The son and daughter of the late John Candy, Chris and Jennifer Candy, made a video announcement at a news conference Tuesday to express their pleasure and pride that dad will be the first inductee into the East York Hall of Fame. The formal ceremony will take place in the fall at the East York Community Centre on Pape Avenue. Many notable friends of East York were present at Jawny Baker’s Restaurant on O’Connor Drive to speak and listen to the words of Candy’s children. Justin Van Dette. president of the EYHoF, spoke lovingly of East York and the many prominent people who have been raised there. Also present was Stephen LeDrew as MC, Toronto Danforth MP Julie Dabrusin and Ray White of the East York Foundation. In his remarks Van Dette thanked Mayor Tory and Mary Fragedakis (Ward 29) for their efforts in supporting the Hall of Fame. John Candy grew up on Woodville Ave. He was a larger-than-life comedian’ actor and sports fan, who at one time was a part owner of the Argonauts. He died in 1994 of heart failure at 43 years of age while working on a film in Mexico.
