Mack’s son Jim Wilson emceed Tuesday's park dedication ceremony, and his daughters Susan and Julie helped with the unveiling of the sign and plaque.
It was a testament to the impact he had on the Town of Renfrew.
More than 100 people gathered Tuesday for the dedication of Mack Wilson Memorial Park in the Hunter Gate subdivision, one of the many developments for which the late developer was responsible.
Renfrew Mayor Tom Sidney was among the dignitaries that spoke at the event, saying Mack, who died in 2017, was likely the biggest community developer Renfrew’s ever had.
“He started Hunter Gate, he built apartments, upwards of over 300 units, he was a philanthropist, he gave back to the community. He saw a vision in Renfrew and he put his efforts here and we’re very grateful for that,” said Sidney.
From humble beginnings on a farm in Admaston, Mack grew into a successful businessman, starting Wilson Car Sales at the age of 32 in 1970, establishing Wilson Investments in 1976 and over the next 40 years going on to develop and manage more than 300 commercial and residential units. In 1990 he started M. Wilson Home Developments and started to build single-family dwellings and multiple family units in the town. He also served 25 years on the town’s Industrial Commission.
The Wilson family gathers at Tuesday’s dedication for Mack Wilson Memorial Park.
The park naming and dedication are well deserved, said the mayor.
“With the amount of effort he put into our community and everything that he built and his visions, Hunter Gate was his plan and I think there’s nothing more fitting than naming the park in Hunter Gate after him and commemorate it and recognize him for eternity,” said Sidney.
As several speakers noted, some of Mack’s legacy is made up of the things he did that the wider public wouldn’t know about, including his support for many people.
Renfrew Coun. Andrew Dick was among those who addressed the crowd, recounting how Mack offered “unwavering compassion and support” years ago when Dick was embarking on his journey of sobriety and in need of housing. Dick signed a lease with Mack but ultimately a more suitable alternative came up and, although he was scared to advise the businessman of his need to break the lease, it was unfounded. Dick’s sobriety was more important than the lease, said the developer.
“His act of kindness truly changed the course of my life and I will be forever grateful for his generosity,” said Dick. “Mack had a way of touching the lives of those around him, including mine.”
Mack’s son Jim Wilson emceed the event, and his daughters Susan and Julie helped with the unveiling of the sign and plaque. Their mother Gail, two of Mack’s sisters, and other family members were also in attendance.
Mayor Sidney said he thinks Mack would be pleased to see his vision for the town continuing to come to fruition.
“I think he’d be proud of what he started and I think watching as we move Renfrew forward and the growth that’s going to come, I think he’s positioned us in a very good spot and other people are starting to recognize that Renfrew is a good investment,” said Sidney.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)
