One of Port Perry’s most admired and dedicated citizens is Kent Farndale. Over the years, she has received a number of honours and awards for her work within the community, but none more distinguished than the Order of Canada, which she received this summer from the Governor General.

Kent’s connection to Port Perry runs deep, beginning with her birth in the town and stretching back five generations through the Gerrow family line. Her ancestors were Huguenots who fled religious persecution in France, and eventually settled in Canada. In 1924, Kent’s grandfather opened Gerrow’s Bakery, a business that served the town faithfully until it was sold in 1961 to Hank de Jong. The bakery still operates today as Hank’s Pastries.

Kent, an only child, was eager to find opportunities beyond the bakery. She began working part-time across the street from her family’s shop at the Bell Telephone office. She was just thirteen when she began learning the skill of switchboard operation. After completing high school, she enrolled at Teachers’ College in Toronto, where she trained to teach primary grades. In 1958, she married Doug Farndale, and the couple moved to Burlington, followed by a stay in Toronto, and then Edmonton, as Doug’s career with the Toronto Dominion Bank progressed.

In 1966, Doug accepted a position to lead the bank’s new Chargex (later Visa) program, and the couple returned to Ontario. They settled on Kent Street in Port Perry, and bought a cottage on Platten Island, which had once belonged to Kent’s grandmother. Kent wasted no time immersing herself in the life of the town once again.

In the early 1970s, Kent received a call from her friend Bill Brock, who informed her that the Old Town Hall was scheduled for demolition. Kent found the idea upsetting and was determined to stop it. Her commitment helped launch a successful fundraising campaign that saved and restored the building. Today, the Town Hall Theatre, has become a cherished venue for arts and culture.

Though many know Kent for her energy and leadership, fewer are aware of her singing talent. As a child, she had performed in the United Church choir, and years later, she joined the Scugog Choral Society. She took to the stage in productions including Fiddler on the Roof, Brigadoon, and My Fair Lady, delighting audiences with her voice.

Kent has also been a strong supporter of health care in the community. She served on the board of the Port Perry Hospital, during the planning and development of the Matthew Diamond Wing. In the late 1980s, she became involved in the expansion of the Steven B. Roman Wing, and in 1992, she became chair of the board. In 2005, Kent played a key role in the 'Lighting the Way' campaign to raise money for the new endoscopy unit. She spoke proudly of how the community came together to meet the goal.

Kent’s passion for the arts is just as strong. She served on the board of the Scugog Council for the Arts for over a decade and holds life membership in the Ontario Crafts Council. She also continues to support the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art in Toronto.

When plans for a new public library in Scugog were announced in 1982, Kent strongly encouraged the inclusion of an art gallery. After much discussion, space for exhibitions was granted, and Kent managed the gallery for ten years. When she stepped down, a committee honoured her contribution by naming the gallery after her and creating the Kent Farndale Bursary for the Arts.

Kent has also contributed to the written history of the area. In 1994, she co-authored Stitches in Time with Gwenyth Thompson. The book details the development of health care in Scugog Township, and stands as a testament to Kent’s dedication to preserving local history.

Kent Farndale’s name is now etched in Canadian history through the Order of Canada, but it has long held a place of respect in her hometown. Her lifelong dedication to making Port Perry a stronger, more vibrant place, has touched countless lives. The awards on her shelf may shine brightly, but her true success lies in the streets, buildings, and institutions she has helped to shape, and in the hearts of those who have worked beside her.

Congratulations to Kent Farndale on this well-earned recognition.