Up the Gatineau! Article
This article was first published in Up the Gatineau! Volume 8.
Footnote to History
Pritchard and Davies Families
In 1982, on July 10th, the Pritchards will recognize the 50th anniversary of the Annual Pritchard Family Reunion and the sesqui-centennial of the family's arrival in Canada from Ireland and subsequent settling at what is now Alcove, Que. The plans, at the time of going to press of 'Up the Gatineau! ', are well in hand. The committee which is making the arrangements is under the chairmanship of the President of "The Descendants of James and Judith Pritchard, incorporated", Mr. James N. Pritchard, 2234 McQuaig Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 7N9.
Although Andy Davies, author of the preceding article, was born in Ottawa, his father, the late Dr. Andrew Pritchard Davies, was born in Chelsea, Que. and his late mother, the former Mary Stewart, was born on the Mountain Road between Hull and Aylmer. Many relatives have lived, or are living, in various parts of the Gatineau.
His paternal grandmother was the late Annie Pritchard, sister of the legendary Dr. 'Big Jim' Pritchard of 'North Wakefield', now Alcove.
Andy's father practiced medicine, for some time, in association with his first cousin, Dr. Jack Pritchard, who was the son of 'Big Jim'. Because of their background and connections they had many patients in the Gatineau.
As it turned out, sadly, Andy Davies was more prophetic than he knew when he wrote, in the last paragraph of his article, a suggestion for his epitaph in that, within nine months, he met his death at his beloved Danford Lake on 22 May 1979.
Although he was not around to enjoy it, the 1979 Pritchard Family Reunion was held, thanks to his family, at their country place which had inspired him to write of himself; "HE FOUND SUCH HAPPINESS IN THE GATINEAU".
Released by Patrick M. O. Evans, author of 'The Pritchards and Related Families'