Jimmy Lomax Park Dedication
From the March 2012 Beach Banner
On Saturday, November 26th, 2011, the park at the end of the Beach Strip (closest to the Lift Bridge) was opened and dedicated to a Hamilton Icon, Jimmy Lomax, Operation Santa Claus.
There were approximately 100 people in attendance including Hamilton politicians Chad Collins, Wayne Marston, Paul Miller, Chris Charleton, Bob Morrow and Jason Farr.
Chad Collins opened up the dedication by thanking Jim Howlett, Scott Holley and Ed Nolan noting that they were responsible for the renaming and opening of the park. Chad Collins continued to talk about the other parks on the Beach Strip that were being updated and thanked the community members who were responsible and for their contributions. Chad also thanked the Hamilton City Staff for making the park a great addition to the Beach Strip. He also praised the builders working on the park for their time and effort in getting the parks up and running.
Chad Collins then went on to recognize Jimmy Lomax and his efforts as the man behind Operation Santa Claus, stating that Jimmy Lomax and his elves delivered seventy to eighty million dollars in gifts to needy families over the years. Chad Collins praised Jimmy Lomax, calling him a special person and telling the crowd that Jimmy’s name will live on for generations, that Jimmy was an integral part of the Hamilton Beach Community, including events such as the Beach Community Garage Sale, the Beach Strip Easter Egg Hunt and of course Operation Santa Claus.
Chad Collins paid tribute to Susan Lomax who shared her husband with the community for over 50 years. She was a very huge part of Operation Santa Claus and is a very special lady.
Chad advised that phase one of the park was complete; however, more improvements are to come. Chad Collins stated that they tried their best to complete the park so Jimmy Lomax could rejoice in the naming of the park, but sadly, Jimmy Lomax passed away in October, but felt that Jimmy would be looking down on all of us and smiling! He also expressed to those in attendance to take time out to support the community this Christmas season.
Chad Collins concluded by inviting the community to participate in the planning process and to watch for an interpretive panel to be placed at the park in 2012 that speaks of Jimmy Lomax’s legacy and accomplishments.
Ed Nowlan, Chair Person of the Beach Community Council was the next person to address those in attendance. He told the crowd that Jimmy Lomax was the first President of the Beach Community Council. Jimmy’s work in the community has been fabulous and asked us to remember his contributions!! Ed presented Sue Lomax a beautiful Poinsettia and thanked her for sharing her husband with the community.
Wayne Marston was next to speak to the crowd, stating that Jimmy Lomax was a great guy and stressed that we need to take care of this park as Santa Jimmy is watching!! Wayne shed a few tears and continued to tell us that when you think of icons in Hamilton, you think of Jimmy Lomax. Wayne thanked Jimmy Lomax and attributed his first campaign win to Jimmy, stating that it was a picture of him and Jimmy together that helped him win the hearts of the community.
Paul Miller then addressed the crowd stating that both he and Jimmy Lomax were Steel Workers and that Jimmy Lomax was very proud to be one. Every year, Jimmy would collect money at the gates of Stelco, now known as US Steel. The Steel Workers were appreciative of what he did and donated thousands of dollars to Operation Santa Claus every year. Paul continued to say that there are volunteers and then there are people like Jimmy Lomax, who were always there for the community. Paul Miller ended by stating that Jimmy will be sorely missed. He was a big man with a big heart and to be in the company of him was an honour!
Next to address the crowd was Jimmy’s sister Ruth, who thanked everyone for coming, stating that it was a very proud moment for her family. Ruth told the crowd that her Sister-In-Law, Susan Lomax, deserved a lot of credit as she was the backbone of the Operation Santa operation.
At this point in the park opening, everyone in attendance moved over to the sign that was wrapped up like a Christmas Parcel, and Susan and Ruth stood there, surrounded by friends, family, elected officials and members of the community, with Santa’s of past and present and Susan and Ruth unwrapped the sign, revealing the City of Hamilton sign, officially naming the park the Jimmy Lomax Park.
Once the sign was revealed, someone in the crowd asked for three cheers for Jimmy and the crowd erupted in “HO HO HO’s”!!
