J.C. Herbert

Jack Herbert (born 1907 in Mitchell, Ontario, died July 7 1999 in Ingersoll, Ontario) was a teacher and the first principal of the relocated Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute. He was also a community icon.

Career

He came to Ingersoll in 1932 to teach at Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute, where he later became principal until 1968 when he retired. From 1940 to 1946 he was away from the high school while he served his country during World War II. Starting out with the Oxford Rifles, of which he was a very ACTIVE member, he rose to the rank of Captain. He went with them to British Columbia, later transferred to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and served with them in Holland and Germany. After returning from Europe he continued his role at Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute where he taught history and mathematics. He was also the commanding officer of the school's Cadet Corps #109.

Retirement

After his retirement in 1968 he became much more involved with the community. He was an active director of the YMCA as long as it existed in Ingersoll. He was a much loved member of the Kiwanis Club and was honoured a few years ago with its highest award. The Rotary Club of Ingersoll also presented him with its highest recognition, an award that his father also had received years ago.

He was a hard working and generous member of Branch 119 Royal Canadian Legion and was made a Life Member. He was elected to Ingersoll Town Council in 1971, serving one term. He later ran for and was elected as a Public Utility Commissioner. The high school has a wing named after him and the new Town Centre committee room is named the J.C. Herbert room.

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