Street Naming Initiative

Bean Street – Honouring Gerry Bean

Gerry Bean (née Eedy) was a proud Harriston resident who served with the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War. Before enlisting, she contributed to the war effort by working in a munitions factory. In 1943, she joined the RCAF and trained as a nursing assistant, providing care and support to injured airmen during her service. Her role was an important part of the war effort, ensuring that those who were wounded received the medical attention and compassion they needed.

Following the war, Gerry returned to Harriston, where she became a well-known local business owner, running a shoe store for more than 20 years. She was an active member of Branch 296 alongside her husband, Percy Bean, who also served and later became branch president.

Gerry’s life reflects both her dedication to service during wartime and her continued commitment to her community in the years that followed. Her contributions are honoured through the naming of Bean Street, ensuring her story remains a visible part of Harriston’s legacy of remembrance.

Tuffy MacDougall Court – Honouring Donald “Tuffy” MacDougall

Donald John “Tuffy” MacDougall was born on September 25, 1925, in Minto, Ontario. He enlisted in the Canadian Army on March 29, 1941, serving with the B Troop of the 100th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery in Guelph. In July 1941, his unit moved to Camp Sussex, New Brunswick, for training before sailing to England in November of that year.

During his service overseas, Tuffy trained and served in England and Scotland before participating in operations across France, Holland, Germany, and Belgium. He served as a Sergeant and was involved in both training exercises and active operations throughout the war.

Following the official ceasefire in May 1945, the 100th Battery was assigned to guard duties at a prisoner-of-war camp before returning to Canada in June 1946. After his discharge, Tuffy worked for the Town of Minto as a grader operator and plumber, later becoming the Town Superintendent of Public Works.

In recognition of his service and community contributions, he received the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award in 2001 and the Bicentennial Medal from the Premier of Ontario in 1984. He also served two terms as President of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 296 and remained a dedicated member for over 60 years.

Thackeray Way – Honouring Harvey Thackeray

James Harvey Thackeray was born on March 16, 1914, in Goodwater, Saskatchewan. In 1937, during the Great Depression, his family relocated to Fergus, Ontario. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Army on June 26, 1942, alongside his twin brother.

After initial training, Harvey was sent to Dundurn, Saskatchewan for advanced training before serving overseas with the Canadian Armoured Corps, 2nd Division, and the 30th Reconnaissance Battalion (Essex Regiment, C Squadron). During the Second World War, he saw active service in England, where he attained the rank of Trooper.

Later in the war, Harvey was selected for advanced training as an instructor on Bren Gun Carriers and served in a military training role at a depot in England. He was discharged on March 10, 1946, and was awarded the Defence Medal and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with clasp.

Following his return to Canada, Harvey settled in Harriston, where he operated a mechanical business for over 30 years. He was a dedicated member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 296 for 45 years, serving as President and later being named a Life Member.

James “Harvey” Thackeray passed away on November 17, 1992. His legacy of military service, community involvement, and long-standing commitment to the Legion is honoured through the naming of Thackeray Way.