Meet Canada’s favourite crossing guard
Oakville students, staff pushed nomination of ‘awesome’ 82-year-old
Every day before Darnley Lewis, 82, takes his post at the crosswalk outside St. Mary Catholic Elementary School in Oakville, he offers up a prayer.
“I took one look at what was going on and offered a prayer of thanksgiving for the safety of the students and everyone crossing,” said Lewis, who in early June, was one of three people to earn the title of Canada’s Favourite Crossing Guard in a national contest.
“There are good drivers out there, and not-so-good. Some drivers are courteous to the extreme and some are the opposite.”
Lewis, a resident of Burlington, has been firmly but kindly patrolling the Colonel William Parkway crosswalk since 2014. He was one of 676 people to be nominated, a process that saw dozens of students, school staff and community members draw pictures, write letters and even make a video in support of his candidacy.
The entire school population, along with local dignitaries, Lewis and his family, had the chance to watch that video at a special assembly on June 6.
“I look forward to seeing him every day after school,” said one student in the video.
“He is awesome!” exclaimed another.
The applause was thunderous as Lewis and his family entered the gym for the assembly.
Principal Carol Hryhorsky had warned students that “hooting and hollering” would not be allowed (“we don’t do that at this school”), so they used their hands to show their appreciation, leaving the crossing guard in tears.
“I feel honoured. More than honoured,” he said, wiping his eyes. “I consider you the bestcrossing children in all of Canada, too.”
The contest is organized by Parachute Canada, an organization working to reduce preventable injuries, with support from FedEx Canada. Representatives from both organizations were on hand to offer Lewis their congratulations, and to bestow him with a trophy and a gift of $500.
St. Mary’s also received $500, but decided to hand its cheque over to Lewis as well.
“We didn’t honour you so we could get something in return,” said Grade 5 student Jasmine Ladzinski at the assembly.
In keeping with the spirit of things, Lewis decided to offer the gift as a donation to McMaster University Medical Centre, where a student from the school has been recovering after being in a serious car crash. He also proposed to leave his trophy at the school for half of the year.
Oakville mayor Rob Burton thanked him on behalf of the entire community, then told the students in the audience that they are lucky to live where they do.
“The reason we are the safest community in Canada is because you are being raised by people who really care … and want to keep you safe,” he said.