Written & researched by Fred Kallin, OMAH History Committee
The Founder/Visionary/Trailblazer we recognize is Dr. Dick Johnston.
Orillia Museum of Art & History (OMAH) History Committee member Fred Kallin had the honour of interviewing Dick Johnston, who was chosen to be recognized for his contributions to OMAH and to get a first-hand account of his memories over the years.
Dick has been a well-respected pillar of the Orillia community for decades, as an Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital but also from his community volunteer work. He has done much to honour our military veterans, was Chair for the Leacock Medal of Humour board and St. Paul’s United Church. He has served on the Advisory Council for the Couchiching Conservancy, and he has been a leader in many other roles as well. He is a mover and shaker.
Orillia Historical Society (OHS)
OMAH was also the beneficiary Dick’s passion for our local history and preserving it. He was a long-time member, supporter and promoter of the OHS joining in 1974 soon after he arrived in Orillia. He described the original history committee as a close-knit group.
OHS Sir Sam Steele Gallery Amalgamation Supporter
Dick was there when, twenty-five years ago, the Sir Sam Steele Art Gallery and the OHS amalgamated to become the OMAH.
Ninette Gyorody, OMAH Executive Director commented about Dick’s contributions during the early years of amalgamation:
“Dr. Dick Johnston has been a stalwart supporter of the Orillia Museum of Art & History since the 1999 amalgamation of the OHS and the Sir Sam Steele Art Gallery. Dick’s strong engagement with local, regional, and national history has been evident through his longstanding contribution to the OMAH Annual Gala Dinner and as a community champion. His sense of humour and charm comes through in every communication, whether email or in-person. I am honoured that Dick is such a good friend of the Museum.”
Dr. Dick Johnston
OMAH Annual Gala Dinner Fundraiser Founder
Dick was one of the founders of the annual fundraising event: OMAH Annual Gala Dinner. Over its 22-year history the dinner raised over $100,000.00 in support of the OMAH programs that provide enrichment for Orillians, the surrounding townships and the Chippewas of Rama First Nation. He chaired this committee for five years making Dick an invaluable supporter of OMAH.
Donald Macdonald, former chair of the OMAH Annual Gala Dinner fundraising committee, commented about Dick’s role in the founding and continuing success of the OMAH Annual Gala Dinner:
“Dick was a OMAH Annual Gala Dinner founder and committee member. For several years ending with the 2016 dinner, Dick was also Chair of the OMAH Annual Gala Dinner fundraising committee, which became a major fundraiser for OMAH and a much looked forward to event in celebration of Canada. The Dinner had a list of notable speakers over the twenty-two years it was held, before the restrictions imposed by COVID-19. As chair of the OMAH Annual Gala Dinner fundraising committee and Master of Ceremonies of the dinners during his tenure, Dick put a great deal of hard work into the success of the dinners, always with the same enthusiasm and with his inimitable flashes of humour, so enjoyed by the guests and speakers alike.”
Through his stalwart support and promotion of the Orillia Museum of Art & History, his commitment to respect and honour our military veterans, and as a well-respected member of the medical community, he has made a huge difference.
Dick has demonstrated a strong sense of social justice and volunteerism. The proof of that is in the lasting contributions that he has made over the years. We celebrate his dedication to the well-being of OMAH and our community.
Thank you, Dick, for all you’ve done for the community and for your many contributions to OMAH, including organizing those memorable fundraising dinners that provided the much-needed funds to enable OMAH’s programming and exhibits, in both art and history.