Big crowd out to see arena renamed for Bill Laceby
By Bill Rea

Mayor Margaret Black joined members of the Laceby family in officially opening the renamed Dr. William Laceby Nobleton Community Centre and Arena.

It's been a little more than a year since Dr. Bill Laceby passed away, but his place in the community is as strong as ever.

That was demonstrated Saturday as crowds packed the parking lot at the arena in Nobleton. They were witnessing the official renaming of the facility in his honour.

Dr. Laceby spent some 40 years as a prominent dentist in the community before setting himself up as a realestate broker. And through it all, he found time to be a Mason, Shriner, Lion and member of numerous boards and agencies, before losing a long battle with cancer last year. He was 65.

"This is quite an incredible day," Mayor Margaret Black declared as she looked over the vast crowd. "It's an extraordinary tribute to Bill."

"I couldn't think of a better person to receive this honour," commented Neil Boynton, a long-time friend of Dr. Laceby. "I just think it's wonderful for Bill to have his name on this building."

Councillor Linda Pabst, who had made the push in the fall to get the facility renamed, recalled the friendship that has existed between the two families since she moved here more than 30 years ago. "We are remembering Bill and honouring him in such a wonderful way," she remarked.

Her husband Bert also had fond memories of Dr. Laceby and his many volunteer activities in the community. "He was a great guy," he declared.

Rev. Nicola Skinner of All Saints' Anglican Church in King City and chaplain of King Fire and Emergency Services, remembered Dr. Laceby as "a man who was committed to his friends, committed to his community and committee to serving people in so many different ways."

"It's very humbling for us as a family," commented Dr. Laceby's widow Lynda, who recalled the passion he had for both hockey and community service. "This is an absolutely wonderful tribute to him."