Class of 2023: COURTNEY DRUCE
(Culture/Community Betterment)

The quality of one’s life, not the quantity, is what people remember. In that regard, Courtney Druce has secured her rightful place as one who gave so much when it would have been so easy, and understandable, not to do so.

Before succumbing to her fifth battle with cancer at the age of 27, Druce not only inspired and greatly impacted her circle and the community at large, but also partnered with various organizations aimed at giving hope to those who needed hope, more than ever.

Learning from, and adapting to the experience of her 12-year battle with cancer – almost half her life – Druce never missed a beat, not only excelling at Lakefield College School and Queen’s University, but also partnering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Ronald McDonald House to better the lives of young cancer patients undergoing treatment not unlike her own. Peterborough’s annual Pink in the Rink fundraiser for cancer research owes much to Courtney’s partnership with the Ontario Hockey League and the Peterborough Petes.

At Queen’s, Druce secured a position with Queen’s Disability Services, supporting two students toward their graduation. Post graduation from Queen’s, while undergoing her own cancer treatment, she gifted her time and seemingly boundless energy to the Canadian Cancer Society and the Heart and Stroke Foundation – promoting, and participating in local events: among them the Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival.

In 2014 and together with her father John, Courtney was named honourary co-chair of the American Heart and Stroke Golf Tournament. Pre-pandemic, the Courtney Druce Golf Tournament raised thousands of dollars for cancer research. And as a spokesperson for cervical cancer awareness, Druce’s story pressed home the need for young women to be more vigilant in terms of regular screening.

Courtney Druce’s impact has extended well beyond the Peterborough region. In New Jersey, where she was treated, her name and story is attached to donations to an animal orphanage; in Philadelphia, the home of her beloved Eagles, her inspiring journey has proven a catalyst for annual donations to the bone marrow transplant unit in that city’s children’s hospital, as well as Ronald McDonald House.

Inspired by Courtney’s courage and spirit of selfless giving, Eagles CEO Don Smolenski took Courtney’s team jersey to the 2017 Super Bowl so she could be part of a championship win she predicted in writing, before her passing. To this day, Smolenski continues to impress upon others Courtney’s fight for life, love for others, infectious energy and desire to improve life quality for thousands.

Courtney Druce died April 27th, 2016 eight days shy of her 28th birthday.

For complete information on the more than 300 inductees currently on The Pathway, please visit the Pathway of Fame, Peterborough and District online for all our inductees. The database is searchable by year, or name.
https://ptbopathwayoffame.ca/

The Pathway of Fame, Peterborough and District gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of NEXICOM for website support, and KAWARTHA TV AND STEREO for promotional consideration.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO NOMINATE SOMEONE FOR THE PATHWAY OF FAME: Pick up a nomination form from Package Plus in Peterborough, from any copy of the 'Footprints of Life' magazine, or download the one-page form as a pdf from www.ptbopathwayoffame.ca Each nomination must be accompanied by a $10 nomination fee, payable to the Pathway of Fame via e-transfer to [email protected]
or by cheque and mailed to Box 250
171 Rink St.
Peterborough, ON
K9J 2J6

03/29/2026

POSTCARDS FROM THE PATHWAY, a continuing series focused on those immortalized in granite on the Peterborough and District Pathway of Fame.

Today, from the Class of 2006: BUD MONAHAN (Entertainment/Musical)

For a great many musicians, a fond memory of youth is spending hours wandering through one of those wonderful, small music stores with guitars hanging everywhere, getting lost in dreams of a guitar you’ll own one day, if you work and practice hard enough.

For thousands of Peterborough musicians, that memory conjures up one name: Bud Monahan.

The Peterborough music scene and the name Bud Monahan have been synonymous for over 50 years. Few have exercised such an influence over musicians in the Kawartha region. For nearly all his life, music played an integral part.

In early days, Bud played with many legendary names in Peterborough music, such as Paul Konkle, Del Crary and Freddie Coupland. Teaching music at such memorable establishments as Rawson’s and Musicland led to opening Bud Monahan’s House of Guitars. For over 40 years, Bud supplied instruments and taught the rudiments to literally thousands of aspiring musicians. In many instances, Bud taught multiple members of the same family, employing many former students as teachers.

For Bud, music supplied an extended family and a generational rite of passage. Good musicians will tell you it’s in the sharing of same that music affords the greatest satisfaction – and it’s in playing, teaching and sharing by which Bud Monahan personified the greatest gift of music.

Bud Monahan passed in 2018.

For complete information on the more than 300 inductees currently on The Pathway, please visit the Pathway of Fame, Peterborough and District online for all our inductees. The database is searchable by year, or name.
https://ptbopathwayoffame.ca/
The Pathway of Fame, Peterborough and District gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of NEXICOM for website support, and KAWARTHA TV AND STEREO for promotional consideration.

photo courtesy Clifford Skarstedt, The Peterborough Examiner

03/15/2026

POSTCARDS FROM THE PATHWAY, a continuing series focused on those immortalized in granite on the Peterborough and District Pathway of Fame.

Today, from the Class of 2000: CYRIL RAWSON (Entertainment/Musical)

There's a reason why Cyril Rawson has his picture alongside Anne Murray. Cyril Rawson pretty much knows everyone in Nashville.

As Peterborough’s contribution in Nashville’s music machine, Cyril Rawson established himself as one of Country Music’s most in-demand writers.

