Grant Ferris Fisherman's Park Dedicated

The Family of Grant Ferris

(L)Shawn McPherson, sister Donna (nee Ferris) Warner, Dianne Ferris, wife, Gloria and granddaughter, Talia
(R)Manie Ferris, Russ Ferris holding Dante, Lara (nee Ferris) Inneo, Alyssa McPherson and Vito Inneo
It was an emotional day for the family and friends of Grant Ferris.

It was Friday, October 31, but it was more than a date on the calendar.  It also would have been Ferris' 68th birthday and his and wife,Gloria's, 39th wedding anniversary.  Instead, it was a day for remembering and honouring the man who lost his battle cancer.

 Ferris had many accomplishments and belonged to many organizations including the Sydenham Sportsmen's Association, Ontario Federatoin of Anglers and Hunters, Friends of MacGregor Point Provincial Park, Lake Huron Fishing Club, Blue Ridge Sportmen's Club, Ducks Unlimtied and the National Wild Turkey Federation.

Ferris was also Outdoor Colomnist for both the Owen Sound Sun Times and the Shoreline Beacon and was co-founder of the Grey Bruce Outdoors website and 'Ask A Pro, expert on thefishingnews.com. He was also an avid motorcyclist and belonged to the Huron Bruce Motorcycle Association.

It was also the official re-naming of Fisherman's Park to the Grant Ferris Fisherman's Park.  It was a place where he and his only son, Russ, spent many hours fishing in the Saugeen River.  "Bill Murdoch and Rick Tapp brought the idea of re-naming the park to the Town of Saugeen Shores and it was presented to Council," says Mike Myatt, Director of Community Services. "It was a unanimous decision with no hesitation."

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13/01/2009 04:24 PM

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Gloria Ferris and granddaughter, Talia Ferris are joined by MP Larry Miller(L), Mayor Mike(R) Smith and MPP Bill Murdoch

Stairs lead down to the river where Grant Ferris trod many times

According to Ferris' daughter, Lara (nee Ferris) Inneo, "My father always looked at the positive side and one of his favourite things was fishing right here on the Saugeen.  He taught us to appreciate the outdoors and the environment, how to birdwatch and how to listen to the river."

"Everybody knew and respected Grant," added Mayor Mike Smith, "and we are pleased to name this park the Grant Ferris Fisherman's Park."

Also see the plaque