Joe Demeza

A Rotarian Tribute to Dr. Joseph G. (Joe) Demeza, B.A., B. Paed., L.H.D. (1914-2002)

Introduction

Joe Demeza Photo courtesy The Intelligencer

On February 18th., 2002, Joe Demeza was honored by his fellow Rotarians marking 50 years as a member of the Rotary Club of Belleville. Joe, supported by his wife Reinette, who died in 1989, is an outstanding example of a Rotarian par excellence. He lived his Christian faith, is recognized as a "peacemaker", and has influenced all who knew him by living a life of "service above self." Joe's dedication to service began in his youth and dominated every day of his life.

An Overview

Joe was born in North Bay, Ontario, in 1914, son of George and Anne Demeza. Educated in North Bay Public Schools. Graduated in 1932 from North Bay Collegiate Institute and Vocational School as Gold Medalist and valedictorian. Graduated from North Bay Normal School as valedictorian in June, 1933.

Joe began teaching in September, 1933 in a one room school at Fossmill, Ontario - 52 pupils, in eight grades. Next year had 55 pupils, including 12 in grade one and 3 in grade nine.

After 2 years at Fossmill, Joe became principal of West Ferris Public School in 1935. During the twelve years he spent there, he completed Bachelor of Arts Degree at Queens University, Pedagogy Degree at University of Toronto and Public School inspector qualification.

From 1947 to 1950, Joe served as first Superintendent of Public Schools in Kirkland Lake. Became Asst. Supt. of the Ontario School for the Deaf (now Sir James Whitney School) - was sent to University of Manchester to study the education of the deaf.

Joe became Superintendent of the Ontario School for the Deaf in Belleville in January 1953 and served until his retirement in August of 1979. In June of 1967 received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters from Gallaudet University, Washington, D.C. which recognized his meritorious service to the deaf. Joe's term at the School was a period of great growth and development in programs and facilities (audiological services, psychological services, pre-school visiting, special classes for multi-handicapped deaf children, resources, teacher training, residences, vocational building, sports center, infirmary, child study center etc.)

Service as a Rotarian (50 plus years)

• Early association as a young teacher and Scout Leader, was appointed by the Rotary Club of North Bay to direct its annual summer camp for underprivileged boys.
• In 1952 was proposed for membership in the Rotary Club of Belleville by his predecessor at the Ontario School for the Deaf, W.J. Morrison
• Elected President in 1957
• Director of Operations for the first music festival in 1969. Linton Read was Chairman and Bob Ord was Director of Planning. Actively supported and participated in every festival for more than 30 years
• Another area of special service was through projects to support Caribbean Schools for the deaf. Bob Michaud provided the leadership spark. The project helped train teachers and provided equipment and supplies with the help of CIDA. Over 15 years the project aided schools for the deaf in 5 island countries, namely, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Jamaica, and Grenada.
• Honoured by the Club by being named a Paul Harris Fellow, then elevated to the third level.

Service to the Community in Belleville (50 years)

• Gave leadership in the organization of Community Chest and in its change to the United Way
• On committee to establish Belleville Branch of the Arthritis Society
• Served on the Board of Directors and as President of the Belleville Community Concerts Association and later on the Board of the Trenton Community Concerts Association
• A founding member of the Board of Community Care
• Several terms on the Committee of Adjustment appointed by Belleville City Council
• Chairman of the Walter T. Elliott Charitable Foundation
• In 1992 was awarded the Governor General's Canada 125 Medal for service to the community
• In 1970 was named "Hastings County Educator of the Year" and was presented with the Sir Mackenzie Bowell Award

Service to Albert College

• For more than 40 years served on the Board of Albert College, as Chairman and on almost all committees playing an integral part in the building of the new girl's residence, the Walter Baker Center, the Bert Simpson Memorial Science Wing and the many renovations to the junior school.
• Joe's service to Albert was summarized best in a recent tribute by Garth Stephenson, "You were the one person who was always respected by the headmaster, all members of the board, parents and students with a unique ability to listen to lively discussion and then concisely distill everyone's thoughts in a motion agreed upon by all. You have provided counselling and advice to 18 board chairs and 9 Albert College headmasters.

Service through Bridge Street United Church

• For more than 50 years has served in most aspects of the work of the church - Recording Steward, Elder, Chairman of the organ committee for the new organ in 1955-56 and on the building committee for the Christian education addition in 1962.
• Assisted in the establishment of the Church Foundation serving as its' first Secretary and then Chairman
• The first Chairman of the restructured Congregational Board in 1973
• Chairman and member of the Board of Trustees
• A founding member of the Board of the Quinte Living Centre
• Long time member of the choir
• Participated in the organization of the Bay of Quinte Conference United Church Ministry with the Deaf, was the first secretary of its supervising board and continued on the board for many years.

Thank you, Joe.