A calmer lifestyle drew these retirees to Harriston
“BE prepared for a lot less of the rat race,” says Tony Stroud
Sheila Stroud, with son Mark and husband Tony, at home in Harriston.
Tell us about you and your family.
“We are a family of 3: myself [Tony], Sheila and our son Mark. Sheila and I are retired, and Mark is a special needs person of 32 years. I worked for CN rail for 38 years and retired in 2017. Sheila is a homemaker who stopped working to take care of our son full time. Mark loves video games and sports, and he has done very well in special Olympics. He won two gold and one silver medal at the provincial level, and participated in the national games in softball.”
“It is surprising how kind people are in a small town, you can talk to anyone on the street or at a store and they don't tell you to get lost or mind your own business.”
Do you have a favourite local business or place to shop?
“We like to go to Gray's Auction on Friday mornings, but I think our favourite places are Evergreen Variety and Davie’s Antiques.
“When we go out to eat we really like ‘ma and pa’ restaurants like Kettles Back Home Cookin’ and Gramma Jo’s - the food is delicious and portions are plentiful.”
What has surprised you about living here?
“It is surprising how kind people are in a small town, you can talk to anyone on the street or at a store and they don't tell you to get lost or mind your own business.”
What would you tell someone who was interested in living or moving here?
“I would tell them to expect a calmer lifestyle, and be prepared for a lot less of the rat race.”
