It was an emotional night for Councillor Mike Doody, who attended his last City Council meeting as a Councillor for the City of Timmins Tuesday night.

As a tribute to the decades of service Doody has given to the city, the council agreed last night to name a building after him. The Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre will soon be known as the Michael “J.J.” Doody Centre of Excellence.

The building has special meaning to Doody, who was a founding member of the building in 1974. Doody was surprised that he will soon have his name on the building he helped establish.

“Who would ever have thought that a building would be named after me?” Doody said, “But, you know, if it was going to happen, the Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre has been so close to my heart. I’m a founding member with some really great people.”

Doody praised the work of Karen Bachmann, the director and curator of the museum, and all the staff that work or have worked there. Bachmann has brought in exhibits from across Canada and some from the United States over the years, and has worked with the Porcupine Art Club as a partner. Doody is happy to see the Museum get the positive attention from Council.

“To have the facility so well received and so well supported by Mayor and Council,” said Doody, “and again, by the community at large…couldn’t ask for more.”

When asked if he was surprised to hear that the building would soon be named after him, Doody said he sees it as an honor and privilege.

“I don’t expect a building to be named after me,” Doody said. “I had heard a couple of little rumors, you know. But certainly, I’m privileged. And it’s really–not just for me, but for my wife and my family–it’s quite an honor and it’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my days.”

Doody says, while he won’t be serving on City Council anymore, he’ll still be an active member of the community.

“Oh my political career is over,” he said, “believe me, I’ve put in my time. But there’s a couple of people who’ve approached me who would maybe like to see me stay on a couple of committees. So I’m going through that in my mind. And there are some that are quite close to my heart with potential of some projects going ahead. […] I certainly would like to keep my finger in a couple of things that I have a true interest in and if I could be of help.”

Doody says he’s been anticipating this day for a while and that the support of his family has helped make his last political days a little easier.

“Oh, it’s been kind of like a–not a weight off your shoulders, but I know it’s been coming,” Doody said, “and I can’t say enough about the support of my wife and my children. They knew this day was coming and they were kind of softening me up for this.”

Doody came to Timmins in 1959 and thought he’d only stay for a couple of years.

“I came very close to going to Windsor,” said Doody, “but, you know, I ended up staying. Best move I ever made.”

Doody worked at the radio station before moving on to working at the TV station in town, where he put in close to 25 years. He served as Mayor of Timmins from 1977-1980 and has had a seat at the council table for 35 years.

Looking ahead to what the future holds, Doody says he’s looking forward to spending more time with his family.

“We now have five grandchildren and we’re passionate about them,” Doody said, “so I think Charlene and I might do a little bit more travelling than we normally do.”

 

 

 

–With files from Timmins Today

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