Tributes pour in as the Cassidys heads out

Katrina Boguski

COMBERMERE- The Combermere Hall was decked out in fine array as 126 guests attended a $60-a-plate dinner to honour outgoing Seat of Wisdom President Dr. Keith Cassidy and his wife Elizabeth.

Although they attempted to retire from academic life some time ago, the Cassidys have spent the last 10 years of their “retirement” in Barry’s Bay working more than fulltime in several different capacities at Seat of Wisdom College.

Throughout the evening, speeches recounted the outstanding career accomplishments of Dr. Cassidy, especially those achieved while here in Barry’s Bay. In his typical fashion, Cassidy deflected the praise and was quick to share the limelight with his wife, adult children and the many people who built up Seat of Wisdom prior to his arrival.

In one of the many humourous moments of the evening, Cassidy alluded to former Prime Minister Sir Wilfred Laurier’s wife Zoé. She is reported to have expressed the sentiment that behind every successful man is an astonished woman. Keith’s own wife, Elizabeth Ring Cassidy, is an accomplished academic in her own right and was recognized throughout the event for her outstanding support of Dr. Cassidy and Seat of Wisdom College.

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