Boyds moved to Miramichi from Saint John
Bert and Helen Boyd
were both born and raised in the Toronto area, but have been living
outside Saint John, New Brunswick
since 1961. When it was time to retire,
they began to look for a new
place because it was time to rest,
and they were both very involved
in volunteer activities. “It’s hard to
give them up when you stay in the
same area,” says Helen.
Bert saw the ad for Retirement Miramichi on TV and then they researched it on the internet. Neither of them knew anybody here and although they had been through Miramichi, they had no connections with the area. “We came here on a get-away weekend, not even telling our friends and family why we were going, or that we were even considering a move,” says Helen. “We spent the weekend in Miramichi and on Monday we picked out our house.”
“From the day that we were given a tour of the community and the meeting we had with the RMI staff, we have been very impressed with the quality of care and concern and professional way they treat the people who live here. The maintenance crew are so dedicated to making our home safe and comfortable, and the fact the lawn is mowed and the snow removed makes us feel like royalty,” she adds. “We are thrilled with the beauty of the area and the friendliness of all the people we have met. Shopping is so easy and within a short distance - we have the benefit of living in a quiet area away from the hustle and bustle of city life.”
Bert enjoys his garage, which has become his workshop where he can make all the noise and mess he wants without his wife complaining about mess in the house. Helen loves her garden and talks to them regularly so they know how much she loves them! During the winter, they bowl and swim at the Golden Hawk Centre, where they met a lot of people. They are very involved in their church and the friends they have made make them feel like they belong here.
Camerons moved to Miramichi in 2005
Ken and Judy Cameron arrived in Miramichi in 2005. Judy grew up in Saint John but spent many summers at her grandmother’s house on Ferry Road. She also has an interesting connection to Miramichi in that her grandfather was Captain Alfred King of The William Davidson, a locally-built schooner named after its owner.
“There’s just not enough hours in a day,”says Judy. Darts, bowling, gardening and walking the dog are among their regular activities. Ken can be seen biking around the community sometimes two or three times a day. Judy is very proud of the beautiful rock garden that she and a couple of neighbors have grown, displaying a beautiful water fountain in the center.
Last year residents of their street organized a block party which was such a success they look forward to making it an annual event. What they like most about Retirement Miramichi is how the people there are so wonderful, relaxed and like-minded.
The people here are very friendly and easy to get to know. They say it’s a real nice little community to live in, a ‘refreshing change’ after living in the hustle and bustle of the city. Ken and Judy have nothing but high praise for the office and maintenance staff at Retirement Miramichi.
Miramichi has been home to the Frosts for over seven years, and they can’t imagine aywhere else they would rather be.
"The people got me first," says Mike. "They are so friendly and cheerful no matter where you are, the lifestyle is very laid-back, no rushing around for anything, and they just live and let live. Ït’s a neat little town."