The Memory Book will be available at the Chamber office until a date toward the end of June.

Hub Staff

At the 2017 BRASS Awards ceremony held June 10 at Lakeshore Recreation, Ralph Hornsby of Ralph’s Hi-Way Shopette in Port Elgin received a standing ovation when he was honoured with a Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award.

To mark Hornsby and his legacy, the Chamber has created a Memory Book and is inviting anyone with a sentiment they would like to share to come in and sign the book.

Stories and well wishes are already beginning to fill its pages with Hornsby’s kind hearted spirit shining through. One lady shared a story of going into Ralph’s the day after her house had burned down and while waiting in line to pay for her groceries Hornsby took her cart, loaded its contents into her car and refused payment. “Nobody could ever know the extent of Ralph's warm-hearted generosity, because he never blew his own horn,” the message read.

In addition to Hornsby’s kindness, contributors to the book have spoken of his community involvement and the reliability of his store. “Great community people and a classic Port Elgin business,” shared one.

Others spoke of the “legendary lines” out the door to buy batteries Christmas Day and memories of sharing “penny candy” from Ralph’s with classmates.

“This man exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit that all businesses strive for and for 45 years was a marketer, promoter and community partner ahead of his time,” said Joanne Robbins, General Manager with the Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce.

The book can be found at the Chamber office, 559 Goderich Street in Port Elgin until a date toward the end of June when Robbins said she will share the book with Hornsby.

In addition to sharing your comments in person, Robbins said you can email your stories to her at joannerobbins@saugeenshores.ca.