The late Danny Harrington is among five Killaloe residents being honoured through the Legacy Bench Project.
Harrington was born and raised in Killaloe and passed away in 2023, age 75, following a battle with cancer.
He was the owner of Killaloe Hardware for more than 20 years. He was also a dedicated volunteer for more than 40 years for the Killaloe Food Bank, the Community Resource Centre and a number of other local organizations, including the Killaloe District Housing and the Killaloe Irish Gathering.
Renfrew County Coun. Maureen MacMillan and her husband wanted to find a way to keep Harrington’s memory alive.
“My husband and I were wondering how we could honour this gentleman because he was just a good family friend and just such an important figure in our community.”
They wanted to make good on a promise made to build a bench honouring his legacy to Killaloe. They went on a search to find the “perfect” bench.
“We had this idea. We went around Ontario, sat on lots and lots of benches, and we found the perfect benches. We decided to go a little bit further and have a legacy bench project,” MacMillan told Bancroft Now.
MacMillan and her husband launched an initiative to commemorate diverse members of the village who, like Harrington, played critical roles, making the community what it is today.
Last week, the legacy benches were installed in different locations across Killaloe.
“They pay homage to some fabulous community members,” reflected MacMillan.
“We have two at the entrance way to Station Parks. We have one for Maureen Cashubee, who owned the store The Little Gem in Killaloe. And one for Mr. and Mrs. Wallbridge, who were a doctor and nurse who made lots of house calls in Killaloe once upon a time. They served in (the Second World War).”
A bench for Eleta Kelley sits by the Bandstand in the park. Kelley was one of the “founding foremothers” of the Community Resource Center, explained MacMillan.
A bench for Paul Cybulski sits on Henry Street by the creek. Cybulski was known by his family and friends as a quiet, caring family man who loved music. His bench is located in an area known as one of the most peaceful spots in the village.
Harrington’s bench sits on the corner of Water Street, overlooking the hardware store at the centre of Killaloe.
“It was certainly a beautiful full-circle moment to finally have that bench installed, because that was a promise we made to a really good friend. It felt really good to fulfill that promise.”
For MacMillan, Harrington inspired leadership through his desire to build the community into a better place for everyone.
“To those who knew Danny, he was a true community champion. From running the Killaloe Hardware store, being involved in just about every board of directors there was, rallying the community and running our food bank for a time. Danny was all about Killaloe and was truly a man of the people,” MacMillan said in a social media post earlier this week.
Harrington was a friend and mentor to many.
“He stopped by for coffee almost every other day. He encouraged me to run for council, got my husband volunteering alongside him at the food bank, came to our wedding, and even helped us clear a property we bought,” said MacMillan.
“We still think of Danny. He comes into our conversations throughout the year.”
MacMillan said she hopes the Legacy Bench Project continues to preserve the memory of these community leaders who helped shape the community’s past and present landscape.
“Our hope is that through this project, the legacy of some pretty incredible community members will not be forgotten. We miss you Danny…thank you for being our friend and for inspiring us to do great things in our community.”
