Ai Abbott is gone! That
simple message brought back a host of memories for his many friends
in Norfolk County. Ai was something of a landmark in this district.
Not only had he lived here for about three-quarters of a century,
but he was the possessor of an unusual personality, one that
commanded the attention of the people among whom he mingled.
The last time we saw Ai
Abbott was at the directors' luncheon at the Norfolk Fair.
He was engaged, as usual, in entertaining the chaps at his table. A
whimsical humor and a rare ability in telling stories made him a
favorite at each and every gathering.
Some people may have looked
upon Ai Abbott
as a clown and he was just that at times.
But underneath the layer of fun and joviality,
he carried a great measure of commonsense
and a vast store of information. In his head he carried a
treasurehouse of early incidents of Norfolk County and he could
relate them at length.
He gave long and devoted
service to the calling
of schoolmaster in rural schools of Norfolk and
he was a conscientious Justice of the Peace.
As correspondent of The
Reformer for Rowan Mills over a long period of years, his bright and
newsy budgets commanded wide attention.
He also wrote feature articles, one of which he brought to The
Reformer office for submission
to the editor just the other day.
His wide circle of friends
and acquaintances will miss his cheery countenance and his ubitiqutious
smile. It was a pleasure to have known Ai Abbott. He made the world
happier for his presence and now he has gone to his just reward.
