October 6, 2024

Board Of Directors

Phil Thompkins Retired Kincardine, Ontario Phil is 60 years old and retired from TD Bank in 2017. He is married to Angela and a step-father to a son and daughter aged 35 and 29 respectively. Grandson (age 8) keeps Phil and the family as a whole on its toes. Phil is very active in the community and currently serves on three boards of directors in Kincardine. These include PRIDE (Director / Webmaster), Lions Club (Treasurer) and Russell Meadows Low Income Housing (Treasurer and Secretary). He also is a member of the Kincardine Community Singers singing in the Bass Baritone section. During the summer months he can more than likely be found chasing a small white ball around at Ainsdale Golf Club. Other hobbies include world travel, camping, racing remote control boats as a member of the IMPBA, making a racket on his guitar, writing songs and delving into anything mechanical or technology related. Phil is compassionate, always willing to give of his time and is a huge supporter of the underdog and anyone who needs a voice in our community. He believes “anything” is possible.

I have lived in Kincardine for over 40 years & raised 2 children here. I worked @ Community Living Kincardine & District for 25 years. My duties/jobs included counselor, Union Rep,Health & Safety Rep & mentor. Having an interest in theatre, I became one of the founding members of our community theatre “Kincardine Theatre Guild.” Which is still going strong today. Over the years, I have seen Kincardine grow & become more inclusive and diversified. The Spring of 2016, there were a couple of individuals came to our town on a campaign, spouting hate/homophobic comments! This event, inspired me & a friend Fort Papalia to promote positivity towards all people & Kincardine Pride Inc was formed… The support/sponsorship from the community & outlying areas for Pride events & Parade has been terrific over the past 7 years & continues to this day! I look forward to working with the BIA, Chamber of Commerce & the Municipality of Kincardine, this coming year. It has been & will continue to be for me an honour, to be an advocate for all 2SLGBTQIA+ people. Haters, their words & actions…can kill people! To LIVE & LOVE is a RIGHT for ALL people!!

Mackenzie is proudly queer, a master of puzzles, and a passionate advocate for her community. With an honours degree in Social Justice and Peace Studies, she brings both her education and her lived experience to the table. She is deeply committed to advancing the rights, acceptance, and visibility of the Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ community in Kincardine and beyond.

Dave Trumble has served as a trade union advocate for more than 40 years. He has worked in the utility industry for virtually all his working life. Dave has been a Power Workers’ Union (PWU) representative in one form or another since 1982 when he first became a Steward. He is active on the Grey Bruce Labour Council where he served as President from 1994 for more than 10 years and has been VP for Bruce County for the last seven years. Dave was elected as the Control Technicians' Chief Steward at Bruce Power from 2008 to 2012. Dave worked on the PWU Bargaining Committee for the negotiation of the 2011 – 2013 Bruce Power Collective Agreement. Dave is also a Board Member of the Canadian Nuclear Workers’ Council, representing Labour Councils. Before entering into semi-retirement, Dave’s last position was as a full-time health and safety staff officer for the PWU. Dave's lifetime of contribution to his fellow workers continues as a Labour Council executive member, Instructor for the Workers' Health and Safety Centre, Parade Director for Kincardine Pride, participant in National Safety Council (NSC) Labour Division meetings and continuing to work on behalf of the Canadian Nuclear Workers' Council. Although officially retired, Dave lives the "Out of the workplace, but not out of the fight" to the best of his ability. He makes his home in Kincardine Ontario, Canada where he and his partner are Grandparents of two four active Grandchildren.

Christina Wahi is a proud queer advocate for the Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ community, currently serving as a member of the Kincardine Pride Board of Directors. Her passionate commitment to advancing the rights of marginalized communities is a testament to her unwavering dedication to inclusivity and community empowerment. Christina recognizes the vital importance of queer visibility and acceptance in rural communities. Her deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals in these communities fuels her determination to cultivate a more inclusive rural environment. As a dynamic force for positive change with an unwavering dedication to cultivating a more inclusive rural landscape, Christina actively engages in initiatives within Kincardine and beyond.

Kevin: I am Kincardine Prides Secretary and joined the board in 2023. I stand with supporting any and all in the rainbow community who face hurtful marginalization, injustice and even [not sure of leaving “even” in] fears of personal safety. A former school board trustee, I was guided similarly - to make schools the safest place possible for our students. I will strive for positive change and the reinforcement of past accomplishments through policy change and advocacy. I look forward to the day when the celebration of diversity, not just tolerance and acceptance, is celebrated by all.

Phil is 60 years old and retired from TD Bank in 2017. He is married to Angela and a step-father to a son and daughter aged 35 and 29 respectively. Grandson (age 8) keeps Phil and the family as a whole on its toes. Phil is very active in the community and currently serves on three boards of directors in Kincardine. These include PRIDE (Director / Webmaster), Lions Club (Treasurer) and Russell Meadows Low Income Housing (Treasurer and Secretary). He also is a member of the Kincardine Community Singers singing in the Bass Baritone section. During the summer months he can more than likely be found chasing a small white ball around at Ainsdale Golf Club. Other hobbies include world travel, camping, racing remote control boats as a member of the IMPBA, making a racket on his guitar, writing songs and delving into anything mechanical or technology related. Phil is compassionate, always willing to give of his time and is a huge supporter of the underdog and anyone who needs a voice in our community. He believes “anything” is possible.

Jon Farrell is an educator, advocate, father, and new member of the Kincardine Pride Board of Directors. Having grown up on a farm near Kincardine feeling like he never quite fit in, his acceptance of his queer identity as an adult has inspired him to help make his community into the kind of place where he wouldn’t have had to hide in his youth. Jon works as a high school teacher and encounters the full spectrum of our town through his interactions with his students. Teenagers have so much potential for radical love and acceptance, and Jon hopes to encourage its growth by engaging in authentic conversations, sharing his experiences, and raising his voice for those whose voices are suppressed. Together, we can build a Kincardine where nobody else will feel like they need to hide, change, or leave town to be accepted.

Marilyn is the proud mother of a queer daughter and a strong advocate for the rights of the Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ community. Marilyn is a former elementary school principal with a Masters Degree in Education. Throughout her career she has steadfastly supported youth, especially those who were marginalised. She continues to believe in educating everyone to recognize that we are all entitled to believe in our self worth.