Evelyn Storms

Evelyn Storms

She kept company with a prince – and a movie star – but those closest to Evelyn Storms say she never lost the common touch.

When she died in November 2001 at age 90, Evelyn still lived in the family home built at the turn of the century on Ravenscliffe Avenue. Her father, Harry Utter Hart, moved to Hamilton from the United States when he was appointed chief engineer and vice-president of Westinghouse Canada Limited. He built the stately yellow brick house for his wife and two daughters. It was the only home Evelyn ever knew save for her years at Wellesley College, a small liberal arts college for women near Boston, where she earned a BA in history in 1933. It was there that Evelyn dated movie legend Jimmy Stewart and the Prince of Wales, heir to the British throne who would later abdicate in order to marry Mrs. Wallis Simpson.

Evelyn was in her late 40s when she married Richard (Dick) Storms, vice-president of manufacturing controls at Dofasco, in 1960. The union lasted until Dick’s sudden death 16 years later. An engineering graduate from the Royal Military College in Kingston, Dick spent a 40-year career at Dofasco, with a five-year break to serve during World War II.

Paul Phoenix, who worked as a summer student for Dick, remembers him as a brilliant man and an innovative thinker. “He spoke quickly and I often had to translate to my colleagues just what it was he wanted done. I learned a lot from him and really admired him. Dick was also very caring and loyal. When my wife and I left for our honeymoon, our apartment wasn’t yet furnished. The furniture arrived while we were away and when we returned, Dick, under my stern little grandmother’s orders, had the whole place set up.”

Dick’s daughter Nancy Prieur recalls that Evelyn and Dick loved to entertain. “They made a funloving, intelligent and accomplished couple who were renowned for the gracious welcome they extended to visitors. Their home, decorated mainly in shades of pink, reflected that warmth. Evelyn was dignified and dressed with great taste but she was also funny and mischievous. Her volunteer interests included the Junior League and Red Cross. Dad had a keen interest in architecture. He was an accurate draughtsman and a strong mathematician, whereas Evelyn enjoyed history, art and popular music. They shared a passion for golf and were members of the Hamilton Golf and Country Club, where Evelyn was club champion. They were wonderful dancers too. My father also taught hockey and was a beautiful skater.”

After remembering Centenary United Church, numerous friends, family members and employees, Evelyn left the residue of her estate to the Hamilton Community Foundation to honour the memory of her parents, Harry and Louise (Lulu) Hart and her husband, Dick. The generous bequest will make more grants possible from the Community Fund.

Excerpt from 2002-2003 Annual Report

Fred and Ruth Spencer

Fred and Ruth Spencer

Fred and Ruth Spencer

When it comes to having a soft spot for people in need, Fred and Ruth Spencer share one that’s perhaps a bit softer than most.

This upbeat couple, now in their early 80s, believes charity begins at home – but they’re quick to add that it also needs to leave home and help the community. They’ve lived that belief all their lives, from the early years of their marriage when they took in foster babies and nurtured them until they were adopted, to their work with the Red Cross helping flood victims, to today, with their decision to make monthly donations to Hamilton Community Foundation’s Tackling Poverty Together initiative.

They are also long-time supporters of HCF’s Spectator Summer Camp Fund, based on Ruth’s fond memories of attending the camp as a child during the Depression. “There were times my family was on relief and I’ve never forgotten that,” Ruth says. “I remember those happy days at camp, and I think it’s so important for children to get away from the city and have fun.”

Both of Ruth’s parents were orphans, and her father was one of the “home children” who were sent from Great Britain to work on Canadian farms. Fred grew up in Birmingham, England and is particularly sensitive to the struggles that children and young people can face growing up in big, industrial cities. “We’ve always been interested in trying to help children from poor circumstances,” he says. “They’re the next generation who mustn’t be bypassed. With the Foundation’s current focus on poverty reduction, it seemed like a logical cause to support.”

Although they had originally planned to leave a small bequest to HCF, Ruth and Fred met with Hamilton Community Foundation to discuss their interest in leaving a ‘living’ legacy, with funds that would start to work now and not wait until their estates were settled. With the Foundation’s help, they began in November 2005 to make automatic monthly withdrawals from their bank account to support the Community Fund, which provides grants to projects aimed at preventing and reducing poverty.

“We sat down and started to make some decisions,” Ruth says. “With our age, we felt we needed to do this. We talked things over with our daughters and we have things in place now.”

Excerpt from 2005-2006 Annual Report

Ed Smee Conserver Society Environmental Fund

Ed Smee, the founding Chair of the Conserver Society, led by example through his personal life work on environmental issues. He is credited by his friends at the Conserver Society with helping to create the first action plan for Hamilton Harbour/Burlington Bay.

The Ed Smee Fund is is managed by Hamilton Community Foundation.  The Conserver Society is the advisor and recommends recipients of funding to the Foundation based on submissions.

The Conserver Society accepts applications from community groups for small projects focused on education, research, or advocacy aimed at protecting the natural environment in Hamilton and Burlington.

