Committee honours former chair
Bench and plaque to be unveiled in memory of Todd Pyper at Grimsby’s Coronation Park
When Todd Pyper moved to Grimsby he found home, telling friends he was never going to leave the picturesque little town on Lake Ontario.
Now, a year after he lost his battle with cancer, some of his closest friends are making sure his memory stays alive in town.
“He’s not leaving,” said John Restas, a Grimsby musician who counted Pyper both as a professional colleague and a close friend.
On Friday, July 20, the town’s Happening at the Forty committee will be unveiling a bench and plaque in Coronation Park that’s in honour of the former chair of the committee. Ald. Joanne Johnston, also a committee member, came up with the idea and “the committee thought it was a great way to honour Todd,” said Leigh Jankiv, executive director for the Grimsby Downtown Improvement Association.
The dedication will take place during one of the downtown Grimsby summer night events, which began with a movie night on July 6 and will continue with a mix of movies, music and other media throughout the summer.
Fittingly, the tribute to Pyper will take place on one of the music nights. Pyper was well known in the local music community, where he ran a label and recording studio, and released his own music. In fact, the plaque will recite one of his lyrics, which begins with “It’s a gathering place,” a perfect line for a bench in the park, said Restas.
About 15 acts are signed up to perform at the music night. Restas and fellow musician Josh Coulter have been organizing the lineup, which promises to be a good mix of Grimsby’s musical talent.
“There were a lot of people who wanted to play,” said Restas.
The music will begin at 6:30 p.m. and run until about 9. Some of Pyper’s family will be there, and organizers will be accepting donations for McNally House.