The Lambton Agricultural Hall of Fame has chosen two former agriculture ministers as its 2013 inductees.
The Hon. Ralph H. Ferguson and the late Hon. Lorne C. Henderson both life-long Lambton County farmers, veteran politicians, and foundational members of many of Lambton County’s rural organizations, will be installed at a special induction ceremony to be held at the annual Lambton Federation of Agriculture banquet next November.
Lambton Agriculture Hall of Fame president Joanne Sanderson said the decision process was highly challenging for the organization’s selection committee because all the nominees this year were very deserving of the honour.
“However, we are pleased to announce Ralph Ferguson and Lorne Henderson as our 2013 inductees,” she said.
The Hon. Ralph Ferguson served as the MP for the federal riding of Lambton-Kent Middlesex from 1980 to 1984 and again from 1988 to 1993. He served in several portfolios but was appointed Minister of Agriculture by Prime Minister John Turner in 1984.
The Hon. Lorne C. Henderson, who will be inducted posthumously, served as the MPP for the provincial riding of Lambton from 1963 to 1985. In 1979, he was appointed Minister of Agriculture by Premier William Davis.
Sanderson noted that as farmers, politicians, and active members of their community, the two men shared some common characteristics: both had a passion for agriculture, were dedicated to their family and service to the public, and both brought change to agriculture in Lambton County.
“Simply stated, they both made a difference,” she said.
“Both men found time aside from their farm and family life to make a difference in their communities and bring change to agriculture in Lambton County that still counts to this day.”
Sanderson noted that it’s important not to forget that this award should be shared with their spouses: Delores Ferguson and Reta Henderson.
“These were two women who held the fort while their husbands were away making a difference for others,” she said.
The two men will be formally inducted into the Lambton Agricultural Hall of Fame this in a special ceremony to be held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Lambton Federation of Agriculture next November in Wyoming.
~John Phair~
The Chatham Daily News