Ralph Sutton sits on many boards, helps numerous organizations
Jul 03, 2009 - 01:56 PM
By Kristen Calis
PICKERING -- Ralph Sutton is not only Pickering's 2009 senior of the year, but one of the city's finest citizens, says Mayor Dave Ryan.
"He is a tireless worker with an impressive list of accomplishments in our community and his efforts have contributed to the betterment of us all," Mayor Ryan said before handing out the award.
And that's part of the reason he received the 2009 Pickering Senior of the Year award in June, which is also Senior's Month.
Mr. Sutton moved from Scarborough to Pickering in 1985 and has been married to his wife, Carol Sutton, for 49 years. The couple has three daughters and seven grandchildren.
"We moved here to get the country atmosphere and get a bigger house for our growing family," he said.
Although he added Pickering is growing fast, he still enjoys "the fresh air, and it's an environmentally sensitive community."
Mr. Sutton retired from Bell Canada in 1990 after 34 years of service, and shortly after, began volunteering in the community.
"It gives me something to do," he said. "It keeps me busy. It gives me purpose."
To name just a few of his accomplishments Mr. Sutton: is chairman of the industrial/commercial task force for the Ajax-Pickering-Uxbridge United Way; serves on the Rouge Valley Hospital Gala Committee; is on the Pickering Mayor's Gala committee; is vice chairman of the Veridian Hydro Corporation board of directors; and serves on the York-Durham Big Pipe Advisory Committee as Pickering's representative.
Mr. Sutton felt humbled to receive the award, especially since his family could see his efforts.
"I've got grandkids and they said 'Wow, I didn't know you did all that'," he said.
And Mr. Sutton won't be surprised if his grandchildren move in the direction of volunteering; it runs in the family. Mrs. Sutton also lends her time to the community. She won a volunteer award at the 2006 Pickering Civic Awards for her work on various organizations such as the Mayor's Gala Committee and Big Brothers and Sisters of Ajax and Pickering.
"We're kind of embedded in each other," he said.
When Mr. Sutton isn't helping the community, he enjoys fishing, swimming, relaxing at his cottage and playing pool.
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