Community builders honoured in Greater Stouffville Business Hall of Fame

Business leaders whose enterprises helped shape Stouffville’s economy and community spirit were celebrated this year with induction into the Greater Stouffville Business Hall of Fame, recognizing achievements that span retail, agriculture, and homebuilding.

Among this year’s inductees is David Barthau of Barthau Jewellers, honoured for his lasting contributions to both the jewellery industry and the local community. The family business was founded in 1968 by his parents, Lloyd and Kay Barthau, in Markham. In 1978, David and his wife, Janet, opened the Stouffville location.

Also inducted is Patti-Lynn Card of Patti-Lynn Interiors, recognized for her success in the flooring industry and her strong commitment to community service. Patti-Lynn gained early sales experience before she and her husband, Rick, launched Patti-Lynn Interiors in 1986. Eight years later, they relocated the business to Stouffville, and the company flourished.

The Hall of Fame also posthumously honoured Ed Hakonson, widely known as “Fast Eddie,” founder of Choko Motorsports and Fast Eddie Speedwear. In 1983, he and his wife Heidi founded Choko Motorsports. Beyond business, Hakonson was deeply involved in the community, and his induction recognizes a legacy of perseverance, entrepreneurship, and generosity.

Harry Simpson of Simpson Family Farms was honoured for his enduring contributions to agriculture. A fifth-generation farmer, Simpson expanded the family operation in 1983 with his son Larry, founding Simpson Produce, now known as Simpson Family Farms.

Rounding out the inductees are brothers Richard and Robert Schickedanz, along with their late father Daniel Schickedanz, recognized for their impact on the construction industry through FarSight Homes and its predecessor, Schickedanz Bros. Ltd. Both engineers, the brothers are also known for their volunteerism and community involvement, including youth sports and local initiatives.

The Hall of Fame builds on last year’s inaugural class, which included Marvin and Keith Betz of Betz Pools, Graydon Card of Card’s Appliances, Jay Reesor of Reesor Farm Market, Percy and Harry Schell of Schell Lumber, and four granddaughters (Patti Thompson, Debbi Conzelmann, Robin Kelly, and Jackie Fisher) of King Cole Ducks founder James Murby.