President (2022-2024)

Jane grew up in Lucan-Biddulph and North Middlesex (former McGillivray Township), the seventh generation of a family that immigrated from County Tipperary in 1818. She is a graduate of the University of Guelph (Sp. Hon. BA) and York University (MBA), and has pursued a career in income management in the cultural and social services sector in Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg. Her employment included work at the Canadian Opera Company, Vancouver Symphony, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, YMCA of Greater Toronto, and LOFT Community Services.

In 2019 she retired and returned to North Middlesex (formerly McGillivray Township). She is happy now to have more time as a community volunteer, and is delighted to be able to support the IBS as a Director.

Immediate Past President

Life is about the journey, not the destination. As a devoted Christian this is what I believe and live by. I have been married to Gloria for over 40 years, we have 4 children and 10 grandchildren and they keep us busy. As a fitness enthusiast I ran my first 10k race and marathon in 2005 and I’ve been running regularly since. Community volunteering is an important part of who I am and I’ve been involved in organizations such as: Forest City Slo Pitch League, Forest City Optimist Club, Nor’West Optimist Club, London Crisis Pregnancy Centre and the Irish Benevolent Society. For fun I have my motorcycle and we take many adventures together.

1st Vice President

Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Anthony emigrated to Canada in 1965 and met his wife Bridget from Co. Tipperary in London, ON at an Irish wedding. While embracing every aspect of life in Canada, he never forgot his Irish roots. A musician since the age of six, his career blossomed in London where he was sought after to play at weddings, banquets and dances. Anthony also played for Irish dancing competitions for thirty-seven years travelling extensively throughout North America to perform at major events before retiring in 2015. He was also Chairperson of the Forest City Feis in London for twenty-seven years before passing on the baton. Today, he continues to entertain residents of Nursing/Retirement Home in London and the surrounding areas. Of special note is the fact that Anthony has provided musical entertainment for the Irish Benevolent Society for over forty years, an amazing achievement indeed!

Education also played a major role in his career development, most of which was spent in the field of Human Resources in Health Care, notably the London Health Science Center (LHSC) and Parkwood Hospital. Retiring in 2000, much of his time today is spent in volunteering for various organizations. He is presently the Grand Knight of his Church Council for the Knights of Columbus and is also devoted to facilitating Bible studies for Holy Family Parish in London, ON during the fall and winter months.

Anthony has taken great pride in his association with the Irish Benevolent Society since the early seventies and expects to continue to promote Irish culture and music for many more years.

2nd Vice President

Emigrated to Canada about 30 years ago. I’ve spent the majority of my working career in Project Management primarily in IT in the Financial Services and Software industries. Had lots of opportunity to travel doing that. I’ve a couple of adult boys and now I focus on my Digital Marketing business. Fun times.

Giving back to my community is a huge part of my existence. I’m currently on the Board of CSCN - Community Services Coordination Network; Fanshawe Chorus London and the Irish Benevolent Society. Homelessness, Mental Health & Addiction are a priority to me and as such I’ve participated in Fight to End, Run for Women and Breakfast for YOU.

Treasurer

Bob McNaughton is presently Treasurer of IBS. He was President of the IBS in 2019/20.

Bob was born in London ON and his Irish ancestry is found both from his father’s and mother’s family tree

Bob has great support from his wife Anne-Marie as well as from his son Jason and daughter Ashley and his grandsons; Harry, Malcolm, Charles and Otto

During Bob’s tenure as IBS President he had a role in updating the Luck of the Irish and introducing a new cultural event: The Emerald Evening : A Night with the Irish. Bob also had to make the disappointing call to break the chain of the March 17th Lunch when in 2020 due to Covid19 the event was cancelled.

Assistant Treasurer

Doug is a long-time director of the Irish Benevolent Society and served as its president in 2015-2016. He currently serves as assistant treasurer.

He was mayor of Southwest Middlesex from its incorporation in 2001 until December of 2014. He had previously been a councillor, deputy reeve and reeve in the Village of Glencoe, and had served as warden of Middlesex County. While a municipally elected official, he served a term as president of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and was an active Ontario caucus member with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

Doug Reycraft also served two terms as the Member of Provincial Parliament for the riding of Middlesex.

He continues to serve his community with the Glencoe District Lions Club and the local Masonic lodge.

Before his “retirement”, Doug’s day job was in education. He first taught in elementary schools, then in a secondary school in Glencoe and finally in a secure custody facility for young offenders.

Webmaster

Director

Principal

St. Jude Catholic Elementary School

Director

Joan was born and raised in Exeter, Ontario. After graduating from South Huron District High School in 1968 she was hired by the London Free Press and worked there for 9 years. She married David Goddard in 1969 and they live in the Township of Lucan Biddulph.

Jane left the Free Press in 1977 to raise their twin sons Christopher and Bradley. In 1984 she was hired by the Township of Biddulph. In 1999 the Township of Biddulph and Village of Lucan amalgamated at which time she became the Deputy Clerk-Treasurer, Tax Collector for the new municipality. In 2005 she took an early retirement from the township. She sat on the committee that composed the Township of Biddulph history book “Pioneers to the Present”.

Jane has been a member of the Lucan Area & Heritage Donnelly Museum since 2006. Some of the activities she enjoys are bowling, gardening, crafts, but her greatest joy is spending time with her family.

Her Irish heritage comes from her father’s side of the family. Her great-grandmother was an Armitage. She is looking forward to serving as a Board member for the Irish Benevolent Society.

Director