Excerpt from 1998-1999 Annual Report

W. Robert and Marion S. Shivas Conservation Trust Fund

 Marion Shivas

Marion Shivas could name every flower, bird, tree and weed in her backyard and at the cottage on the Bruce Peninsula she owned with her husband, Bob. The enjoyment of nature was the main focus of their lives. It found expression in the garden of their Dundas home and their love of hiking on the Bruce Trail.

The two met while employed at Hamilton’s Tuckett Tobacco Company, although Bob went on to become general manager of Rheem Canada Ltd. When Marion retired after 32 years as secretary to Tuckett’s vice-president of sales, she devoted her life to natural history, wildflower protection and land conservation. She was active in the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club as President for six years and as Sanctuary Director for 25 years. In 1961 she led the club in its first land purchase, Spooky Hollow Sanctuary, a 95 acre tract of stream-crossed, wooded land rich in plant and animal life near Normandale, making Hamilton the first naturalist club in Canada to possess its own nature sanctuary. Subsequently, she guided the club in the purchase of the Short Hills Wilderness Area and other nature reserves.

Marion Shivas was honored not only by the HNC for her leadership of Ontario Naturalists of which she was a director. In addition, she was recognized by the Dundas Horticultural Society, Ontario Heritage Foundation and Hamilton Region Conservation Authority.

Predeceased by her husband in 1972, Mrs. Shivas established the W. Robert and Marion S. Shivas Conservation Trust in order to ensure that generations could continue to enjoy the rich natural heritage they cherished. She died at the age of 91 and, in her will, bequeathed the residue of her estate to the Foundation to be used for the preservation, promotion and protection of plants, wildlife and conservation in general, in the areas under the jurisdiction of the Hamilton and Halton Region Conservation Authorities.

Excerpt from 1996-1997 Annual Report

Lillian M. Shaw Fund

Lillian Shaw

Miss Shaw enjoyed a career as a successful life underwriter with Canada Life which career started in June of 1936. Lillian had a genuine interest in people and helping with their problems.

Upon her death the Hamilton Community Foundation established a fund in her name with proceeds received from her estate. The purpose of this fund is to support the work similar to that being carried out by the Canadian Mental Health Association with particular reference to the support of research or treatment in the interests of frightened or mentally disturbed children.

The Glenn and Sidney Sellick Fund

Angelika Sellick

Angelika Sellick

Angelika Sellick has no doubt that philanthropy can be taught. The fund she created at Hamilton Community Foundation, in honour of her parents, illustrates the point perfectly.

“My father is a minister and my mom is an educator. They’re both very giving people,” Angelika says. “Thinking of others and the needs of the community is just something that my parents always taught me to do. They always say, and I say it too, if everyone just gave a little bit, it could really make a difference.”

Angelika quietly made history at HCF in 2004 when she became the youngest person ever to start a fund: The Glenn and Sidney Sellick Fund.  “As a child, I observed how my parents consistently gave a portion of their earnings to other individuals and organizations,” she says, noting that with five children in the family, it wasn’t always financially easy to do so.

Angelika moved to Hamilton from Leamington in 1998 to attend McMaster University. After graduation she took a number of contract jobs in education and the arts before leaving Hamilton to teach English in South Korea. “I love the city for its character. It has its struggles and downfalls, but I think the people are great. Before I left, it was important to me to give something back to the city where I had six great years.”

Originally attracted by the ”Growing Roots…Strengthening Neighbourhoods” program because of its grass-roots approach, Angelika’s fund benefits the Foundation’s TPT II: Building Strong Communities which continues the emphasis on charitable grants supporting small projects. “HCF doesn’t say, ‘we think the area needs this’ – it’s the citizens themselves who decide what the needs are,” she says.

“When Angelika contacted us about starting a fund, we were just thrilled,” says Carolyn Milne, HCF’s President and CEO. “Although we know many young people are involved in philanthropic activities, either as volunteers or as donors, she is by far the youngest person to have started a fund with us. It’s a wonderful tribute to her parents, and Hamilton’s citizens will benefit as a result.”

Excerpt from Spring 2005 Newsletter

Jeanne Scott Fund

 

ScottJeanne Scott’s great love of Hamilton and her desire to help others are nourished through her fund at Hamilton Community Foundation.

Jeanne Scott learned many lessons from her mentor, the late Dan Giannini; for her, giving back to your community has been the most rewarding.

“Hamilton has been wonderful to me,” says Jeanne. “Dan always told me if you’re fortunate, don’t forget to give back to the things that have meant something to you.”

For almost 50 years, Jeanne worked as Dan’s assistant in the financial services industry. As new immigrants from England, Jeanne’s and her husband’s early years in Canada were not easy, and the opportunity to cash in an unexpected $1,000 accumulated sick benefit seemed like a windfall.

“Dan convinced me to let him invest it,” says Jeanne. “I was reluctant. It was more money than I had ever had, but I had faith in him.” Dan began to show her how to manage her investments and, as a savvy businessperson in her own right, Jeanne followed his example and watched other advisors they worked with. She also began to follow Dan’s lead in donating to local charities – including HCF.

