John Muir

John Muir was the consummate volunteer who not only gave of his own time but more importantly inspired others to become involved in the revitalization of their community.

John was Vice-Principal of General Brock Public School for 4 years in the 1970s and returned as principal from 1981 to 1987 and immediately became a leader in advocating for a public library in Sandwich.  He organized a presentation to the Windsor Public Library Board and to Windsor City Council, bringing a delegation of children with him for added impact.

The Friends of Sandwich Library was formed with John as President. As a non-profit organization, the group continued to lobby for a library in their community and their efforts paid off. Sandwich Library was built in 1997, but John didn’t stop there. The library needed materials, so the Friends of Sandwich challenged City Council to match their pledge of $150,000 to buy new materials. The Friends worked tirelessly, raising money through bingos and various other endeavours. In April 2001, they made good on their pledge and presented their final payment to Windsor City Council.

John continued to positively impact other projects as well. He led the Bi-Centennial Celebrations held in 1997 and the community Sandwich Towne Festival held every September. His fundraising efforts helped provide the community with free festive events and children’s activities.  He was also instrumental in the development of the Sandwich Health Centre which opened in 1989.

More recently, John spearheaded the drive to create a sculpture of General Isaac Brock and Chief Tecumseh to commemorate the War of 1812.  He began the project back in 2012 on the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812.  The City of Windsor will wait until September of 2017 to unveil the statues as part of Canada’s 150th birthday celebrations.

John played a leading role in the successful revitalization of the Sandwich Towne Community.

He passed away in July 2016.