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Shepherd Became Exhibitor and Judge W. "Ernie" Burton By Suzanne Veh There's probably not a person in Russell who doesn't know who W.E. Burton is -- or at least where he lives. To all the original townfolk he is a well-known figure due to his avid participation in the Agricultural and Political growth of the area; and to the more recent newcomers his house backing onto the Castor River is a showplace because of its beautiful lawn and gardens. A native of Yorkshire, Mr. Bur- ton came here with his family in 1927 and settled in Vars on a 125 acre farm to which he later added another 100 acres. He met Margaret Morrice in 1929 while singing in the Church (something he professes not to be good at) yet obviously it impressed Margaret somewhat for they were married in 1935. In that same year Ernie purchased a ewe in Toronto that turned out to be a champion and from there on he built up a purebred line of sheep (pigs and cattle as well) and never looked back. Farming and sheep in particular were his strength for his parents and grandparents. before him farmed in Yorkshire and at the age of 8 he was a shepherd for his Dad -- and at the time was dream- ing of going to Australia! Russell is pleased he made it here instead for his participation in local agriculture and politics is outstanding. In his time, Mr. Bur- ton has been Deputy Reeve and then Reeve of Russell, Warden on County Council; and has served in the capacity of either chairman, director, vice-president, or presi- dent of: Central Canada Exhibi- tion, Ottawa Winter Fair, Ontario Swine Breeders, Ontario Sheep Breeders, Russell Agriculture Society, Ottawa Valley Milk pro- ducers, Carleton-Rideau Holstein Club, Holstein-Freisian Associa- 'tion of Canada, Ontario Fairs Association, Russell Federation of Agriculture, the South Nation Conservation Authority, the DOUGIE'S ELECTRIC Plumbing and. Repairs Residence, Rural and Farm Free Estimates My Aim...Your Satisfaction Call Doug Eastman Anytime 445-5674 OR 445-2813 founding board for the Children's Hospital....the list goes on and on and on. How could one man do so many things and run a 275-acre farm and be a livestock exhibitor up and down the Ottawa Valley all at one time? "Well"' says Ernie, "I had a good wife and family -- they all were interested and they all pitched in". The Burton's four children; John, Joyce, Barbara and Patricia were all avid 4-H'ers and Fair exhibitors. Since their retirement from the farm in 1969, Ernie and Margaret have lived here in Russell. In their family room, the walls are lined with awards, plaques, photographs and ribbons Mr. Burton has earned over the past. When asked why he or anyone would want to leave the beautiful rolling hills of Yorkshire (James Herriott's territory), Ernie just smiles. He's a man with no regrets -- life here has been fruitful and rewarding -- all those plaques and awards on the walls are more than he expected yet they probably only represent a token of what he has Margaret and Ernie Burton Suzanne Veh photo done for others and his communi- awarding someone a Champion- ty. ship ribbon and hopefully give His satisfaction is most evident them the same goals and incentive when he's judging sheep or cattle he felt so many years ago. and he can have the pleasure of JOHN CONSTRUCTION General Carpentry: Homes, Renovations, Siding Farm Buildings: Roofs & Dry Wall Finishing MOREWOOD, ONT. 448-2683 RUSSTAAL DRAINAGE -* OPEN TRENCH TILING FOR FREE ESTIMATES CALL Harold Staal = 445-2097 & Appliances & Refrigeration Repairs to all makes of Major Home Appliances ® HOME SERVICE ® 445-5765 Proprietor Yvan Dagenais scotiabanks 'THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA RUSSELL 445-2880 'Search for Gold' Scotia Bank , EASTERN ONTARIO GRAPHICS CUSTOM PRINTING WEDDING INVITATIONS HWY 43 BYPASS CHESTERVILLE 448-2137 OFFICE SUPPLIES RUBBER STAMPS MAGNETIC SIGNS CFONDEE 1896 ESTABLISHED ) Furniture ¢ Carpets e Appliances Visit our newly decorated 2nd floor Over 100 sofas and chairs on display SAVE FROM All floor models must We also carry a large selection of Dining & Bedroom sets All at reduced prices. ¢ TERMS AVAILABLE ¢ FREE DELIVERY Embrun 372 RUE NOTRE DAME 443-2191