Willard MacPhail

Willard MacPhail’s interest in agriculture and his natural leadership ability began to develop at an early age. A tragic vehicle accident claimed the life of his father when he was only nine years old and from that time forward, Willard had to play an active role in helping his family operate their farm.

His early education was in the one room school in York Point. He later attended Queen Charlotte High School, followed by attendance at the Provincial Vocational Institute taking a course in carpentry. Following graduation, he worked for two years with a contractor, at the same time helping his mother and brother on the farm.

In his early twenties he returned to farming fulltime and purchased the neighbouring property to increase the farm acreage. Willard and his wife Catherine raised their three children on their swine/cattle/broiler chicken operation in York Point as Willard participated in farm organizations at the provincial, Atlantic and national levels.

Willard's interests also extended well beyond farming. He was a founding member of the North River Fire Department, where he served as an officer and volunteer firefighter for thirty seven years. He was very proud of his fire department and took an active role in many fire department activities. He found a deep personal satisfaction in being able to help others in their time of need.

Willard was a councilor on the North River Community Council for fifteen years and was elected twice as Mayor of the Town of Cornwall following its inception in 1995. He had a vision for the town's future, much of which is presently being carried out.

As a member of the Cornwall United Church, Willard served on the Board of Stewards, Board of Trustees and as a member of the Church Session. Despite his active life, Willard was a loving son, brother, nephew, husband, father and friend. He often took time to visit an elderly relative or a sick neighbour, listen to a problem, have a coffee with a friend, or hug his children.

He strove to educate himself in all aspects of his business by becoming involved in many
organizations which pertained to it. He sat on the Executive and often served as President of many local farm organizations. The highlight of Willard's career in agriculture came when, as President of the Canadian Swine Breeders' Association, he was invited to address the swine breeders of Brazil at their national meeting. In 1991, he was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors for the newly formed Canadian Centre for Swine Improvement, a position held until his death. He also served as an alternate Director to the Chicken Farmers of Canada and was a member of the Canadian Broiler Council.

Willard saw clearly the benefits of having top quality animals with a high health status and passionately promoted this part of his enterprise. He always sought to inform and educate others on the business of farming. He traveled and marketed swine internationally to the United States, China, Mexico, Italy and Yugoslavia for the multiplier breeders of the PEI Quality Swine Incorporated program.

Nominated by the PEI Swine Breeders Association as a man of vision, integrity and compassion, who was highly respected by his peers and deeply loved by his family, it is fitting that the late Willard MacPhail be inducted into the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame.