Community Leaders Moving. They Will Be Missed.
By Charlene Jones
Author/Poet/Meditation Teacher, Soulsciences
charlenej@rogers.com | www.soulsciences.net
“They’ve always been devoted and committed to making their Musselman’s Lake community better.”
No one accomplishes anything without the help of many hands, and one of the highlights of recent years has been the way in which Rick and Linda Wigmore gathered so many of us towards greater ends.
Whether shivering in the Polar Vortex temperatures of the Winter Carnival, handing out hot dogs at the April Spring Clean Up, discussing the lake with government officials or hosting one of the regular meetings of the Musselman’s Lake Residents Association, the Wigmores gathered us all.

Rick Wigmore, President of the MLRA & Councillor Phil Bannon celebrate the unveiling of the Coultice Park sign at Earth Day 2014
As President and one of the founding members of the MLRA back in 2006, Rick and his wife Linda, who took up the role of Treasurer, took it upon themselves to draw the community together to talk about issues vital to the lake and lake residents – How do we build stronger communities? How do we petition the Town with clarity? What’s the best way to educate residents on the lake and surrounding area about both environmental and safety issues? From topics such as runoff and water quality, street lighting to road and water safety, Rick led the charge to effect change. Rick’s negotiating skills also enabled the MLRA to have a long overdue, full environmental assessment of the lake undertaken, resulting in our extensive Water Quality report. He also played a role in bringing a long awaited park to our community.
However, it will be at fun events like the Halloween Dances, the Winter Carnival, Fall Festival or Spring Clean Up that Rick and Linda will be remembered most. They put all of their energy into ensuring that all MLRA events were run successfully – and they weren’t afraid to get their hands dirty either. They were always the first to arrive to assist with setting up and the last to leave, staying to help clean up. They had a way of instilling a sense of comradery into MLRA members. The hard work shared disappeared in the feeling of a sense of belonging and purpose.
Yes, they decided, after a lot of thought, that it was time for a change. It was time to let go of their home and their signature pontoon boat “The Raven”, a welcome sight and in true Wigmore fashion, a welcome place for so many of us around the lake. They are moving to be closer to their children and grandchildren so they can spend more quality time together.
While we will miss them and the huge impact they’ve had on our lake and our lives, they go with our best wishes for continued joy in their new adventures.
As Ed, The Wine Doctor put it so well…“What can I say about Rick and Linda Wigmore? They’re good people: generous, kind and caring, and from all accounts, the perfect neighbours. They’ve always been devoted and committed to making their Musselman’s Lake community better. Whitby, now, will be that much richer with their residency and I’m sure they will become a valuable asset to that community. Jo Ann & I feel very privileged to call the Wigmores our friends.”
Related links
MLRA Achievements
Water Quality and Management of Musselman’s Lake Report
WOW, WHAT AN EARTH DAY TO REMEMBER AT MUSSELMAN’S LAKE
MLRA On WhiStle Radio
31 Mar
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