Inducted: October 30, 1991
Winston Weaver applied sound business methods, an analytical and inquiring mind and a wry sense of humour to the business of farming and, in the process, won the respect of agriculture and his community.
Mr. Weaver received his early education at S.S. No. 25, Chatham Township and at the Chatham Collegiate Institute, and supplemented it later with correspondence courses from the University of Guelph. He started farming in 1938 on Concession 2, Chatham Township.
World War II intervened, and Mr. Weaver enlisted in the Canadian Army in March, 1942, and went overseas three months later for service in England, Holland and Germany. He married Olive Smith of London, England, in 1943, and in October, 1945, was repatriated.
The Weavers lived in Chatham for a year after his return, and Winston worked in carpentry with his father, William Weaver. In 1947, they bought the family farm on Concession 9, Chatham Township.
From the beginning, Mr. Weaver adopted sound management practices in both production and record keeping. His was an evolving farm operation, beginning with cash crops, hogs and chickens and later, a herd of Guernseys.
Eventually, Mr. Weaver put the emphasis on finishing hogs and chickens. In this, he could see the advantage of home-manufactured feeds, and he worked with the University of Guelph in feed trials.
His interest in hogs led to membership in the Kent Pork Producers' Association, and to its presidency from 1969-1971. Mr. Weaver worked for the establishment of the Ontario Hog Producers' Marketing Board, and was active in it during the turbulent early 1960s.
Mr. Weaver was also deeply involved in the Kent Federation of Agriculture, both in its early years, and following its restructuring in 1969.
He was Kent Federation of Agriculture President in 1976, and a Provincial Director from 1974-1977. The Kent Federation Members' Directory, listing names, active committees and current issues was his brain child; and he worked diligently to increase the membership during his presidency. In 1988, Mr. Weaver was the deserving recipient of the Kent Federation of Agriculture "Meritorious" Award.
The Weavers have eight sons and two daughters: Michael, Robert, Bruce, Patricia, Betty, William, Evan, Brian, Tim and Steve. Bill and his wife, Suellen, operate the family farm.
Winston and Olive now live in retirement in Chatham, and are actively involved in boating and in the Senior Citizens' Centre. Winston maintains a woodworking shop.
A neighbour said of Mr. Weaver: "Winston has always marched to a different drummer. Sometimes he has gone against popular opinion; but he has always been motivated by the good of agriculture."