Beginning as musician and record producer in Ontario, Cyril soon devoted himself to songwriting full time. After penning hits for Canadian stars such as Colleen Peterson and Alannah Myles, he turned his attention to the Nashville market, serving up material for such superstars as Lorrie Morgan and Tanya Tucker.

Now working as an independent writer and producer (as of 2000), and dividing his time between Peterborough and Nashville, Cyril Rawson has penned an amazing portfolio of 250 songs recorded by artists around the world.

For complete information on the more than 300 inductees currently on The Pathway, please visit the Pathway of Fame, Peterborough and District online for all our inductees. The database is searchable by year, or name.
https://ptbopathwayoffame.ca/
The Pathway of Fame, Peterborough and District gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of NEXICOM for website support, and KAWARTHA TV AND STEREO for promotional consideration.

03/11/2026

Breaking News...

Copyright Peterborough Examiner / Metroland

Sean Eyre has decided to step away from a passion project he co-founded almost 30 years ago to recognize the accomplishments of people throughout the Peterborough region.

It was 1997 when he and the late Barb Bell founded the Peterborough and District Pathway of Fame. Eyre has been chair most years since its inception, save for a few when the late Kenn Grainger took the reins from 2014 to 2018.

Now, Eyre is ready to relinquish chair duties to Pat Hooper, who joined the Pathway committee two years ago.

“The main reason is I’m too old,” said Eyre inside his home at Rubidge Retirement Residence. “I’ve just, I’ve run out of steam.”

For almost 30 years, Eyre has been working to keep the Pathway relevant. It annually recognizes the people who make the Peterborough region a special place to live.

Each September, a ceremony is held where new inductees are recognized and placed into the Pathway of Fame, located at Del Crary Park. Granite markers with the names of the inductees are installed along the walkways of the park.

Eyre was inducted in 2023 for not only his role with the Pathway, but for his legacy as a well-known radio personality during his CHEX broadcasting heyday as Sunshine Sean and his Wired Woodshed show. He went on to co-found Rocklands Entertainment, where he promoted and worked with countless musicians like Stompin’ Tom Connors, Rita MacNeil and Charley Pride.

Eyre served as a city alderman from 1994 to 1997 before spearheading the charge to form the Pathway along with Bell.

Together, they recruited the likes of CHEX television personality Graham Hart, the late Father Bernard Heffernan, musician Ada Lee, promoter Johnny Driscoll and musician Johnny Morris to form an ad hoc group to develop the Pathway.

At first, it was suggested the Pathway be housed at the Peterborough Memorial Centre alongside the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame. However, Eyre said they were worried about space as the Hall of Fame expanded.

He used his influence from his time on city council to start discussion with then public works manager Peter Southall.

“He said, ‘Sean, I got the perfect idea for you. You come down to Del Crary Park and we’ll put granite stones (along) the walkway,’” recalled Eyre.

Soon, the idea received council approval leading up to the Pathway’s first induction ceremony at Del Crary Park on July 18, 1998. For its inaugural year, inductee highlights included author Margaret Laurence, former prime minister Lester B. Pearson, musical act Leahy, artist David Bierk and artist George Elliott.

Now, more than 300 names are enshrined in the Pathway, including new chair Hooper.

Eyre said Hooper’s energy will keep the Pathway viable into the future.

“I want this thing to keep on living … don’t want it to just fade away or dissolve,” said Eyre.

Hooper joined the Pathway of Fame committee a couple of years ago after being recruited by Eyre. He recognized her devotion to the community and upon his decision to step away, felt she would be an ideal successor.

Hooper was inducted in 2019 and the Pathway will now be the next in a long line of organizations she has helped. Many have benefited from her personal commitment to making a lasting and positive change in the community. Some volunteer highlights include chair of the United Way Peterborough and District’s campaign as well as its board of directors.

According to her Pathway of Fame induction bio, Hooper has also been involved in the Rotary Club of Peterborough, Community Care as well as the Peterborough Theatre Guild, Fairhaven, Peterborough Musicfest and Showplace Peterborough.

“With a volunteer resumé that is as long as the 30 years it covers, Pat, as one supporter writes, ‘is remarkably personal and upbeat … her passion for people and the community make her a highly-sought volunteer and a friend to all the organizations she supports,’” reads her Pathway bio.

Ever modest, Hooper said she would rather work in the background instead of the spotlight. She was quick to point out all the work Eyre has done and the legacy he is leaving behind.

“He’ll be leaving a legacy of a very well-established … organization that really truly recognizes the people who give of themselves to the community,” said Hooper.

Like Eyre, Hooper would like to see the Pathway become more relevant in the community. She would like to see more of a presence at Del Crary Park, drawing people’s attention to the markers placed along the walkway.

To help, Hooper would like to see a new park feature that would include interpretive elements highlighting the accomplishments of some of the inductees.

She would also like to see a map developed showing where each marker is located.

Regardless, Eyre is confident the Pathway is in good hands.

“I see a good future for it. The future underneath me or under my direction right now I think would be somewhat stagnant,” Eyre admitted, adding the devoted committee will continue to foster the very thing he helped start.

“It’s been a good run and I guess I do consider it my baby. It sure is bittersweet.”

-30-
Written by Lance Anderson
Copyright Peterborough Examiner

03/05/2026

The Pathway of Fame is indebted to the ongoing support of Kawartha TV & Stereo for Pathway promotional consideration via their store-mounted video sign.

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