By Jordan Mills [1]
BELLEVILLE – Gerry Boyce, a prominent member of the Belleville community and a founder of the Hastings Historical Society, has passed away.
Boyce died overnight Tuesday.
Known as Mr. History, he was instrumental in establishing the Hastings County Museum and the Community Archives of Belleville and Hastings County.
In a statement, the society says “he will also be remembered by thousands of local residents from their student days in his
history classes, livened by his passion for history and love of story telling”.
Over 32 years, he taught at five secondary schools, and was head of a history department for six years and vice-principal for 15 years.
Earlier this year, the society created the Gerry Boyce Award which recognizes long-term work in gathering, preserving and publicizing the history of Hastings County. The first awards were handed out this past summer.
Boyce also served on Belleville city council from 1991 until 1997.
In a statement, Mayor Mitch Panciuk says the flag at Belleville city hall will be lowered in his honour..