McHale (right), with family in front of a Douglas fire truck (Photo courtesy Admaston/Bromley Township_
Regulars of the old Douglas Tavern will toast to the life and times of its owner, Terry McHale.
McHale, the former local fire chief and Bromley Farm Supply owner who spent nearly fifty years entertaining people from across the Ottawa Valley at the affectionately named “Diddley” tavern, passed away at the age of 80 on Saturday, September 27th.
In a statement from Admaston/Bromley mayor and friend Michael Donohue, he notes McHale showed a deep commitment to the community through his forty-year career at the Douglas Fire Department, as well as his long-time memberships with the local Lion’s Club and Douglas Recreation Committee.
Donohue adds that his and wife Evelyn’s gracious hosting of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at the “Diddley” made an annual pilgrimage to Douglas an anticipated homecoming for neighbours from across the Ottawa Valley.
“Terry McHale was a selfless community builder his entire life,” Donohue concludes. “He was a larger-than-life character that from time to time springs from the Valley, and in his various roles, there can scarcely be a soul in the Ottawa Valley that has not met or heard of him.”
A visitation has been scheduled at Goulet Funeral Home in Renfrew this Tuesday, September 30th, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, as well as from 1:00 to 3:00 pm and 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, October 1st. Donations in his memory may be made to Groves Park Lodge Auxiliary and Renfrew Victoria Hospital Foundation.
(written by Kasey Egan)
