2021 Hall of Fame Inductees

The Waterloo Region Hall of Fame honours individuals and organizations for their significant contribution to the community. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, and with no certainty regarding crowd size restrictions and general safety precautions, the Board of Governors decided to cancel the physical induction ceremony for the Class of 2021. Instead, videos have been produced that highlight the contributions of each 2021 inductee, which can be viewed below by clicking on the inductee’s name. The 2021 inductees are a remarkable class of community builders and athletes who have been of service to their local and wider communities. Congratulations to the Class of 2021.

Nathan Brannen, Track & Field

Nathan “Nate” Brannen is one of the most decorated distance runners in Canadian history. He has broken seven Canadian track and field records, and currently holds four Canadian records. Nate has competed in all major track and field competitions, including the Olympics, the World Championships, and the Commonwealth Games.

Colin Doyle, Lacrosse

Colin Doyle is a six-time National Lacrosse League champion and is one of the best box lacrosse players in the game’s history. Playing with the Toronto Rock for most of his professional career, Colin served as team captain for seven years. Colin was also a member of Team Canada, winning five World Lacrosse Championships.

Kenneth Goodman, Military Heritage

Lieutenant-Colonel Kenneth Goodman was a leading figure in the military history of Waterloo Region. While in New Hamburg, Kenneth raised a volunteer militia company, leading them on active duty against the Fenians in 1866. Kenneth was chosen as the first commanding officer when the 29^th Waterloo Battalion of Infantry was formed. The Waterloo battalion remains today as the Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada.

Jean Haalboom, Heritage Advocate

Kitchener’s Jean Haalboom has been a leading figure in the heritage preservation of Waterloo Region for decades. Working with the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation, the Friends of the Governor’s House and Gaol, Kitchener LACAC, and many other organizations, evidence of Jean’s commitment to saving historic structures can be found across Waterloo Region.

Keith Priestman, Badminton

Keith Priestman began playing badminton at age four, and continues to train and compete in World Seniors Championships today. As a National Team member, Keith represented Canada in the 1982 and 1984 Thomas Cup, the World Team Championships, 3 All England Championships, Pan-American Championships, and over 15 other international competitions. In 2021, with Covid safety protocols in place, Keith and partner, Geoff Stensland, won the Men’s Doubles 60 in the World Seniors Championships held in Spain.

Marilyn Sararus, Community Service

A life-long resident of Wilmot Township, Marilyn Sararus has been an active and involved volunteer within the township. Her involvement with Heritage Wilmot, Waterloo Historical Society, Doors Open Waterloo Region, and numerous other organizations are a testament to her passion for preserving history and her love of community.

Vincent Smith, Community Service

Teacher and lay minister, Vincent Smith was a role model who emphasized that academic excellence and hard work were the most effective paths to success. Vincent’s influence and inspiration reached far beyond his classroom teaching as he fulfilled speaking engagements, conducted pre-marital and personal counselling, and served as a community historian.

Graham & LuAnn Snyder, Hockey

Elmira’s Graham and LuAnn Snyder have long been involved with local hockey. In honour of their son, Graham and LuAnn created both the Dan Snyder Memorial Scholarship and the Dan Snyder Fund in order to provide support to athletes and teams in Woolwich Township. The couple were also instrumental in fundraising for the building of the Woolwich Memorial Centre, which opened in 2009.