It’s been an exciting couple of days for Newmarket resident George Markow, who is celebrating his 101st birthday today, as well as receiving the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship yesterday.
Markow, who is a veteran of the Second World War now living at the Roxborough Retirement Residence, became a local legend when he raised money for Southlake Regional Health Centre by walking every day during the first months of the pandemic. His campaign raised more than $160,000.
For his efforts, he was nominated for the Ontario medal by Southlake Foundation. He received the award in a virtual ceremony April 13.
"We were incredibly proud to nominate George for his tremendous commitment to health care and supporting our frontline workers. We are so grateful to have George by our side and congratulate him during his momentous occasion," said Corinna Jones, special events officer at the foundation.
To celebrate both the award and his big birthday, Markow’s family gathered with fellow residents at the Roxborough for an afternoon full of festivities.
“It was an exciting day, there were so many things happening,” said his daughter, Sylvia Perkins.
They started with a family luncheon in the private dining room, which was the first time they were able to all be together as a family since the pandemic began.
They then invited Roxborough residents to enjoy birthday cake and punch, as well as a special performance by Perkins and her friend. After spending some more family time together, it came time for the big ceremony.
The event was held at 4:30 p.m. over Zoom. Jones and Newmarket Mayor John Taylor attended to celebrate this accomplishment. While Perkins said it was a great moment, she said it was too bad it was virtual as Markow is hard of hearing.
Nevertheless, he was overwhelmed and excited by it all.
“He said, ‘All I did was walk, just put one foot in front of the other, now I’m getting all this attention,’ but he’s truly an inspiration to many,” Perkins said.
She said he faced many hardships in his life, including being a prisoner of war, and the fact that he is still here and doing remarkably well is amazing.
“We’re very proud of him. As I say, he is my hero. I admire him and to say that he’s my dad is an honour,” she said.
Markow was one of 22 recipients honoured for contributions in 2019 and 2020. The Ontario medal is the second highest honour bestowed on citizens of Ontario.
“The Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship recognizes exceptional long-term contributions to our province. We have learned throughout the COVID-19 pandemic that the most simple and obvious actions can be exceptional,” said the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, who presented the award.
Two other York Region residents were among those honoured yesterday.
Brian North of Aurora received the award for his contributions to community initiatives like Easter Seals, Habitat for Humanity, Scouts Canada, York Small Business Enterprise Centre and Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation.
Richmond Hill resident Noeline Sujithra Paul was also recognized for more than 35 years of community service. She has supported the food bank, led environmental initiatives, and worked to improve quality of life for children, senior’s in long-term care, and newcomers.
