Doctor of Education
(honoris causa) DEd
Mr. Richard Tafel is a graduate of the Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) from The University of Western Ontario. He obtained his Bachelor of Laws through the Osgoode Hall Law School at York University. Richard was called to the bar as a barrister and solicitor in Ontario and began his practice of law in North Bay in 1958. Mr. Tafel lives in North Bay with his wife Elsa where they raised four children.
Throughout his years in North Bay, Mr. Tafel has been an advocate for many local organizations and initiatives. He served as president of various organizations, including the North Bay District Chamber of Commerce, the Northern Ontario Ski Racing Association and the North Bay Rotary Club. He has served on two district Public School Boards and as Chair of two local political parties. Mr. Tafel presided over the Nipissing Naturalist Club for several years where he was instrumental in leading the Friends of Laurier Woods towards ownership of its current 250 acre nature preserve.
Richard is the recipient of the Canadian Commemorative Medal in 1992, the Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002 and the Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. In 2008, he authored a book titled, “You can Control Your Governments.” Mr. Tafel is passionate about travel and has visited every continent.