14
Duff Crerar with sons Ian and Peter1940
15
In 1951, Duff died at the age of 55 while holidaying in Arizona. He suffered a health condition from his war service years. Upon the death of his father, 17 year old Ian carried on his parents business, with the help of an older friend of his father.16
Peter Crerar and Bette Carscadden Painting Bottom Boards for Hives1952
Vernon, Ontario
17
Now, every home needs a honey, and Ian found his special honey nearby in Russell. In 1954, he married Bette Carscadden, the daughter of a farmer. Her experience and enjoyment of working with the public assisted her husband in the expansion and marketing of Crerar's Pure Honey. Ian and Bette both love music, and in their spare time Ian enjoys playing the sazophone and Bette is a singer. They have had six children together.18
Sketch of Worker, Queen and Drone Honey Bees1957
19
Ian continued to improve the business, which has gained a most respected reputation, being a consistent winner of trophies for top quality honey. In 1959, he won the top honey judging award that his father had won 25 years before, the "Honey King of Canada".20
Letter form Minister of Highways28 August 1959
21
First Prize at the Canadian National Exhibition1961
22
Ian Crerar With the Census Taker1971
23
First Place Ribbons for Honey Competitions1979
24
Working With Bees1990
25
Jeffrey, the third son, has taken over the responsibility of the company's 400 bee hives. Duff, the oldest son, is a history professor. Daniel is in the carpentry and contracting trade. All have shared in the functions of the business; they have enjoyed team sports as well, mainly hockey and baseball.26
Janet, the first daughter, has been involved in the business for over eighteen years now. She has been focused mainly on packaging, marketing and bookkeeping. Ken is in woodwork and mechanics. The youngest daughter, Kathy, was born in 1971 and her life was lost in a tragic highway accident in 1977.In 1978, Crerar's Honey became Crerar's Honey Limited. Over the years, the Crerar name has become well known throughout Eastern Ontario.
27
In July of 1997 Geoff Corry joined the company full time as a delivery helper, plant and production worker. He worked for Agriculture Canada for sixteen years in research and he is also Janet's husband! |
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