photo courtesy of RUF Records

ETOBICOKE’S WOODFORD PARK TO BE RENAMED AFTER MUSIC ICON JEFF HEALEY

The late and great Jeff Healey has been honoured in his native Canada recently as the info below shows.

Great that places aren’t just named after politicians!

(April 21)Toronto, ON – After a unanimous vote, late Canadian musician Jeff Healey will be remembered in his home town of Etobicoke, Ontario with a park named in his honour. Woodford Park, located in the Park Lawn and Queensway area of Etobicoke, will be officially renamed Jeff Healey Park in June 2011.

Ward 5 Councillor Peter Milczyn championed the park renaming, along with the Friends of Woodford Park and the Queensway Residents Association. More than 500 friends, fans and organizations including the Hospital for Sick Children and the CNIB wrote in to Council to show support.

Healey, who passed away from cancer in 2008, played in Woodford Park as a child and later brought his own children there to play.

“Jeff Healey Park will be a powerful reminder for parents of children with disabilities that their kids can grow up to accomplish great things,” said Rob Quail, a longtime friend who initiated the campaign. “This park will help people remember the inspiring story of Jeff’s life and his achievements.”

A fundraising concert will be held in the near future to raise money to make the park accessible for children with disabilities.

For more information contact:

Sarah French
Sarah French Publicity
416-566-4188 | sarah@sarahfrenchpublicity.com

Footnote:

From ‘Toronto Sun’ 5/6/2011

as a local park was renamed after late guitar legend Jeff Healey.

More than 300 Healey family members, friends and supporters applauded and

cheered as a banner was lifted to unveil Jeff Healey Park, on Delroy Dr., in

The Queensway-Royal York Rd. area.

Healey, who died in 2008 after a long battle with cancer, spent countless hours in the park with his family and friends. It was formerly called Woodford Park.

Former bandmates and other musician friends entertained the crowd with

Healey tunes during the event.

“Jeff loved this place and it helped nurture him,” said his wife, Cristie.

“This was the first place he showed me when we were dating.”

She said even though the musician, who would be 42 this year, was blind he

knew every inch of the park.”