THE MCNAIRN TIMES

Here I am finally getting out another newsletter. I do apologize for the two-month lapse in publication…several deaths in the family and medical problems have gotten in the way of getting the newsletter put together and sent out.

We have had two family deaths that I am aware of over the past couple of months. My great-uncle, Stanley McNairn of Long Sault, passed away on April 13, 2002, and Lyn McNairn’s father, James E. McNairn, passed away on April 2, 2002. Following are a couple of articles that were written about these family members whose loss we mourn.

Here is the obituary that appeared in the Cornwall Standard Freeholder:

A SERVICE IN CELEBRATION OF STANLEY McNAIRN'S LIFE WILL BE HELD AT ST. ANDREW'S - ST. MARK'S
UNITED CHURCH, LONG SAULT ON THURSDAY, APRIL 18TH, 2002 AT 11:00 A.M.

This is what I sent out to friends and family when I found out about Uncle Stanley’s passing:

Cheryl "Zetta McNairn" Grice

This is the announcement that was sent to the United Empire Loyalists’ Newsletter:

It is with deep regret that the (St. Lawrence) Branch announces the passing of Stanley McNairn UE, a founding charter member, and a past president of St. Lawrence Branch. John Chard said that "Stanley McNairn was a wonderful, considerate thoughtful man." He was always promoting the Loyalists and attempting to preserve history. He also took a very active role in many other historical societies. Up until a few years ago, when he became seriously ill, he was always willing to assume part of the load. On its twentieth anniversary, St. Lawrence Branch awarded Stanley McNairn the meritorious service award. He also served his country overseas during World War Two. Stanley McNairn was the kind of man we would like to emulate.

And finally, Jim Brownell, a family friend and Director of the Lost Villages Museum, wrote a wonderful eulogy:

