Michael Jones was a talented musician, published author and creative leader who invested much of his time contributing to Orillia’s cultural growth.
He was known as being soft-spoken and quiet in nature, but his intelligence and leadership abilities spoke volumes.
His wife of 47 years, Judy Archer, was touched to hear about Michael’s Community Builders Award honour and shared a few words about who he was as a person.
“He had a way of listening to people and could really hear what they were saying and hear people with opposing views. He had the ability to hold a space for people with different perspectives to come together,” she said. “He was able to get people to talk about what they wanted even if it was a controversial issue or topic.”
Michael was an accomplished pianist, selling over two million albums in his career and over 100,000 copies of his first album, Pianoscapes. He was also a gifted author, releasing three books in his writing career.
“An exceptional thing about Michael is that he was able to live from his gifts, creating safe spaces for conversations and creating music that encouraged conversations. In his book The Soul of Place, he has a chapter called Every Voice Matters. It was important to him to encourage every voice to be heard,” Judy shared.
“I met Michael in the 1980’s – an avant-garde creative composer and pianist whose gentle and meditative music was enjoyed by a global audience,” said Valerie Powell, a longtime friend of Michael. “I asked and he agreed to play a fundraising concert for the Lung Association at the Opera House. He not only helped raise needed funds, he created a personal connection with everyone who attended through a gentle beautiful musical experience interspersed with personal reflective stories.”
Michael’s involvement in various community projects demonstrated his devotion to Orillia and the people who live there.
“My last connection with him was during the planning for the new waterfront development in Orillia. He wisely advocated that the waterfront be planned not just as a physical space but as a gathering place,” Valerie said.
He understood the importance of human connection and effectively advised the planning committee that the waterfront should be created as a place for Orillians to gather.
Michael Jones influenced by example and brought out the best in those in his circle. He is greatly missed in the city of Orillia.
The Legacy Award is awarded posthumously to an individual who has created lasting change and measurable difference in our community through commitment and perseverance.
Thank you to the friends and family of Michael Jones who are keeping his memory alive and have graciously accepted this award on his behalf. This award pays tribute to Michael's leadership, vision and ongoing legacy.
This award is proudly sponsored by the Rotary Club of Orillia.