“I would attend meetings with him at the Foundation,” she says. “I liked what they were doing and the way they did it.
The fact you could support your interests really appealed to me.”

“I used to live in the North End,” she says, “and I loved the diversity – hearing ‘good morning’ in so many languages; it
reminded me of my travels through Europe and made me feel less homesick. Living in Hamilton, I was active in opera,
musical theatre, curling and my church. I made so many friends; the city really enabled me to do the things I loved.”

Jeanne established a designated fund at HCF with gifts of shares, supporting the Good Shepherd Centre where she is a long-time volunteer, and the HCF Community Fund, recognizing her great love of the city. As a classically trained singer and performer, she also supports a bursary award for performing arts students through her fund.

“I’m so happy to be able to give back to this city,” says Jeanne. “I never thought I’d be able to do what I have been able to accomplish – or that it would give me so much pleasure. It makes me feel that my purpose in life has been fulfilled.”

Excerpt from Fall 2008 Newsletter

Joan W. Rutherford Fund

Joan Rutherford

Born in Winnipeg and raised in Montreal, Joan Bann met her future husband, Gordon Rutherford, at McGill University in the 1930s. When Gordon accepted a position at Stelco in 1948, they moved to Hamilton and Joan quickly settled in, raising two children and volunteering in numerous organizations.

Their son Hugh Rutherford and daughter, Ann Goddard describe their mother as a selfless person, willing to help anyone at any time, and with a large circle of friends. “Mother loved people and was a real doer. She was one of the founders of Meals on Wheels, a fundraiser for Christ’s Church Cathedral and a Junior League member,” Hugh recalled. Owing to her flamboyant driving style, she earned the nickname “Leadfoot Joanie”. “Stop signs, stop light and speed limits were minor details, ” Hugh laughed. When her church had a fee-for-service fundraiser, she volunteered to be a driver!”.

Mrs. Rutherford remembered several charities in her will including the Foundation.

Excerpt from 1996-1997 Annual Report

Royal Canadian Humane Association

The Hamilton Community Foundation has been given the privilege of safeguarding the rich history and perpetuating the memory of the Royal Canadian Humane Association, a national organization established in Hamilton in 1894. Modeled on the Royal Humane Society of Great Britain, the RCHA’s mandate was to recognize and honour acts of heroism and bravery in the saving of human life. Over its 107-year history, the Association awarded more than 6,000 medals and citations to individuals across the country.

RCHA was founded by Adam Brown, often referred to as Hamilton’s “Grand Old Man”. He so loved and believed in the Association that he stayed on for 30 years and celebrated his 100th birthday while still in office. Through his efforts, Queen Victoria approved the use of the word “Royal” in the Association’s name. In addition to this distinction, RCHA medals were among very few decorations that could be worn on the armed forces uniform.

Initially, the RCHA had a much broader focus as it also worked toward the prevention of cruelty to children and animals. Gradually, these roles were assumed by the Children’s Aid Society and the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. In time, the Association found itself competing with bravery awards bestowed by the Government of Canada – the Cross of Valour, Star of Courage and Medal of Bravery which are presented by the Governor-General at Rideau Hall – as well as the country’s police and fire departments. With a decline in nominees and criteria that were virtually the same as the government awards, RCHA decided that more than one national program was no longer needed.

“We did not have the prestige or the funds to collect information on nominees in the way the Governor General’s office can. We have never been a large organization and we’re volunteer-driven, so we can’t compete, “explained Sheila Scott, who joined the Association in 1975. “We had to find a way to leave a record of the Association’s work and a memorial to the people who started it.

In 2000, the board of governors decided to surrender the Association’s charter and transfer the remaining assets to the Hamilton Community Foundation. With the help of an advisory committee, the Foundation will honour RCHA’s original intent by making awards for outstanding acts of citizenship and bravery by citizens of Hamilton and Burlington.

Richard McLaren, great grandson of the first treasurer and fourth generation to serve on the board, said, “this is a good solution to a difficult situation. My family would have been pleased.”

Excerpt from the 2000-2001 Annual Report

Revolution Hope – The Claire Lewis Foundation

Claire Lewis

Claire Lewis

Hamilton Community Foundation is home to Revolution Hope, an endowment fund established by Brenda and John Lewis after the tragic death of their eleven-year-old daughter, Claire, in October 2001.

Claire was a talented and creative girl who preferred writing and drawing to television and video games. She enjoyed all kinds of music, played the piano, and as her father says, “loved all of God’s creatures with reckless abandon.”

Six of God’s creatures received the gift of health from Claire when her organs were donated to other children with terminal or serious medical conditions. Scores more will feel her spirit through grants from Revolution Hope, a fund focused on programs and activities to help young people, particularly children at risk, experience the arts.

“We know first-hand that children grow in self-esteem through participating in the artistic process,” say Brenda and John, “and we want to help other children experience that same joyful learning.”

Brenda and John Lewis, their older daughter Jesse, relatives, and friends began the Revolution Hope Fund at Hamilton Community Foundation with gifts made in Claire’s memory. The family’s goal is to raise $1 million in the fund; they welcome contributions from the community.

Excerpt from 2002-2003 Annual Report