IN REMEMBRANCE
STANLEY McNAIRN, U.E.
April 18, 2002
In my remembrance of Stanley McNairn, today, I wish to open with a passage which he wrote in 1984, that great "Bicentennial" year, as he prepared the foreward to the book Heritage Highlights of Cornwall Township. I quote: "History is so much more than battles. The kings and generals, the pontiffs and magnates, the statesmen and geniuses, all have their role to play. But how much we owe to the fidelity and the efforts of ordinary people. I hope that I have, in some measure, enhanced your appreciation of their efforts by this personal approach to Loyalist history". Stanley wrote these words as he reflected on the life and times of his great-great-grandfather, the United Empire Loyalist, John McNairn. It was through the fidelity, patriotism, and efforts of this ordinary pioneer that Stanley was so proudly able to call himself, U.E., the great-great-grandson of a United Empire Loyalist. Stanley lived history; Stanley loved history; and it was through his love for the United Empire Loyalist story, that we, his relatives, friends and citizens of this community, have come to remember the life and achievements of a remarkable individual. At this point, I wish to say, too, that Stanley not only promoted the United Empire Loyalist story in words, but he also did it through his hard work and dedication to the St. Lawrence Branch of the United Empire Loyalist Association of Canada. At the outset, he became this association's Vice President, when it was chartered in 1978. Twenty years later, and in declining health, he was recognized with a Certificate of Merit, proudly accepted by his son, Nelson, also a charter member of the association. Stanley's guidance and wisdom will be sorely missed, however he would want members to carry the torch into the future, and proudly promote the United Empire Loyalist heritage.
My association with Stanley began when I was about 17 years of age, a grade 11 student at Cornwall Collegiate and Vocational School. I had just joined the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Historical Society, and Stanley and Kay were at the very first meeting I attended. Even at this relatively young age, I was impressed with the knowledge and wisdom which Stanley shared at the meeting, and, in subsequent years, I came to recognize a "genius", when it came to local history stories. Stanley possessed a wealth of knowledge for facts and details relative to local history, and he never failed to captivate and mesmerize this young and impressionable mind. I shall remember Stanley as being in a class of a few individuals, who could make history come alive. His stories, so carefully punctuated with exacting details, are those which are stored in my memory, and which will live with me for the rest of my life.
When reflecting on the details from so long ago, I must mention that Stanley not only expressed history in words, as already mentioned, but he put into action the tasks and deeds which he realized would carry the rich history and heritage of our local area into the future. In 1975, Stanley succeeded me as President of the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Historical Society, and he served, with distinction, a two-year term in that capacity. He continued to serve the historical society well, remaining as an executive member for many years, and also serving on the committees for Inverarden Regency Cottage Museum and the United Counties Museum, in the Wood House. Whenever there was history and heritage to share in our community, Stanley was there, along with his greatest supporter, his wife, Kay. In those early years, too, Nelson was often in tow, and I know that his dad has left mighty big shoes to fill in upholding the history and heritage of the McNairn family. Just last evening, in Nelson's company at the funeral home, I witnessed his eagerness to share with others his beautiful loyalist pin on his lapel. His dad would be so proud.
Besides Stanley's work with the historical societies in the area, for he was a member of the Cornwall Township Historical Society and the Lost Villages Historical Society, Stanley took an active interest in the affairs of the community, continuing to share with others, the foundation upon which this community was built. He continued to share with us the stories of the challenges faced by so many, during the upheaval of the Hydro and Seaway projects of the 1950s. He continued to share the sad details of losing a loyalist farm at Maple Grove and the problems encountered in moving his beautiful heritage home to its new location on Highway #2. As Stanley often reminisced with me about "the farm" at Maple Grove, I could see that his heart was forever at "the farm", overlooking the Cornwall Canal and St. Lawrence River. As well, how will we ever forget the stories he shared with us as to his dealings with Ontario Hydro's First Vice President and Member of Provincial Parliament for Grenville-Dundas, George Challies. I'm sure, today, Stanley is in heaven, setting the record straight, and resolving the problems associated with the turmoil of the 1950s.
Stanley's interest in community life centred around the township's waterfront, a waterfront which became "off limits" to him at the time of the 1950s projects, and the product of the "great" inundation. Being such a strong "visionary", Stanley was always of the opinion that the waterfront lands were worthy of preservation for public use, and his "vision" for these lands centred on a "people's place". Even before the projects of the 1950s, Stanley had visions, and he challenged the powers that be, to work with local citizens to develop a "world class" tourist destination. Obstacles were thrown in his face at the time, however Stanley persevered. By his involvement on the Planning Advisory and Waterfront Development Committee for the Township of Cornwall, a committee which he served with distinction through the early 1990s, Stanley imparted knowledge and ideas which were visionary and challenging, and which will become the centrepiece for future work to enhance our beautiful Lake St. Lawrence. I shall never forget one particular event which left a lasting impression on those who served with Stanley on this Waterfront Development Committee. This happened in 1994, as the committee worked to gather information and data on the waterfront lands, and as they prepared to tour the lands, a walk which would take them from Long Sault to Lakeview Heights. From beginning to end, Stanley walked the waterfront, imparting his knowledge of its rich history and heritage to committee members. Memories of the "walk" still are vivid in the minds of those who participated, and, as the reeve for the Township of Cornwall at the time, it was truly an honour to be in the company of Stanley, a "genius" who delighted in sharing his wisdom and knowledge with others.
The aforementioned details are but a few of the stories and memories I have of Stanley. As a long-time educator in the community, I salute Stanley for his efforts to promote local history in our schools. I know that Kay will have fond memories of their participation in my "heritage day" events, at the schools I had the privilege to serve. Stanley never failed, over the years, to find time on his calendar to accept invitations from schools and groups, and to impart his history stories to young minds. Stanley left his mark, in this way.
In concluding my remarks, today, I wish to thank Kay and her family for giving me this opportunity to reflect on the life of a truly outstanding citizen. My concluding thought reflects back on Stanley's concluding sentence in the foreward to Heritage Highlights of Cornwall Township. When thinking about the original Crown Grant farm at Maple Grove, he states, "There are those of us who can never forget what was!" May I say, all of us will never forget what was; a gentleman, Stanley McNairn. May he rest in peace.
--Jim Brownell

This is taken from information which appears on the webpage of the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia at:  http://www.grandlodgens.org/

On a bit lighter note, something wonderful happened May 17th. Judi McNairn and Cheryl Grice (that’s me!) got to actually meet, in person, for the first time! Judi took a much-needed vacation from her five jobs, and drove the ten-hour drive in her van with her dog Yintuk at her side from Paisley, Ontario to Muncie, Indiana! She was able to stay for four days of gossip, touring Muncie, and genealogy note comparison. Life was definitely interesting for awhile with three adults wanting to all use the computer! Judi is planning on coming back down again in August when we will probably start the REAL planning for the 2003 First Annual World McNairn Reunion.

May 2002