LOCAL ACTIVISTS WE HAVE LOVED AND LOST
Keith Ellard Johnston 1961-2026
"Keith was an amazing man. He was loved and adored by everyone in his community, his family and his friends of Smiths Falls. He was brave and never gave up on who he was." - Liz Ringer
" He was a beautiful man with a heart of gold. He was very giving. Even when facing personal difficulties. He made people laugh and blessed everyone with his talents. He will be dearly missed and made a huge impact on everyone around him." - Dan Paul
" I met Keith in a group when I was struggling and we really connected. He welcomed me into his life and helped heal a big part of my journey in discovering myself and having fun. 'Be yourself and be kind', words and actions I am honoured to be a part of. Big love to Keith and all that he shared. Sassy Grandpa Keith will be loved for ages. Thank you." - Ashton
"Keith was an incredible human being. A man who always put others first, approached everyone with kindness, and was loved by all who knew him. Despite the barriers Keith faced in life as a gay man growing up at a time when living his authentic life attracted bullying, humiliation and prejudice, Keith had the courage to lead the way for all to follow. Keith was a true friend and someone I admired. He will be missed." - Shawn Pankow
" He was a beautiful man with a heart of gold. He was very giving. Even when facing personal difficulties. He made people laugh and blessed everyone with his talents. He will be dearly missed and made a huge impact on everyone around him." - Dan Paul
" I met Keith in a group when I was struggling and we really connected. He welcomed me into his life and helped heal a big part of my journey in discovering myself and having fun. 'Be yourself and be kind', words and actions I am honoured to be a part of. Big love to Keith and all that he shared. Sassy Grandpa Keith will be loved for ages. Thank you." - Ashton
"Keith was an incredible human being. A man who always put others first, approached everyone with kindness, and was loved by all who knew him. Despite the barriers Keith faced in life as a gay man growing up at a time when living his authentic life attracted bullying, humiliation and prejudice, Keith had the courage to lead the way for all to follow. Keith was a true friend and someone I admired. He will be missed." - Shawn Pankow
Byron Wilson aka Hyddie Hoe 1985-2023
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As we process the loss of our long standing, passionate and fierce friend, Byron Wilson, it is important for us to remember his contributions to this community. Byron challenged where necessary, advocated for others, and amplified the 2SLGBTQIA voice proudly. He was our home-grown outspoken drag queen and lifted others despite his own experiences of hate and discrimination.
He made a difference! He will be missed.
With his health challenges and diagnosis, he then took on educating folks on lupus and its complexities.
He loved his community, his family and his friends. He was indeed an upstanding Carleton Place citizen.
Plans are in the works to lower the Pride Flag to half mast in Carleton Place in his honour.
(2019 Pride Parade in Perth)
He made a difference! He will be missed.
With his health challenges and diagnosis, he then took on educating folks on lupus and its complexities.
He loved his community, his family and his friends. He was indeed an upstanding Carleton Place citizen.
Plans are in the works to lower the Pride Flag to half mast in Carleton Place in his honour.
(2019 Pride Parade in Perth)
Jim MacGregor 1942-2016
Jim was a lifelong activist in Ottawa and then Lanark County. He was a member of Queer Connection Lanark, started a PFLAG group in Carleton Place and worked tirelessly on supporting United Church congregations to embrace an affirmation of Inclusivity for LGBTQ2 people. He was a member of LGBT Lanark County and LGBT Lanark Civitan Club. He participated in the Rainbow Health Working Group and helped with Rainbow Alliance for Youth drop-ins. He was the lead for the Lanark County men's group.
He will be missed - his energy, enthusiasm, desire to effect change and his wicked sense of humour.
(2015 Pride Parade in Perth)
He will be missed - his energy, enthusiasm, desire to effect change and his wicked sense of humour.
(2015 Pride Parade in Perth)
