Six new members to be engraved on Oshawa’s Walk of Fame

What does a world figure skating champion, a super horse, a philanthropist, a radio DJ legend, an iconic fundraising organization and a record-breaking junior lacrosse team all have in common?

They are all getting their names and legacies engraved on plaques on King Street in downtown Oshawa as the newest inductees into Oshawa’s Walk of Fame.

The Oshawa Walk of Fame, established in 2006, is a series of plaques set in the sidewalks along King Street honoring legends of Oshawa’s past and present who have made significant contributions to life in the city.

“The Oshawa Walk of Fame and Gala Dinner is a community celebration highlighting the remarkable achievements of our inductees,” said Louise Parkes, Co-Chair of the Oshawa Walk of Fame.

The mission of the Oshawa Walk of Fame is to preserve, celebrate and showcase the history and heritage of excellence and achievement in Oshawa; to acknowledge the achievements and success of individuals who have made a significant contribution to life in Oshawa; and to honor the past, as well as inspire the future.

“We are incredibly proud of the rich history and remarkable people that have shaped the great city of Oshawa. The Oshawa Walk of Fame celebrates the leaders whose curiosity, innovation and collaboration have propelled our city forward, leaving their lasting mark on Canadian history,” said Mayor Dan Carter. “We’re excited to celebrate the Oshawa Walk of Fame’s new inductees and to highlight the many successes of community members who are integral to Oshawa’s strong past, present and future. I encourage residents to get your tickets and join in the celebration.”

This year’s inductees are celebrated world champion figure skater Donald Jackson, Kentucky Derby winner and super sire Northern Dancer, philanthropist, community volunteer and business leader Diana Lovell Kirk, community fundraisers and social policy advocates the CAW Family Auxiliary #27, the Green Gaels junior lacrosse team and radio broadcaster and music historian John Donabie.

Past inductees among others include Shirley Eikhard, Tonya Lee Williams, Ken Shaw and Sandy Hawley.

Donald Jackson was renowned for his technical brilliance and artistry on the ice and he made history in the 1962 World Figure Skating Championships in Prague when he became the first skater to land a triple Lutz in competition. The feat not only earned him the gold medal but also solidified his place in figure skating history.

Jackson’s graceful style and pioneering technical skills made him a trailblazer in the sport, inspiring future generations of skaters.

After retiring from competitive skating, Jackson continued to contribute to the figure skating world as a coach and choreographer. He also performed in ice shows, including the famous ‘Ice Capades’ where his artistry and technical prowess continued to captivate audiences. Jackson’s influence on the sport has been recognized with numerous honors, including his induction into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame and the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame.

Northern Dancer, born May 27, 1961 at Windfields Farm in Oshawa, is Canada’s greatest racehorse and a legendary sire in global racing. Bred by E.P. Taylor, Northern Dancer was initially overlooked due to his small stature, but he soon silenced doubters with his extraordinary speed and tenacity.  As a two-year-old, he won seven out of nine races, and his three-year-old season saw him rise to international fame by winning the Kentucky Derby in record time, followed by victories in the Preakness Stakes and Queen’s Plate.

Northern Dancer retired as Canada’s first horse to earn more than $1 million in prize money but his impact extended far beyond the racetrack, as he became one of the most influential sires of the 20th century.  Standing at stud at Windfields Farm and later in Kentucky, he sired countless champions, with his offspring dominating major races across the globe.  His bloodline is so prominent that it’s said more than 70 per cent of all thoroughbred racehorses today can trace their lineage back to him.

Northern Dancer’s legacy was instrumental in establishing Windfields Farm as a world-renowned breeding operation.

Diana Lovell Kirk is known for her deep commitment to community service and her influential role in local arts and culture.  A passionate advocate for her community, Lovell Kirk, the third generation owner of Lovell Drugs, has dedicating countless hours to various charitable organizations and cultural initiatives in Oshawa.

Her work has been instrumental in supporting local arts programs, particularly in promoting the importance of cultural education for youth and her leadership and vision have made a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Oshawa, fostering a greater appreciation for the arts and ensuring that creative opportunities are accessible to all.

Lovell Kirk is also recognized for her dedication to historical preservation and community heritage, working with local historical societies and supporting initiatives that protect and celebrate the city’s past.

The CAW Family Auxiliary #27 was an integral part of the labor movement in Canada, offering support to the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) and their families.  Established to unite the families of union members, the Auxiliary played a significant role in fostering solidarity within the community, particularity during strikes.  The Auxiliary was also active in broader social and political advocacy.

They championed issues such as gender equality, social justice, and workers’ rights, often participating in protests, rallies, and public campaigns alongside the CAW.  Through their dedication and activism, the Auxiliary not only reinforced the strength of the labor movement in Oshawa but also contributed to the wider struggle for fair labor practices and social equity in Canada.

The Oshawa Green Gaels are one of the most storied junior lacrosse teams in Canada, with a legacy that dates back to their founding.  Based in Oshawa, the Green Gaels quickly rose to prominence under the leadership of legendary coach Jim Bishop.  The team became synonymous with success, winning a remarkable seven consecutive Minto Cup championships from 1963 to 1969, establishing themselves as a dominant force in Canadian Lacrosse. The Green Gaels were known for their fast-paced, disciplined style of play, which set a new standard in the sport and inspired future generations of players.

The impact of the Oshawa Green Gaels extends far beyond their championship titles. They have been a crucial part of the local community fostering the development of young athletes and promoting the sport of lacrosse in Oshawa and beyond, with the legacy continuing today as the Clarington Green Gaels.

John Donabie, born and raised here, is a revered figure in Canadian broadcasting, known for his influential career as a radio host and music journalist.  Growing up in the 1950s and 60s, Donabie was captivated by the burgeoning world of rock ‘n’ roll, a passion that would shape his career and legacy.  He began his journey in radio at a young age, and by the late 1960s had established himself as a formidable presence on the airwaves, known for his deep knowledge of music and his genuine rapport with listeners.  His early career saw him work at stations such as CHUM in Toronto, where he honed his craft and developed a unique style that blended authoritative commentary with a laid-back, conversational approach.

Donabie’s career truly took off in the 1970s when he became a key figure in Toronto’s vibrant radio scene, particularly through his work at stations like CKFH and CHUM-FM.  During this period, he became known not just as a DJ but as a curator of culture, introducing Canadian audiences to groundbreaking music from both emerging and established artists.  His interviews with legendary musicians such as Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Leonard Cohen are still remembered for their depth and insight.  Donabie was also instrumental in championing Canadian talent, helping to bring the work of local musicians to a broader audience.

The red carpet reception, Gala Dinner and Induction Ceremony will take place at the Jubilee Pavilion at Lakeview Park on Thursday, November 7; starting at 5 pm. Tickets are $135 and $1,000 for a table of 8.

For more information about the event, please visit www.oshawawalkoffame.ca. Tickets can be purchased by calling Louise Parkes at 905-925-4771. For media inquiries, please contact Louise Parkes and Emmanuel Iheme, Co-Chairs of the Oshawa Walk of Fame, at 905-925-4771 or email [email protected].

All proceeds from the Gala Dinner will go directly to support local charities and organizations.