Ducks Unlimited Canada dedicated the Calton Swamp to its former president Dr. Duncan Sinclair. Known as "Dunc" to most people, the Aylmer doctor is well known for his interest in conservation and hunting.
He was a member of DU’s Magnificent Seven (as were Tillsonburg residents Dr. Elmer Quintyn and Walter Burton) who were responsible for forming the first DU fund-raising committee in Tillsonburg in 1974. Sinclair was DUC president in 1989-1990, was instrumental in formation of Ducks Unlimited in the Bahamas, New Zealand and Australia and has always put an emphasis on youth.
DU volunteer Gary Austin, who was the master of ceremonies at the recent ceremony, said the wetland work at the Calton Swamp was made possible by many partners including the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ducks Unlimited, Elgin Stewardship Council, Catfish Creek Conservation Authority, Nature Conservancy of Canada and an outdoor education class at East Elgin Secondary School led by Duncan Sinclair Jr.
"This property epitomizes Dunc Sinclair," Austin said. "He always talks about getting people involved and the more involved the better."
The Elgin County Stewardship Council has managed the Calton Swamp the past 10 years. Stewardship co-ordinator Mark Emery said he could think of no more fitting tribute than to dedicate the property to Sinclair.
"He’s been such a great ambassador for conservation and stewardship at all levels - the local, province and federal," Emery said.
Stewart Morrison, past executive vice-president of Ducks Unlimited Canada, paid tribute to Sinclair’s stint as president.
"He was one of the favourite presidents of staff because he went out of his way to talk to them and learn about the issues from them," Morrison said.
Morrison also pointed out DU has become a family affair in the Sinclair household. Wife Marg has supported Dunc and was one of the founders of the Aylmer ladies DU dinner. Duncan Jr. was chairman of the 25th anniversary Aylmer men’s fundraiser last year.
Sinclair’s willingness to embrace new ideas was praised by Morrison. He said his idea of building DU’s present Canadian headquarters at Oak Hammock Marsh in Manitoba was first passed by Sinclair. Morrison said if Sinclair panned the idea it would likely have never gotten off the ground.
Tod Wright, a former DU president, honoured what Sinclair did in Ontario. He gave him credit for stressing youth programs and starting the Ontario volunteer council with Herb Kebbel.
"Those two did a lot to take Ducks Unlimited from 0 to 100 in Ontario," he said.
Wright also gave Sinclair part of the credit for a perpetual agreement signed between DU and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
DU’s present president Neil Downey paid tribute to Sinclair’s drive to enhance DU’s youth Greenwing program. He also pointed out the original fund-raising dinner concept Sinclair was part of in 1974 has now expanded to more than 650 such events across Canada.
Speaking to the crowd prior to unveiling the commemorative plaque, Sinclair said his association with the Calton Swamp went back to 1946 when he hunted it with his father. At that time it was called the "wood duck glory hole". He was proud to see the wetland still associated with hunting and youth.
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