PINKERTON, Garfield
Garfield Donald Pinkerton Garfield Pinkerton of Elk Lake, Ontario passed away peacefully at the Temiskaming Hospital on March 27, 2009 at the age of74. He was born on January 18, 1935 to Joseph and Gladys Pinkerton (nee Watkins) in Kirkland Lake, Ontario. He was pre-deceased by his parents and brothers Roger, Jack and Michael. He is survived by his loving wife, Christa (nee Flade), and son, Raymond, of Elk Lake, son Thomas (Sharon) of Coleman, Alberta and daughter Judy Stevens (Mark) of High Level, Alberta, brothers Joe of Perth, Ontario, William and Brian of North Bay and sisters Helen of Seattle, USA, Isabel of Como x, B.C., Judy of Sudbury, Ontario and Sharon of Kirkland Lake. He will be forever remembered by his grandchildren Krista, Katelyn and Jesse and many nieces and nephews. Garfield's early taste of the mining life in Elk Lake and Gowganda would bring him full circle later, but first, he joined the Canadian AImed Forces in 1957 and served with the Queen's Own Rifles Second Battalion. Garfield spent time abroad in Germany, where he met his wife, Christa, and as a fl.-ont-line peacekeeper with the United Nations forces in Cyprus. He always remained a strong supporter of the Canadian Armed Forces. Upon gaining his honourable discharge in 1971, Garfield settled with his family in western Canada, living in British Columbia, Albelta and Saskatchewan. However, the calling of home beckoned and he returned to Temiskaming to operate the Elk Lake Lodge Hotel in 1986. During this time, Garfield displayed his passion for Northern Ontario as an active participant in community affairs and in politics. He served on Town Councils in both Elk Lake and Matachewan and he was the Progressive Conservative candidate in the 1990 provincial election, advocating for better representation of nOlthelll issues. He was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 310, the Elk Lake & District Chamber of Commerce, the Ontario Prospectors' Association, the Northern Prospectors' Association, the Elk Lake Masonic Lodge No. 507 and the Independent Order of Foresters. Retirement only meant a career change and Garfield turned his hobby of prospecting into a full-fledged business. His knowledge of the historical mining activity in the Elk Lake, Gowganda and Matachewan areas combined with his acquired skills in geology and business, enabled him to stake claims and attract the interest of junior mining companies from Toronto and Vancouver, leading to further exploration in the area. The full value of Garfield's work will be realized in future years. Throughout his life, Garfield displayed a natural tenacity to survive and succeed whether it was on the front lines in Cyprus or in the bush of Northelll Ontario. With his quick wit and willingness to lend a helping hand, Garfield touched the hearts of many. He will be fondly remembered and sadly missed. A "Celebration of Life" memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 4th at 11 :00 a.m. at the Elk Lake Community Centre. Memorial contributions to "Community Cancer Support" can be made on-line at www·12errinfuneralchapeLcomand will be gratefully acknowledged by the family.
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