Alumni Awarded Lifetime Achievement by OPA

On Friday September 26, 2025 the Ontario Parks Association (OPA) awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award to two Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture graduates, Tom Clancy and John Howard.

Tom Clancy

Thomas Freeman Clancy was born in April 1940 in Cargill, Ontario. From an early
age, Tom was an energetic and adventurous young man — playing road hockey
with frozen horse manure, skating on ponds, tapping maple trees, and enjoying
outdoor life.
Tom grew into an outstanding athlete in baseball and hockey. His passion for
nature led him to the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture, where his love for
plants set the foundation for a lifelong career.
In 1963, Tom married his soulmate, Cecile (‘Boppie’). After studies in Guelph and
Harvard, he became Director of Parks for the City of Kitchener, serving 25 years
before becoming Commissioner of Community Services. He retired in 1999.
Tom’s hockey and fastball journey spanned 75 years, including Team Canada
Over-80 and induction into the Over-80 Hockey Hall of Fame. He also coached
baseball and championed trail and park projects, such as preserving the Huron
Natural Area and planning the Walter Bean Grand River and Iron Horse Trails.
Tom shared insights for 22 years through his Musings column in OPA’s Green
Sward. He’s been a mentor, leader, and family man, with two sons and twelve
grandchildren.
Tom, on behalf of our President, Board, and members, thank you for your
leadership and lasting influence. Please accept this Lifetime Achievement Award
with our deepest appreciation. (foreword from OPA)

John Howard

John Howard was born into a family deeply rooted in horticulture. Both his father
and grandfather strongly influenced his path, nurturing his passion for the field.

As a young man, John’s first experience came working on a fruit farm in Niagara-
on-the-Lake. His first paid role soon followed as a summer student with the

Niagara Parks Commission.
In April 1972, John was accepted into the prestigious Niagara Parks Commission
School of Horticulture. His time there shaped his remarkable career, and in 1975
he graduated with honors. Immediately applying his skills, John worked in the
private sector in garden centres and landscape contracting, quickly becoming
highly sought after for his passion and expertise.
In 1976, John began his municipal parks career with the City of Mississauga
Parks and Recreation Department as a Parks Foreperson. Two years later, he
joined the City of Brampton in the same role, expanding his influence and
reputation as both a knowledgeable horticulturist and a natural mentor. His ability
to teach and inspire others led him to Humber College in 1981, where he served
as Program Coordinator for the Landscape Technician Program.
In 1986, John made a significant move, becoming Parks Superintendent for the
Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto Parks and Property Department. During this
time, he also completed the Park and Recreation Maintenance Management
program at North Carolina State University. His leadership and skills were in such
demand that he was seconded to the Canada Sport Hall of Fame as Executive
Director.
From 1989 to 1999, John held several senior leadership positions at Metro
Toronto Parks, including Manager of Central Services, Manager of Toronto Island
Park and Ferry Division, and eventually Director of Operations for Metro Parks
and Culture.
In 1999, John returned to Niagara as Manager of Campus Development for the
Niagara Glendale Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The Ontario Parks Association
was then fortunate to welcome John as Executive Director from 2000 to 2006,
where he skillfully guided the organization through challenging times with
resilience and commitment.
In 2006, John moved to Owen Sound as Parks Superintendent, and in 2008 was
promoted to Manager of Parks and Open Space, a role he held with distinction
until his retirement in 2016.
Even in retirement, John has never left his passion behind. He has operated a

florist and greenhouse business and today runs Howard Horticultural Services.
He is a Life Honorary Member of the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture Alumni,
a Past President of both the Ontario Parks Association and the Niagara Parks
School of Horticulture Alumni, and he continues to give back as a volunteer and
Vice Chair of the Bighead River Food Grains Project.
Beyond his professional achievements, John is a dedicated family man. He
cherishes his four children and treasured his beloved wife and life partner, Truda,
with whom he shared not only family life but a lifelong commitment to their
communities and the parks sector.
It is my great honor and privilege to present this Lifetime Achievement Award to
John Howard—an outstanding professional, mentor, leader, and friend. (foreword from OPA)

Congratulations to both recipients!